The "Collins Complete Woodworker" is an updated compilation of articles that have appeared in Woodworkers Journal over the past years. Which begs the question, 'why buy the book?'. The liner notes on the front jacket say that it is intended to be the "perfect introduction for anyone wanting to get better acquainted with this rewarding hobby."

Indeed, the 16 chapters in this book cover just about all the salient aspects of woodworking. The first chapter provides an excellent overview of the major woodworking and furniture styles over the past 400 years. This is followed by an informative section on the nature of hardwood. Included in this are 17 pages on the characteristics of 34 of the more commonly used wood species. The remaining 13 chapters take you through setting up a workshop, hand tools, power tools and machinery, workshop accessories, basic joinery, carving, turning and wood finishing.

There are lots of excellent photos along the way, with illustrations that often do a better job of conveying information than the photos. The topics are well presented and informative for a book that attempts to cover so much material. As a result, this book focuses more on presenting the 'what' of woodworking, and not the 'how'. For example, don't expect to learn how to cut a dovetail joint from the little primer on pages 164-166, or how to cut a mortise and tenon joint from a two page (168-169) overview. Enough information so you get an idea of their meaning, but certainly not enough to take you through the process of understanding how they are done.

So, is it the perfect introduction to the hobby of woodworking? In a word, yes. If what you want is to know about the craft, then this book does a very good job. Just realize that it isn't meant as a skill building book - it's much more of a reference book. It will help you get acquainted with what 'woodworking' is all about, and it will serve as a good reference book while you are in the formative stages of learning the craft.

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