The Cooper and His Trade

So far, I read first half before I reached history. Had a lot of useful info on the tools and methods. Most important I would say are the measurements in the tables for the various casks. Keeping in mind that this is not a how to book, it does give the steps on how to make casks with detail in first half of the book.

This book is a good read for someone looking into the trade

A few illustrations and pictures are nice. The author imparts a little romance here and there. Certainly very thorough in every regard. Since it's pretty cheap, be sure to pick one up if you're interested.

A very well written and informative history of cooperage, the terminology, and tools used in its practice. Not big on the "how-to" aspect, but a good starting point, nevertheless.

INTERESTING TRADE SECRETS OF MAKING A BARREL AND OTHER HINTS FOR THE HAND CRAFTSMAN. USE OF OLD TOOLS IS EXPLAINED THAT GIVES THE READER A GREATER APPRECIATION OFHOW IT WAS DONE YEARS AGO.

If you are any kind of woodworker, you will be amazed as to what type of craftsman a cooper was and the skills they had to have. Well written and very informative.

This book is very detailed and informative. It is all old school hand drawn illustrations that are very descriptive but not super detailed. I highly suggest it for anyone interested in beer/brewing or distilling/ spirits.

I bought this book for my husband for Christmas He is getting much needed info on how to make an oak barrel. He's got all the material cut & ready to go when the weather gets warmer. Mary Linn (margaret)

I have been looking for a book like this for years! Although I had to wait because it was out of stock, the wait was well worth it. Kilby covers the all the technical things I was looking for within the first three chapters, but the rest of the book discusses the fascinating, rich history of coopering and how it fits into the recent history of the western world. If I was forced to name one complaint, I might be inclined to say that Kilby's judicious use of passages quoted in old English began to wear on my patience in places. But then again, others may find this adds to the charm of the book. AND, it does not in any way detract from my decision to award a five-star rating. Great book for the intermediate woodworker, but an excellent book for the reader curious about this even more curious wooden artifact.

the book is as informative as ever but lacks the glossy photographs as the original had.