A finely tuned compilation of poetry presents seventy-one diverse poems--ranging from lyrics to narratives to riddles--that deal with the themes of language, culture, tradition, nature, aging, family life, and the role of the artist. Reprint.

In Axe Handles Mr. Snyder reveals the roots of community in the family and explores the transmission of cultural values and knowledge. "In making the handle of an axe by cutting wood with an axe the model is indeed near at hand." In exploring this axiom of Lu Ji's, Gary Snyder continues: I am an axe And my son a handle, soon To be shaping again, model And tool, craft of culture, How we go on. This is a collection of discovery, of insight, and of vision. These poems see the roots of community in the family, and the roots of culture and government in the community. Formally, the 71 poems in Axe Handles range from lyrics to riddles to narratives. The collection is divided into three parts, called "Loops," "Little Songs for Gaia," and "Nets," each containing poems of disciplined clarity. Gary Snyder knows well the great power of silence in a poem, silence that allows the mind space enough to discover the magic of song.

Poems deal with language, culture, tradition, nature, aging, family life, and the role of the artist

From bronze axes of the Viking conquests to the American homesteader’s felling axe, this is a tool that has shaped human history like few others. American Axe pays tribute to this iconic instrument of settlement and industry, with rich history, stunning photography, and profiles of the most collectible vintage axes such as The Woodslasher, Keen Cutter, and True Temper Perfect. Combining his experiences as a forester, axe collector, and former competitive lumberjack, author Brett McLeod conveys the allure of this deceptively simple woodcutting implement and celebrates the resurging interest in its story and use.

The ax is an indispensable tool for every woodsman. The Ax Book is a thorough guide to cutting wood with hand tools. Even those who use chainsaws and other power equipment need to be familiar with the hand tools of their craft. An ideal resource for anyone who wants to fell trees and take lumber or firewood from the wood lot or forest. The author explains how to use various types of axes, hatchets, mauls, saws, and wedges, and their use and care to take down trees, section and split and prepare firewood. In addition he shows every aspect of dealing with wood from the forest right to the hearth or stove.

An understandable guide to key skills for bushcrafters, campers, outdoors lovers, and anyone interested in surviving on the land. No other woodcraft teacher instills outdoor knowledge the way Kirtley does, which has earned him a stellar global reputation. This is the chance to learn from him even if you can't attend his sold-out courses. Everything needed for those seeking eventual serious bushcraft mastery, and also helpful for those who admire bushcraft but simply want to add ease and enjoyment to occasional camping. This is his first book and teaches the core skills from start to finish: selecting the correct tools for the task, caring for the tools, everyday axe techniques, felling, limbing, sectioning, and carving techniques and projects. Next, master efficient and sometimes lifesaving campcraft needs, including pot hangers, tripods, cranes, camp grills, broilers, lanterns, stools, tent needs, essential knots, lashings, ladders, and rope throwing and hoisting. Also features a detailed look at more than a dozen types of wood and their properties, for best choices in all bushcraft needs.