The Museum of the Wood Age

The Museum of the Wood Age explores the role of wood in human history, from woodland foragers to engineers of our destiny. It investigates the influence of six basic devices and reveals the myriad ways in which wood has been worked throughout history, from simple bivouacs to sophisticated wooden buildings.

Format: Hardback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2022
Publisher: Head of Zeus

Wood, a versatile and resilient material, has played a pivotal role in shaping human history. Its unparalleled strength, resilience, adaptability, and availability have been instrumental in our cultural evolution from woodland foragers to engineers of our destiny. In his captivating book, "The Museum of the Wood Age," Max Adams delves into the profound relationship between humans and wood, tracing its influence through tools, devices, construction, and artistic expression.

Adams begins by examining the material properties of various wood species, shedding light on their unique characteristics and applications. He explores the impact of six fundamental devices, including the wedge, inclined plane, screw, lever, wheel, axle, and pulley, on the way wood has been worked throughout human history. From the simple bivouacs of hunter-gatherers to the intricate wooden structures of stave churches, from the decorative arts to the humble woodworking of rustic furniture, Adams weaves a rich tapestry of interconnected stories and objects that trace the path of human ingenuity across half a million years of history.

Through his meticulous research and imaginative storytelling, Adams invites readers to appreciate the profound significance of wood in our lives. He highlights the ways in which wood has been used as a source of sustenance, a tool for survival, a medium for artistic expression, and a catalyst for technological innovation. Adams' book serves as a testament to the remarkable versatility and enduring value of wood, reminding us of our deep connection to this material and the endless possibilities it holds for our future.

Weight: 706g
Dimension: 164 x 244 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788543507