R Bruce Hoadley (1933–2019)

He covers many topics in this book, but does so with an amazing thoroughness. I was particularly impressed by the way he explains kiln drying. He did so in a fashion that was very readable, understandable & thorough. Much better than other papers & books I've read on the subject. Another chapter covers wood microscopy. It interested me enough that I bought another book he wrote on the subject. He's a professor, so he can & does use terms that I needed to look up, but he didn't overwhelm me show more with jargon. For a hard science text, it was extremely readable. show less

This book is an absolute necessity for anyone working with wood. The understandings that can be gained by reading and referring to this book will help anyone who has struggled to make things out of wood and found that it is just a bit more organic than it appears.

Not quite as readable as his "Understanding Wood" but a good read. It covers wood microscopy in detail, as well as other methods of identifying wood from timber & finished goods. A must read, if you're into this kind of thing.

Not quite as readable as his "Understanding Wood" but a good read. It covers wood microscopy in detail, as well as other methods of identifying wood from timber & finished goods. A must read, if you're into this kind of thing.