Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

This is a worldwide survey of wood, outlining the many types of wood and their uses, and the woodworking techniques employed around the globe. Since prehistoric times wood has provided fire, shelter, tools, weapons and all manner of implements and containers. Today, its uses are just as varied and in many cultures the tree represents the very force of life itself. With over 800 illustrations, a guide to collecting, a glossary and information on where to see collections, this is an exhaustive survey of the many and varied uses of one of our most precious natural resources.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

Art teacher and curator Sentance, the author of two other books broadly concerned with the decorative arts, here purports to present the first worldwide survey of wood and its uses, as well as an introduction to the variety of woodworking techniques employed around the world. While it appears to be a comprehensive survey, the book features a depth of coverage that leaves something to be desired, in large part owing to the text's length, which was sacrificed at the altar of vivid illustration. There are 815 illustrations, most of them reproduced in color on heavy stock. While the book is glorious to look at, the description of the material and/or the technique left this reviewer with more questions than answers. The illustrations and production value qualify this volume as a fine addition to the oeuvre of coffee-table books. However, much of the copy would aspire to the "how-to"; here, the intent is unclear and suffers for it. An optional purchase.-Alex Hartmann, Williamsport, PA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.