Hand Hewn: The Traditions, Tools, and Enduring Beauty of Timber Framing

Celebrate the artistry of timber-frame building with this fascinating look at how the natural, organic forms of trees become the framework for a home.

Hand Hewn is a gorgeous exploration of the traditions of timber-frame building, a 7,000-year-old craft that holds an enduring attraction for its simple elegance and resilience. Internationally renowned timber-frame architect and craftsman Jack A. Sobon offers profiles of the classic tools he uses to hand hew and shape each timber, and explanations of the engineering of the wooden joinery that connects the timbers without a single nail.

Inspiring photos of Sobon’s original interior home designs, as well as historical examples of long-lived structures in Europe and North America, make this a compelling tribute to the lasting value of artisanal craftsmanship and a thoughtful, deliberate approach to designing buildings.