The Craftsman in America

by National Geographic Society

Explains the history of handicrafts in the United States including examples of work by silversmith, Paul Revere; carpenter, Seth Story; embroidery worker, Mary Foot and many others.

Genres: Art

199 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1975

About the author

The National Geographic Society (NGS), headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States, is one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations in the world.
Founded in 1888, its interests include geography, archaeology, and natural science, the promotion of environmental and historical conservation, and the study of world culture and history. The National Geographic Society's logo is a yellow portrait frame—rectangular in shape—which appears on the margins surrounding the front covers of its magazines and as its television channel logo. Through National Geographic Partners (a joint venture with The Walt Disney Company), the Society operates the magazine, TV channels, a website, worldwide events, and other media operations.

Reviews

[Herman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this...43 years after it was published. It was like reading a time capsule. It had accounts of people involved in the art of craftsmanship from the WWI era to the 1970s. All with a passion for a craft: be it in weaving, woodwork, textiles, blacksmithing, etc. I have an interest in woodworking and this book displayed the zeal of these craftsmen, or craftswomen as the case may be. I have to wonder how the passion for craftsmanship still exists nowadays; what with all the tools for whipping things out quickly, in the interest of profit. I have to believe it's a dying art as we all age and hi-tech takes over many human processes.
It reads just as a National Geographic publication always reads. Proper grammar, excellent language use and, of course, plenty of photos that supplements the text outstandingly.