Book review: Joinery, Joists and Gender: A History of Woodworking for the 21st Century

 

Part history and part survey of contemporary craft, Deirdre Visser’s book weaves the stories of historic and contemporary makers into the first collective history of women and non-binary makers in the field of wood.

By Aspen Golann #301-JAN/FEB 2023 Issue

Joinery, Joists and Gender: A History of Woodworking for the 21st Century by Deirdre Visser

Packed with surprises, inspiration, and thorough scholarship, Deirdre Visser’s Joinery, Joists and Gender: A History of Woodworking for the 21st Century (2022, Routledge) weaves the stories of historic and contemporary makers into the first collective history of women and non-binary makers in the field of wood. Part history and part survey of contemporary craft, this book contains previously undocumented stories of woodworking history and interviews that are equal parts funny, poignant, and inspiring. The historic section is peppered with thrilling documentation of female woodworkers from centuries ago to just a few decades ago. The contemporary profiles provide a stunning range of approaches to craft, education, design, politics, commerce, and community. This is a smart, joyful, untold history of woodworking with excellent photos. All of that and an illustrated glossary? It’s time to place your order and settle in for an expansive take on the material we all love.

Joinery, Joists and Gender: A History of Woodworking for the 21st Century by Deirdre Visser

Part history and part survey of contemporary craft, Deirdre Visser’s Joinery, Joists and Gender: A History of Woodworking for the 21st Century (2022, Routledge) weaves the stories of historic and contemporary makers into the first collective history of women and non-binary makers in the field of wood.