His interest in weather drew him toward old diaries and almanacs that were filled with the weather lore of early American countrymen. And this, in turn, acquainted him with the countryman's reverence for wood.

One result was this wonderful book, whose prose is illustrated with more than 70 of Sloan's skilful pen-and-ink drawings. There's an excellent marriage between his writing and drawing. Just when you wonder exactly what some of his words might mean, along comes another drawing to make everything perfectly clear again. Many of the drawings are very detailed and packed with fascinating information about long ago wood lore.

If you like this book, you'll probably enjoy anything written by May Theilgaard Watts, a fine naturalist who knew how to draw. You may especially enjoy her "Reading the Landscape of America" at the same time as you enjoy Sloan's "Our Vanishing Landscape."

22 of 23 found the following review helpful:


A wonder for those who enjoy "the old ways".  Feb 19, 1999
I first discovered Eric Sloane back in 1978 and immediately read everything I could find by him. All his reads are quick, entertaining, and educational. I have read this book many times and now love sharing it with others by giving it as a gift. Woodworkers, antique and Americana enthusiasts, foresters, etc will all find this a fascinating book. His pen and ink drawing are numerous and incredible. This is probably his most famous book. After this one you should consider "A Museum of Early American Tools", "Diary of an Early American Boy", and "Our Vanishing Landscape".

20 of 21 found the following review helpful:


Why the old timers built wooden structures the way they did.  Feb 17, 1997
Sloanes book is saturated with his love for discovery. The book is a treasure trove of information with fantastic pen and ink sketches. Its style is narative, and it explores the reasons why the old timers built things the way they did. The original "This Old House" I highly recommend it.
See also "Diary of an early American Boy" this book was one of only 100 books accepted into the Early American Library of the President on merrit. Presented in a thought provoking and imaginative way, Slones book comes alive. It teaches even as it entertains. You will intimately know the boy and his 1805 family.

8 of 8 found the following review helpful:


Great book, both for woodworkers and those interested in early Americana  Jan 11, 2007 By Kenneth C. Reed
This is Sloane's best book in my opinion, but then I've been a woodworker for many years and already have "a reverence for wood". There is much to learn here, a lot of information compressed into easily understood drawings and text and a joy to study. Highly recommended for both the woodworker and anyone interested in wood and its properties and uses.

13 of 15 found the following review helpful:


A Reverence for Wood  Apr 29, 2001 By trishH2O "trishH2O"
I was drawn to this book by it's illustrations. I do not look at this book as a field guide. It is not a book to take into the wilds and identify the surronding wood, but a book that celebrates the Tree and all it's beauty. The pen drawlings give an image of strength and beauty that spark the imagination. A flavor for the majestiy that the trees posses. This book is for pleasure and celebration of trees.

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