THE HISTORY AND PRACTICE OF WOOD-CARVING, FREDERICK OUGHTON.

Item Description: Allman & Son, London, 1969. Hard Cover. Book Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Fair. David Gabriel Photographer; Roger Parmiter the Artist (illustrator). First Edition. 4to. Dust jacket worn to edges with tear and some loss, unclipped. Red cloth with bright gilt titling on spine, some fading to edges. The History and Practice of Woodcarving is primarily one man's account of his experience in woodcarving and the rewards he has found in it, so expressed as, it is hoped, to provide inspiration for home craftsmen, art students and others who have recently taken up woodcarving or are thinking of doing so. The aim is not only to instruct - though there is plenty of solid information here - but to set people venturing forth into a new world of ideas and expression. Following a brief historical survey, the book proceeds to practical advice about carving. Selection of woods is included, and finishing is very fully treated. The complete history of one particular carving, from the first glimmering idea to the finished product, is given, and this helps to draw together the various aspects of the subject. The author makes his points in a friendly, informal style which fully conveys his own enthusiasm for the craft of woodcarving. The text is supplemented by abundant illustrations whose wide range of provenance and subject matter will surely spark off any number of ideas in the reader.