James Krenov - Leave Fingerprints

James Krenov (1920-2009) was one of the most influential woodworking writers, educators and designers of the 20th century. After years of research and more than 150 interviews, Brendan Bernhardt Gaffney has written the first and definitive biography of Krenov, which includes historical documents, newspaper cuttings and hundreds of historical photographs. Gaffney traces Krenov's life from his birth in a small village in faraway Russia, through China, Seattle, Alaska and Sweden to Northern California, where he founded the College of the Redwoods Fine Woodworking Programme (now The Krenov School). Gaffney strives for a comprehensive portrait of Krenov that is neither glorifying nor condemnatory. Interviews, letters, newspaper cuttings and archive photos show a man who made no compromises in his work. In addition to biographical details, Gaffney's book presents a gallery of Krenov's creations, from his very early pieces to the last cabinet he built. Many of these pieces have never been published, and they illustrate how Krenov continued to grow as a designer, even after he stopped writing books. Whether you are a furniture maker, a designer or a student of craft history, this book will deepen your understanding and appreciation of a man who single-handedly changed the course of woodworking.