I thought I’d do a little tour of eight collectible woodworking and lumber books from my shelves — a mix of textbooks, reference works, and practical guides that span decades. These are not just books, they’re snapshots of how woodworking, carpentry, and lumber science have been taught and recorded over the years.
1. Working with Wood (1982, Hutchings, Martin & Coleman)
This first edition McKnight Publishing textbook covers everything from shop safety and procedures to joinery, measuring, wood species, hand and power tools, fasteners, finishing, and even graded projects with diagrams and photos.
It’s the kind of book that reminds me of my older brother bringing home wooden clocks and stools from shop class — practical, detailed, and perfect for someone starting out or looking for a bench-side reference.
If you’d like to see more details and photos of this copy, here’s the full book listing on Ash Tree Books:
𖠰 1982 Working with Wood — First Edition
2. Cabinetmaking and Millwork (1970, John L. Feirer)
Over 900 pages of meticulous detail. From the big picture down to the microscopic structure of wood, this book is a classic text for anyone learning or teaching cabinetmaking.
I put a sticky note on the page about cellular structure — it’s fascinating to see such depth in a school textbook.
3. Woodwork: Practice and Theory for Secondary Schools (1936, Alfred Wishart)
A black-and-white textbook with clear diagrams and instructions. Some phrasing is a bit funny — for example, “wood carving operations” — but it’s still very easy to follow.
4. Applied Lumber Science (1934, Beaulieu & Barton)
This charming textbook from Clark & Stuart Co. Ltd starts with the basics: “What is a tree?” before quickly getting technical. Price charts are included, which are a fun reminder of how much lumber prices have changed over the decades.
It would make a great gift for anyone interested in the logging or lumber industry.
5. Lumber (Baughman’s Buyer and Seller, 20th Edition, 1952)
This is essentially a trade manual — full of tables, numbers, and tabs to quickly reference specific types of wood or sizes.
A very practical book for someone working in the lumber business, and the kind of text that a collector of industry books would appreciate.
6. Timbers of North America (1934, Samuel J. Record)
Bound in dark green with gold gilt lettering, this book is beautiful both inside and out. Glossy pages, microscopic photos of wood grain, and even a section on the scent and taste of different timbers.
It’s one of my favorite books in this lineup — the photography under magnification is incredible.
7. The Finely Fitted Yacht (1981, Third Edition, Ferenc Maté)
This book focuses on modifications and custom joinery for yachts. Many copies lived on boats and carry a misty smell — this one was kept indoors and is in lovely condition.
I can really relate to this book, having worked on tugboats — the creativity and precision required to fit everything into tight spaces is incredible.
8. Building with Logs (1974, Allan Mackie, Prince George BC)
A ring-bound softcover with big diagrams of dovetails, rafters, and intersecting walls. Practical, down-to-earth, and a nice way to wrap up this group of books.
These eight books give a little glimpse into the world of woodworking, carpentry, and lumber — from classic school texts to detailed reference guides and even yacht-specific joinery. Whether you’re a collector, a woodworker, or just curious, there’s a lot to explore here.
