Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0983173710 ISBN 13: 9780983173717

Publisher: Autumn Woods Studio, 2011

Author Michael J Hanley shares his excitement in finding a beautiful tool made in the 1700s - and then learning the maker of this tool was a Minuteman who fought in the opening battles of the American Revolution as it boiled over just outside Boston. This craftsman, Noah Pratt, built homes, furniture, and the tools needed in his daily work. As a common housewright, he has been lost to history for over 200 years, much like the shavings under his bench the last day he closed the door to his shop. The role he played in winning our freedom has never been told. While relating this woodworker's life and events of the time, the author explores what freedom meant to the patriots of the 1700s. He relates the history of those first battles of the Revolution around Boston that had an almost miraculous quality, using a storytelling form of narrative that is easy to read. The unusual fabric of the story is interwoven with the author's experience of freedom while riding his Harley-Davidson, enjoying nature out on the open road. Ultimately, the reader is challenged to think about celebrating freedom in their own daily experience.

About the Author:

Michael J Hanley is the proprietor of Autumn Woods Studio and has pursued fine woodworking over the course of 35 years. His work includes designing and building timberframed homes, custom furniture, and home interiors. He teaches classes in his studio and travels nationally speaking on topics of fine woodworking. Through the course of his work he studies, collects, and uses antique tools on his bench. In many ways his own life and work have paralleled that of a housewright and joiner of the 1770s, leaving him in a unique position to relate the historical story he shares with us in the new book Motorcycles, Planes, & Revolution.

Review:

I started your book with no more than a passing interest in woodworking, antique tools or American history. I am a cyclist and a motorcyclist and that is how you hooked me. I had a very similar experience with getting a bicycle when I was young. It meant, as it did to you, freedom. I was compelled to read the entire book and put it down at the end with a much better appreciation of the freedom we as Americans so thoroughly enjoy. It also made me very proud of how far we as a country have come in a scant 235 years. Very well done, thank you. --Daniel Newman

While in Wisconsin for my High School reunion, I had the opportunity to read a borrowed copy of your book, Motorcycles, Planes, & Revolution . My sister had been loaned the book by the pastor in her book club. In only 100 pages, you stir a person to take action. I was so impressed by the unique manner in which you presented history, especially the strength of character of our revolutionary founders, that I took the book to our reunion Sunday brunch and made a brief presentation to the class. I think your message is one that we need to get a feeling for the degree of patriotism and heroism of the people of the time. The details you reveal in the early battles were new to me, and quite enlightening. I think your book is extraordinary, and would like to see you continue your writing career with like books. --Paul Nielson

Interesting and informative read. Why don t they teach this stuff in school? Lots of things you don t know about our American revolution are in this book. Mike s perspective is one that I believe is shared by many people, but not publicized by the press of today s world, which is sad. Let everyone know about this book. --David Scott