Backwoods Chairmakers

Backwoods Chairmakers

For over 200 years, chairmakers in Appalachia have crafted ladderback chairs to sell to their neighbors and the occasional tourist. This tradition has been passed down through generations. However, with the rise of furniture factories and mechanization, woodworker Andy D. Glenn began to wonder whether any traditional chairmakers still remained.

To find out, he ventured into the mountains with a camera and a tape recorder. There, he discovered many artisans still practicing the craft—some working entirely by hand, while others utilized machines in their workshops.

"Backwoods Chairmakers" is part travelogue, part profile, and part how-to guide that delves into the tradition of this enduring craft. Glenn invites readers inside the workshops of more than 20 makers, sharing photos and personal interviews that highlight their lives and techniques.

Additionally, Glenn provides step-by-step instructions for making a post-and-rung side chair and a rocking chair using the traditional methods explored in the book.

This comprehensive volume measures 8.5" x 11", is hardbound, and spans 304 pages. It is printed on #70 matte-coated paper, with signatures sewn and secured with fiber tape. The book is wrapped in heavy cotton-covered boards and features a tear-resistant dust jacket.