Tools And How To Use Them
An Illustrated Encyclopedia
by Albert Jackson and David Day
Alfred A. Knopf, 1979
Comments: For the mechanically inclined tools are objects of both necessity and delight. The urge to possess them to excess -- pejoratively known as tool lust -- transcends gender, but men especially more often seem to be in its grip. Most men would never admit to having too many tools and will readily acquire another with only the slightest hint of its potential usefulness. I suffer from this affliction myself and that probably explains why I was enticed by this book many years ago.
Though hardly a definitive work, it does cover a very broad range of tools, including many obscure ones. As the title implies, each tool is profiled with varying degrees of background information such as its history, intended uses, specific terms, variations of type, accessories, and basic tips for use. Although the mastery of most tools can hardly be learned from a brief description, the text generally provides enough information to make a serviceable start. One of the most appealing aspects of the book is the hand drawn illustrations of each tool and the techniques to use it. Relying on drawings rather than photographs gives the book an artistic feel that is more visually pleasing to peruse, and also better conveys each tool archetypically, rather than as a specific brand.
I've owned this book for over 30 years. In addition to being a useful reference it has been an entertaining source of periodic general reading. For anyone with tool lust, it's a wonderful way to feed your need.
Copy Notes: Softcover, second printing, with over 1,500 illustrations
An Illustrated Encyclopedia
by Albert Jackson and David Day
Alfred A. Knopf, 1979
Comments: For the mechanically inclined tools are objects of both necessity and delight. The urge to possess them to excess -- pejoratively known as tool lust -- transcends gender, but men especially more often seem to be in its grip. Most men would never admit to having too many tools and will readily acquire another with only the slightest hint of its potential usefulness. I suffer from this affliction myself and that probably explains why I was enticed by this book many years ago.
Though hardly a definitive work, it does cover a very broad range of tools, including many obscure ones. As the title implies, each tool is profiled with varying degrees of background information such as its history, intended uses, specific terms, variations of type, accessories, and basic tips for use. Although the mastery of most tools can hardly be learned from a brief description, the text generally provides enough information to make a serviceable start. One of the most appealing aspects of the book is the hand drawn illustrations of each tool and the techniques to use it. Relying on drawings rather than photographs gives the book an artistic feel that is more visually pleasing to peruse, and also better conveys each tool archetypically, rather than as a specific brand.
I've owned this book for over 30 years. In addition to being a useful reference it has been an entertaining source of periodic general reading. For anyone with tool lust, it's a wonderful way to feed your need.
Copy Notes: Softcover, second printing, with over 1,500 illustrations
