Replies

1. 
   vanderpooch | Sep 30, 2003 09:20pm | #1

   Tom,

   This book is more of a photo essay, less instructional, even more so than the other four. It features some of Jim's work, essays on different "techniques" or particulars of what is sometimes called the Krenovian form (carved pulls and handles, homemade hardware, gentle curves, etc.), but it is mostly student work. That being said, it is a great book for design ideas and inspiration. Unfortunately, the photos in the production run are a little blurry and some of the color is off. If you're a fan of Jim's style and want to see some masterful work, pick it up. If you're looking for much instruction... maybe look before you leap..

   -Kit

1. 
   DustyTom | Sep 30, 2003 11:13pm | #3

   Actually I don't care for his style of furniture. I think his approach to projects is wonderful though. I have a technical background so I am always looking for ways to put more emphasis on "form" before I integrate the "function". Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to put the book on my Christmas list this year (my tool wish list has gotten to expensive for the wife so books will have to do.)

2. 
   hmthomas | Sep 30, 2003 09:21pm | #2

   Tom, I have the book. Its a keeper! Its a much nicer book than his others. More of a coffee table book full of beautiful photos.

   As for the text, its light reading. You get a sense of how at peace Krenov is with himself, his work, his teachings and his positon in his life. It doesn't get into technique like some of his others.

   Shop around, my son got it for me last Christmas at considerably less than the advertised price. Check out Amazon.com.

   see ya, Hugh

1. 
   DustyTom | Sep 30, 2003 11:15pm | #4

   Good tip on the Amazon.com. I seem to buy a great deal of stuff from them. Great prices and fast delivery! (an 18" bandsaw to my door with free shipping! can't beat it.)

   Thanks for the feedback.

3. 
   theRev | Oct 02, 2003 03:03pm | #5

   Hey Sgain,

   You gonna weigh in on this one? <g>

   Scott

1. 
   SgianDubh | Oct 02, 2003 11:36pm | #6

   Nope, ha, ha. Slainte.Website

4. 
   GregB126 | Oct 04, 2003 09:38am | #7

   Tom,

   With Wakened Hands is a good book.  It is mostly a picture book, featuring the work of many of JK's students.  I think it is philosophically a natural next step he's made as a teacher who cares about his students.  He seems as if he would like to get them more exposure, which is only fair, having doomed them to understanding what it takes to be uncompromising as they've been taught to be.  I never was much into what I'd thought was the "Krenov style".  Just so many chests on stands.  Then I went to a winter (midterm?) exhibition in Ft. Bragg and saw a room full of pieces with my own eyes and hands.  It made a bigger impression on me than all the books in my library and all the trips to museum's I'd made.  There is no way to really "get it" until you experience such pieces in person.  Impossible to describe in words.  Life has been breathed into those pieces.  You can feel it.  Anyway, I talked with JK a little bit and met a few students, who were all very gracious and reflective of my enthusiasm (which itself was generated by my unexpectedly strong reaction to their work.  Kind of circular.  The book is beautiful, but will not come close to an in person experience.  Still, it's an extremely fertile source of inspiration.  Finally, I think it's kind of funny that our good old mate, Sgian, finds JK's books unreadable.  When looking back over this particular post, I think he'd say just about the same thing about this!  ha, ha.

   Cheers,

   Greg