From Truths to Tools

by Jim Tolpin and George R. Walker, with illustrations by Andrea Love

Many marvel at the precision of handmade objects from centuries past, created without technology capable of measuring dimensions in thousandths of an inch or angles in 0.1° increments. Where Tolpin and Walker's By Hand & Eye and By Hound & Eye examined the simple numeric ratios used to design furniture, architecture and other works since antiquity, this book reveals the geometric principles that earlier civilizations relied on for dimensional and angular measurement.

It begins by defining basic geometric terms such as the point, line and circle, then explains how those concepts relate to fundamental elements of design, layout and construction, such as planar surfaces, parallelism, right angles, and plumb and level. It then examines an array of tools in this context, showing how many familiar implements, from planes to mortise gauges to layout squares, as well as archaic devices such as the groma and mechet, the 13-knot cord and the cross staff, all embody these ideas.

Hand-lettered and illustrated in a deceptively simple cartoon style, this is an eye-opening examination of age-old concepts at the heart of the things we build and the tools used to create them.

Hardcover, Smyth sewn, 8 3/4" × 8 3/4", 197 pages, 2017.