Tales from the Blue Ox : a Hands-On Manual of Traditional Skills from the Blue Ox Millworks Historic Park

Brett, Dan

ISBN 10: 1931626162 / ISBN 13: 9781931626163

Published by Astragal Press, New Jersey, 2003

About this Item

B/w illus. 224 pp.

Seller Inventory # 0202235

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Tales from the Blue Ox : a Hands-On Manual of Traditional Skills from the Blue Ox Millworks Historic Park
• Publisher: Astragal Press, New Jersey
• Publication Date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1931626162
• ISBN 13: 9781931626163
• Binding: Trade Paperback
• Edition: Presumed First
• Condition: As New
• Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)

About this title

Synopsis

Tales From the Blue Ox is a collection of the best tools, techniques, recipes and general common sense gleaned from the history of Victorian-era ingenuity. Interspersed with these gems of nearly forgotten wisdom is the story of one of Northern California's least-known treasures, the Blue Ox Millworks Historic Park. The Blue Ox is a combination living-history museum, sawmill, and custom woodworking shop, specializing in the distinctive gingerbread decoration of Victorian-era homes. It is also a workplace for area artisans and craftspeople whose work ranges from blacksmithing and metal casting to boat building, pottery and vintage printing. This book marks the first attempt to tell the story of the Blue Ox in its entirety, while sharing the skills that have been kept alive there. Starting with a tale of the Victorian craftsmanship that inspired it all, subsequent chapters elaborate on specific crafts ands skills practiced at the Blue Ox. Also included are dozens of formulas for homemade paints, varnishes, glues, and other concoctions useful to artisans and craftsmen alike. Lavishly illustrated with nearly 300 pen-and-ink drawings by the author, Tales From the Blue Ox is a source of both information and inspiration for anyone interested in the traditional arts and/or the golden age of craftsmanship: the Victorian Era.

About the Author

Dan Brett is a writer and illustrator with a strong interest in traditional skills and self-sufficiency. Originally from the Midwest, he headed west as a young man and-after extensive traveling that included a five-year stint in Germany-settled in Northern California, where he now lives with his wife, Miriam. He was introduced to Eric Hollenbeck and the Blue Ox through a mutual blacksmithing friend, and was immediately enthralled with the spirit and vision he found there. This book is the culmination of that interest.

The author has written articles for Backpacker, Country Back Roads and California Blacksmith and has also written a book entitled, Hike America: Northern California, published by Globe Pequot Press.