The book takes a classical approach to teaching woodworking, introducing fundamental tools and shop practice. It is a solid, systematic learning tool for the advanced beginner seeking to master the basics of woodworking craftsmanship. This is a book with a strong point of view. It is the basis of the two-week basic woodworking college class that the author currently runs at the Centre for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport, Maine. It pushes the idea that learning basic skills is essential to craftsmanship. This is a valid teaching approach based on a long tradition of European apprenticeship (as espoused by Tage Frid, Alan Peters and James Krenov). There is good pedagogical precedent for the idea that learning it right (the techniques and the principles) is an essential foundation. One can always depart from it later, using shop aids and power tools to do a process more quickly or efficiently..