CREATIVE BIRD CARVING. By William I. Tawes.

(1969) 1983 reprint. 4to (182 x 259mm). Ppxvi,207. B/w photographs, illustrations. Charcoal cloth, spine titled in silver gilt.

A detailed and methodical course laying out a series of projects designed to take the beginner to the highest level of sophistication. Includes "selection, use and care of tools and describes the qualities of all the available woods". Much emphasis on planning and design with lots of helpful diagrams and photographs, as well as lots of information and advice on tools. Useful bibliography and section of photographs of carvings by some of America's most accomplished carvers of that day. Chapters include: Work as a socialising influence, the historical significance of birds; Tools required and how to care for them; Before the carving begins; Costume jewelry (project no. 1); A skein of geese (project no. 2); Let's carve a decoy duck (project no. 3); Belted kingfisher (project no. 4); The great blue heron (project no. 5); Bird models of polyester filler; The workbench (project no. 6); Marquetry (project no. 7); Checking, shrinking, and blemishes; Finishing the carvings; Odds and ends; Ideas - from every burning bush!; Wood - the wood-carver's medium; Picture gallery of carvings by the leading wildfowl carvers of America.