Soul of a Tree : A Woodworkers Reflections by George Nakashima (1988, Trade Paperback)

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Dustjacket corners dogeared and torn in places, name written on front page, some discoloration to outer edge of pages and along inside edges of dustjacket, see pictures for details

About this product

Product Identifiers

PublisherKodansha America, Incorporated
ISBN-100870119036
ISBN-139780870119033
eBay Product ID (ePID)187955

Product Key Features

Book TitleSoul of a Tree : a Woodworkers Reflections
Number of Pages224 Pages
LanguageEnglish
Publication Year1988
TopicIndividual Artists / General
IllustratorYes
GenreArt
AuthorGeorge Nakashima
FormatTrade Paperback

Dimensions

Item Height0.9 in
Item Weight13 Oz
Item Length8.7 in
Item Width11.6 in

Additional Product Features

Intended AudienceTrade
LCCN81-080655
Reviews"An impressive book that effectively conveys the textural qualities and sensitivity of this master craftsman's use of wood" -The New York Times"Today's increasing reverence for nature, truth, simplicity and the independent spirit makes the life, work and philosophy of George Nakashima especially meaningful."-Town & Country"From [Nakashima's] tables and chairs flows the unadorned beauty of the rhythms of nature."-Smithsonian"George Nakashima, the foremost master of the craft."-Time, "An impressive book that effectively conveys the textural qualities and sensitivity of this master craftsman's use of wood" - The New York Times "Today's increasing reverence for nature, truth, simplicity and the independent spirit makes the life, work and philosophy of George Nakashima especially meaningful."- Town & Country "From [Nakashima's] tables and chairs flows the unadorned beauty of the rhythms of nature."- Smithsonian "George Nakashima, the foremost master of the craft."- Time, "An impressive book that effectively conveys the textural qualities and sensitivity of this master craftsman's use of wood" -The New York Times "Today's increasing reverence for nature, truth, simplicity and the independent spirit makes the life, work and philosophy of George Nakashima especially meaningful."-Town & Country "From [Nakashima's] tables and chairs flows the unadorned beauty of the rhythms of nature."-Smithsonian "George Nakashima, the foremost master of the craft."-Time
TitleLeadingThe
SynopsisOn a farmlike compound near New Hope, Pennsylvania, George Nakashima, his family, and fellow woodworkers create exquisite furniture from richly gained, rare timber. Tables, desks, charts and cabinets from this simple workshop grace the homes and mansions and executive boardrooms of people who prize such excellence. In this lavishly illustrated volume, George Nakashima shows us in intimate look at is artistry, his philosophy., A master woodworker shares his experiences and techniques. "... Like his designs, the text is graceful and evocative." -Portfolio, A master woodworker, George Nakashima, shares his experiences, techniques and devotion to his medium in this text. A beautiful book in which this remarkable Japanese American craftsman and philosopher impresses us with his devotion to discovering the inherent beauty of wood so that noble trees might have a second life as furniture. The first part of this meditative book reveals the development of Nakashima as a spiritual artist and the influence of life in an Indian ashram in the 1930's. The second reveals the inner truth and nature of the different trees with which he works,, On a farmlike compound near New Hope, Pennsylvania, George Nakashima, his family, and fellow wood-workers create exquisite furniture from richly grained, rare timber. Tables, desks, chairs, and cabinets from this simple workshop grace the homes and mansions and executive boardrooms of people who prize such excellence. In this lavishly illustrated volume, George Nakashima allows us in intimate look at his artistry, his philosophy, his life. It is the portrait of an artisan who strives to find the ideal use for each plank in order to "create an object of utility to man and, if nature smiles, an object of lasting beauty." The author's search for the meaning of life took him as a young man to Paris, Tokyo, and Pondicherry, India. In India, he found the inner peace for which he had been searching and began to find ways to work with timber. He writes movingly about the grandeur of ancient trees and stunning figured woods and explains how he selects and prepares his materials. Above all, he impresses us with his devotion to discovering the inherent beauty of wood so that noble trees might have a second life as furniture. The Soul of a Tree looks at the world through the eyes of an artist and evokes the joy of living in harmony with nature.

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  • Absolute Mastery -- Grandmaster Course in Woodworking.

    Only a true master can teach you the philosophy behind aesthetic, and Nakashima does it so simply and effectively. With thorough study you will gain a new, interesting, and fresh perspective on woodworking for your projects! Must read for every artist looking to master their craft.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned

  • Required Reading

    Whether you are an experienced woodworker, an interested beginner, or just enjoy reading interesting books about amazing people, you owe it to yourself to devote a few (many) quiet hours reading this wonderful book. I dare you to not find inspiration within.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned

  • George still gets his point across from the grave

    Fantastic read, if you're not a fan of the spiritual stuff, take what you want and leave the rest. This man was a hell of a craftsman and pioneer.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned

  • Good book

    Good book

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned