The OHJ Compendium is a 381 pp. compilation of the first five years (October 1973 - December 1977) of the OHJ newsletter (back before it was a glossy, colour magazine). During this period the OHJ emphasized caring for pre-1920 homes. The Table of Contents lists the following chapters: 'Buying Your Old House' (p.4), 'Getting To Know Your Old House' (p.41), 'Roofs and Windows' (p.55), 'Masonry and Energy Efficiency' (p.87), 'Wiring, Plumbing, Plastering' (p.111), 'Staircases and Floors' (p.141), 'Painting' (p.169), 'Chimneys, Fireplaces, Stoves' (p.191), 'Mouldings, Woodwork, Shutters' (p.215), 'Architectural and Decorative Styles' (p.245), 'Kitchens and Bathrooms' (p.285), 'Period Design and Decoration' (p.307), 'Graining and Stencilling' (p.337), 'Exterior Design: Fountains, Landscaping, Fences' (p.361).'
This is not a 'hold your hand', DIY for dummies book but no experience is required to understand the 'how to's and explanations. Most of the book is text with relevant and helpful black and white drawings and a few black and white photographs.
I cannot emphasize enough how valuable this book is. It covers the topics in great breadth and depth within the space of 381 pages. There's no extraneous editorializing or long-winded explanations just to fill space. If one has an old house one should have this book.