English Historic Carpentry

Book excerpt: A true magnum opus, Cecil A. Hewett's English Historic Carpentry appeals to every type of architectural historian, from the connoisseur of cathedrals to the vernacular 'barn and cottage' enthusiast. It also offers practical insight into the structure and age of the old homes and outbuildings of Britain, and will reveal that much timber-work is appreciably older than their owners might think. This book will be a source of pride and inspiration to all who work in timber today, showing that the master carpenters of the past achieved their highest levels of craftsmanship well before the master masons, and that they were their equals as medieval architects. Beginning as a young upstart with wild theories, Hewett grew to become the accepted authority on all matters of historic carpentry and a pioneer of a whole new technology in the dating of ancient buildings. In English Historic Carpentry, he provides the definite statement of his work, superbly illustrated by his own drawings. As Hewett maintained, 'the building is the document' and this book will teach you how to read the evidence that is written in wood.