Mankind has been using wood since prehistoric times to build shelter, houses, containers, vehicles and implements and the tools and techniques used to shape and manipulate wood are thousands of years old. The basic tools were established by Roman times, but apart from the mechanization of carpentry, the majority of woodworking tools have changed little since then. This book examines the basic woodworking tools used throughout history, reflecting the astonishing variety of forms which these basic tools have assumed at different times and in different places.