Tools: Making Things Around the World

Comte, Hubert

Comte, a lecturer in art history whose dissertation focused on the philosophy of tools, has created a beautiful coffee-table book that celebrates tools and gives equal billing to their users. Using the broadest possible definition, Comte covers human-powered tools, both modern and traditional, from a wide variety of disciplines: woodworking, stoneworking, agriculture, textiles, metalworking, leatherworking, and food preparation. The broad scope makes this title quite a departure from what is typically available. Most entries cover the history of a tool, its use, and something about its user, with photographs of tools and users (both vintage and current) gracing each entry. Artworks featuring tools (e.g., Brueghel's "Haymaking") as well as quotes from such diverse authors as Victor Hugo and Willa Cather make Comte's work particularly deep. This beautiful, thought-provoking book may be somewhat expensive for many libraries, but those that can afford it will not be disappointed.?Jonathan N. Hershey, Akron-Summit Cty. P.L., OH
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.