Why We Make Things and Why It Matters: The Education of a Craftsman

Biography of a Furniture Maker

Peter Korn tells a concise tale of how he came to a life of crafting fine furniture and ultimately, teaching others how to do it. With lots of personal history and thoughtful reflection, the author weaves a non-linear tale of a vocation as craftsperson and his take on the greater ramifications for the purchaser of the work and our culture. While he hints at what aspects of woodworking hooked him, he gives too short shrift to details of the craft and how it sustained him through many difficulties in making a living doing it. His passion for the craft of making furniture by hand permeates the story, I would have liked more stories about his acquisition of the various skills necessary to get to the apex of his field. As a serious amateur, I would have valued his description of how his mentors supported his learning of specific skills like joinery and finishing. Perhaps his other books, focused on woodworking tools and techniques cover the basics, but may have missed the personal anecdotes of the learner. The book is true to its title, containing thoughtful ideas about how modern culture is affected by craftsmanship and how it captures it for posterity. Peter makes frequent references to crafters in ceramics and painting who share his passion for craft. If the reader is interested in the big picture view of hand made furniture production, including the business aspects of a successful career, this modest tome is a great start. Extremely well written and tightly focused on the essential aspects of the topic, it is a satisfying read.

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