Product Description

From the late 1600s to the mid-1700s, colonists built their own homes--with the help of their neighbors--from the ground up. Homebuilding, using 17th- and 18th-century tools, is the focus of this fascinating book that includes a pictorial, chronological history of some of the woodworking tools' origins. Line drawings throughout.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #160572 in Books
• Published on: 1992-06-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

From School Library Journal
YA-- This source covers the complete process of housebuilding used from the late 1600s to the mid-1700s from New England to the South. It is profusely illustrated, depicting the trees needed for each portion of a house, the different styles constructed, the framework required for each, and both interior and exterior treatments. Particularly fascinating are the drawings of tools. A wealth of meticulous detail is present, and the illustrations are finely drawn. A handprinted text complements the visuals.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Wilbur, a retired physician who has helped restore a house originally built in 1750, presents a wealth of information about American homebuilding during the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries. Building was labor-intensive at that time; hand tools were used to hew logs into shape. It is mind-boggling to consider the labor involved; logs were pit-sawn by hand into boards, wooden pegs were used because scarce nails were expensive, and logs were hollowed to become water pipes. Wilbur also traces the development of American architecture and decorating styles. This book is full of information on crafts that have become "lost arts" and is recommended for libraries serving those interested in colonial life, homebuilding, or antique tools. (Illustrations not seen.)-- Jonathan Hershey, Akron-Summit Cty. P.L., Ohio
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Back Cover
Tools and technology that the American colonists use to build homes that could stand the test of time. C. Keith Wilbur, a retired medical doctor and former naval officer who served in World War II, is the author of Globe Pequots Illustrated Living History Series, which now comprises nine titles. (8 1/2 x 11, 144 pages)

Customer Reviews

Wonderful book and illustrations on colonial homebuilding
Even for the novice, this book is easy to understand.
A historical look at the ingenuity of home building.
Several interesting anecdotes as well about the origin
of various terminology and the chronology of various practices
and innovations. Raise the bent and connect the girt because the summer beams are here! (-:

An Exploration of Early American Material Culture
Most of the books that explore Colonial American vernacular architecture are more interested in definig styles and building uses. The focus of "Home Building" is in the tools and technology used by early American colonists. C. Keith Wilbur tells this story by following the construction story of one particular home. He begins with the initial harvesting of the timber and lovingly follows the story to the last finish carpentry detail.

C. Ketih Wilbur follows in a long tradition of great American illustrators of material culture. Wilbur's illustrations are not as fine as Edwin Tunis' or as lyrical as Eric Sloane's illustrations. What Wilbur has going for him is the sheer volume of carefully crafted illustrations he includes in his work. I finished this book both impressed by the ingenuity of our colonial ancestors and the technical virtuosity of Wilbur's illustrations. This is a great book and I look forward to collecting Wilbur's other volumes in the "Living American History" series.

Good General Purpose Book
This book and the series of which it is a part is well done and a very good introduction the subject matter. As a professional architecural historian and archaeologist I was hoping for more depth, but this is clearly not written for professionals. However the bibliography is helpful and I did learn something new about one item that I have not found in the "professional" sources.