Mike Darlow

I enjoyed this book, but not for the reason I expected. I really liked the History of chess and evolution of the pieces over time. I learned quit a bit and found that part worth the cost of the book. However, while I learned a couple new tricks to help me when turning small pieces overall I found the design and creation of chessmen to be a little light and beginnerish.

His writing is pedantic, at best, but he really knows his stuff. IF you are into turning with absolute precision, Darlow's books are must-reads. His discussions of form & proportion are mathematically precise & well reasoned. His direction is pretty clear. Describing wood turning is very difficult. I don't think he's quite as good as Richard Raffan at description, but close. Your opinion may vary here, but I think his precision sometimes gets in the way of his directions.