an excellent design book for intermediate woodworkers

being that i’m a self taught woodworker, i love reading woodworking books. this one is to date, by far the best one i’ve come across. i picked it up at the local library, but i’m buying my own copy as soon as i take it back. there seem to be two types of books out there: step by step instructions/tutorials, and picture/gallery books. this book is the perfect balance for someone like myself that doesn’t build from plans and already has a grasp on the techniques involved, but would still like a little insight on the joinery used. each project is about 2-3 pages and has a basic assembly or cutaway drawing. there’s just enough notes to let you see how the project goes together without being a tutorial. some people might not like the lack of instruction on the projects, but for me it’s a plus. it give you a chance to use some creativity, rather than having the process spelled out for you. besides liking the layout, the projects in the book are well selected. there’s a good variety of pieces (tables, chairs, cabinets, etc.), all of which look really good. there’s also a good variety of styles represented, it seems to be equal parts A&C, period, shaker, and contemporary. one project in particular, the “expandable table” by william krase is just a wonderful design solution i’d never seen before and is definately worth checking out.