Throughout the ages one of the most popular ways to direct the creative urge has been whittling or woodcarving. In this volume Mr. Tangerman, one of America's foremost authorities and craftsmen, whose articles in craft magazines have taught and inspired millions, presents a full and thorough introduction to this entertaining art form. With this book, which is one of the few works that bridge the gap between whittling and serious carving, a beginner who is moderately handy can whittle or carve scores of useful objects, toys for children, gifts, or simply pass hours at applying his ingenuity to wood.

Beginning with a history of whittling and woodcarving, the book progresses gradually and easily. The first chapters supply background information on different woods, their proper selection and possible uses, selection and care of knives, and ways of using tools, including grips, types of strokes and cuts, and simple exercises. The following chapters cover rustic work, flat toys and windmills, puzzles, chains, nested spheres, fans, joints, modeling ships in bottles, and caricatures. The second half of the book covers carving proper and describes simple lines, woodcuts, low-relief pierced designs, sculpture in the round, inlay and marquetry, lettering, indoor and outdoor decorations, and styles. The final chapter describes finishing, repairs, and the care of tools. The wide range of illustrations includes both hundreds of beautiful wood objects from the great art of the world and hundreds of modern projects, many of which are contest winners.