Sam Maloof, Woodworker

A beautiful book about an incredible maker.

I've been woodworking for a a little over a year and had read about Sam Maloof in articles here and there. A few months ago I got to visit the Sam Maloof foundation and I fell in love with the way he shapes his pieces of furniture. As part of the tour we got to sit on one of his rockers and not only do they look beautiful but they are amazingly comfortable. That's when I decided to buy this book to learn more about him and his art.This book includes Sam Maloof's story from when he first began and his experience as he grew into his woodworking career. It is inspiring to read and to see how he persevered even though it was not easy at the beginning. The book is full of pictures of his work, more than was available at the Maloof foundation. It includes a high-level description of how he makes his famous rockers too.

In addition to being one of the founding fathers of modern woodworking, Sam Maloof wrote openly and honestly about his approach to design, craftsmanship and running a business.The book is beautifully illustrated with his own hand sketches along with photos of his furniture, home and workshop. While George Nakashima's book (The Soul of a Tree) is similar in layout and presentation, Maloof's book is clear and concise in it's prose while Nakashima's can be more spiritual and vague in nature. If you are choosing between the two, I would start here. You will not regret it.

I read this book between the several James Krenov books I read and enjoyed the contrasting thoughts of the two. I did like Maloof's approach to woodworking and was interested to see his personal history/journey to arrive at his craft. This is a great book for someone who plans to set up their own shop for custom work. The production line approach he developed allowed him to make a living while reserving his ideas. While this is different from my personal approach (hobby not professional), it is certainly very interesting. His sketches and the photos were certainly far superior to the Krenov publications so for those who are inspired by his flowing designs, this could be a source of design ideas as well. I think Maloof would have been a very great person to know and his personal values are communicated well through his writing.

Hard to find reference material regarding one of the most creative pioneers of post war furniture. Sam is gone now but his foundation survives; this is a good study guide before one makes a pilgrimage to the new workshop. Seldom copied, never duplicated, always admired. Highly recommended to anyone with a preference for the best.

For someone who loves to work wood with his hands, for someone who appreciates the work of a master artisan, or someone who loves beautifully crafted furniture, you will love this book. It not only has beautiful photos of some of Maloof's finest pieces, but gives great insight into how he achieved the results. This book is put together with real love and an eagerness to share with others who love to work in wood and make beautiful pieces of furniture.

The illustrations and story line are inspiring

A lovely gorgeous book about an amazing artist and human. His life, his creations are very inspiring.