[TheForge] books

[Cindy and James]

for me, the biggest problem is DESIGN.  I/we don't to small things, and 
only do projects we want to do (we turn down a number of things every 
year).  I can learn faster/better by watching a video or DVD or a demo 
that is live than I can by reading a book.  I think I am somewhat 
dyslexic or something like that.  I won't say what my wife says... :-)

The Machinery's handbook is great for reference, I have an old copy but 
rarely use it because I just don't use a lot of that stuff.  However, 
when it is needed, it is worth it's weight in gold, so to speak.

As far as design goes, I rely on my wife who is quite accomplished as an 
artist and designer.  SHE uses the Dover books, absolutely devours them 
looking for inspiration for certain clients.  Spanish, Italian, French, 
English, Art Deco, Prairie, Art Nouveau, Craftsman, you name it, she has 
a copy of it.  But they are mostly illustrations of things past, the old 
master's work.  Plus she subscribes to dozens of high end design 
magazines and is always tearing pages out to keep.  She won't let me 
throw any of them away.

If I were going to outfit a library for this craft, I would do it with a 
few selected books on the craft, the absolute master's books, and in my 
opinion there are only a few of the Old Masters; a collection of Dover 
books, the aforementioned Machinery's HB; and a collection of good DVD's 
of renowned smiths demoing and talking about the work they do... Hofi, 
Tom Clark, etc.  Trouble with the DVD's is the poor quality of the 
recording (audio) and/or the video on lots of these DVD's.  I bought 
several from the BAM group and am just now getting around to watching 
them.  Most are pretty good on the video but so far the audio part is 
horrible on some.  Just can't hear what is being said, but they were 
fairly inexpensive.  Just bought 1/2 dozen of the NOMMA DVD's, mostly 
well worth the money and NOT cheap.

James