The Mechanic's Companion

The Mechanic's Companion. Author, Peter Nicholson

Peter Nicholson's The Mechanic's Companion is one of the classics, and among the most readable books on woodworking in the early 19th century. Yet, with the exception of the well-known workbench from Plate 12, it doesn't get as much attention as other early English technical books. That's a shame, because it's an invaluable and thorough treatment of techniques, with 40 plates that provide an excellent and detailed look at the tools of the time, along with a straightforward chapter on the geometry instruction necessary to the building trades.

Peter Nicholson, unlike other technical writers of the time, was a trained cabinetmaker, who later became an architect, prolific author and teacher. So he writes (and writes well) with the authority of experience and clarity on all things carpentry and joinery. For the other trades covered, he relies on masters for solid information and relays it in easy-to-understand prose. His book is an homage and update to Joseph Moxon's "Mechanick Exercises" (the first English-language book on the trades, published in book form in 1703).

The text is printed on acid-free paper in signatures. These signatures are sewn and reinforced with fiber tape. The interior is then wrapped in hardcover boards and cotton cloth. In addition to the high-quality manufacturing, this edition features pages that were individually hand-scanned, cleaned up digitally and at times repaired to improve legibility. It was a months-long process for Megan Fitzpatrick, who originally published this edition under her Rude Mechanicals Press imprint. The Mechanic's Companion is produced entirely in the United States. Lost Art Press has agreed to take over publication and distribution of this important text so that it remains available for future generations.

ISBN 978-0-692-12335-5

Hardcover, 416 Pages

Norm Reid's Book Review of The Mechanic's Companion - Peter Nicholson.

Publisher: Lost Art Press
Reviews:  Lost Art Press Reviews