Ingrained is a love letter to trees, timber, and craftsmanship, blending memoir and nature writing to explore the challenges of working with our hands in our modern age. It is a meditation on community, consumerism, and the beauty of the natural world, asking us to see our local trees and wooden objects in a new and revelatory light.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 22 August 2024
Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd

Ingrained is a book that celebrates the art of woodworking and the creative process,with a focus on the beauty of wood and the stories it can tell.

Ingrained: A Love Letter to Trees, Timber, and Craftsmanship

Ingrained is a captivating and beautifully written book that explores the art of woodworking and the creative process. Written by Callum Robinson, the eldest son of a Master Woodworker, the book celebrates the beauty of wood and the stories it can tell. Robinson's prose is humorous and macho, taking its lead from the gruff, sensual delivery of food writer Anthony Bourdain. However, wood remains at the heart of his writing. The book has been longlisted for the 2025 Carnegie Prize for Excellence and has received rave reviews from critics.

One of the key themes of Ingrained is the importance of finding your own voice. Robinson's childhood was spent surrounded by wood and trees, and he absorbed craft lessons in his father's workshop. He played amongst the sycamore, oak, and Scots pine that bordered his home, and these experiences have shaped his approach to woodworking.

The book is divided into three sections: "The Art of Woodworking," "The Creative Process," and "The Stories We Tell." In the "Art of Woodworking" section, Robinson explores the different types of wood, their characteristics, and how to work with them. He also shares his own experiences with woodworking, including the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned.

In the "Creative Process" section, Robinson discusses the importance of creativity and the creative process. He explains that creativity is not just about creating something new, but about finding new ways to express yourself. He also shares his own experiences with creativity, including the times when he felt stuck and the ways he overcame those obstacles.

In the "Stories We Tell" section, Robinson explores the stories that wood can tell. He shares stories about the trees that he has worked with, the people who have used his work, and the stories that have been passed down through generations. He also discusses the importance of preserving wood and the environment.

One of the things that makes Ingrained so special is Robinson's ability to bring wood to life. He uses vivid descriptions and sensory imagery to bring the reader into the world of woodworking. He also shares his own experiences with woodworking, which makes the book feel personal and authentic.

Ingrained is a book that will appeal to anyone who has ever whittled something out of wood or dreamt about doing so. It is a book that celebrates the art of woodworking and the creative process, and it will inspire you to find your own voice and create something beautiful.

In conclusion, Ingrained is a captivating and beautifully written book that explores the art of woodworking and the creative process. Written by Callum Robinson, the eldest son of a Master Woodworker, the book celebrates the beauty of wood and the stories it can tell. Robinson's prose is humorous and macho, taking its lead from the gruff, sensual delivery of food writer Anthony Bourdain. The book has been longlisted for the 2025 Carnegie Prize for Excellence and has received rave reviews from critics. If you have ever whittled something out of wood or dreamt about doing so, then Ingrained is a book that you should read.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 242 x 158 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780857529756