Hand Hewn: The Traditions, Tools, and Enduring Beauty of Timber Framing

by Jack A. Sobon

Hand Hewn is a gorgeous celebration of the traditions and artistry of timber-frame building, a 7,000-year-old craft that holds an enduring attraction for its simple elegance, resilience, and the warmth of the wood. Internationally renowned timber-frame architect and craftsman Jack A. Sobon offers a fascinating look at how the natural, organic forms of trees become the framework for a home, with profiles of the classic tools he uses to hand hew and shape each timber and explanations of the clever engineering of the wooden joinery connecting the timbers, without a single nail. Inspiring photos of Sobon’s original interior home designs, as well as historical examples of long-lived structures in Europe and North America, make this a compelling tribute to the lasting value of artisanal craftsmanship and a thoughtful, deliberate approach to designing buildings.

Genres: Construction, Woodwork, Architecture

272 pages, Hardcover

Published October 15, 2019

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sobon is a longtime hardcore lover of timber framed buildings and this book reflects this. The author shows the history and construction with text, extensive photos and drawings. While not intended as a DIY text, there are bits of construction techniques scattered thru the text. Its a good introduction to the subject and lovely eye candy suitable for your handmade hardwood coffee table.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent intro to timber framing.

[Charity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have never been remotely interested in timber frame construction until I picked this up on the library during an Artist Date…. and read it cover to cover the same afternoon. The author does his work with so much care and it shines through in the writing. Also, beautiful pictures. This would make a great coffee table book

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent information for actually building and the history and tools of the process, as well as beautiful photos if you just enjoy looking at lovely timber frame homes. I want a copy just for the photos, the actual useful information is a bonus.

[Stephen Devoto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was going to be a coffee table book of spectacular photos. It is that, but so much more. Very informative about trees, wood, history, tools, architecture, and many other aspects of building with wood shaped by hand tools.

[Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sobon does it again. Part history, part autobiography, part encyclopedia, part how-to, but where Sobon's new book really shines are the beautifully composed and arranged photographs. Anyone who has enjoyed Sobon's previous work(s) will enjoy this one.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read, and the stories from his learning experiences were enjoyable. Just could have used more pictures showing examples of the tools he mentioned.

[David Albert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great pictures, good information. Get it from your library, it's not instructional. If you want to own an instruction manual, get his book from the '80s: Timber Frame Construction.

[Randal White · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully photographed book of timber frame building by hand in the old fashioned way. With no nails!
The author explains what timber framing is, the history of it, how he became a timber framer, and shows the beauty of the craft. I loved the illustrations and techniques of the different types of joinery used. And of the tools used, and how to use them.
Sobon has loaded the book with beautiful photos of historical timber-framed structures, from all over the world.
A person could easily spend hours just looking at the photographs.
If you have any interest in architecture, or of woodworking, you will love this book!