Hand Applied Finishes
by Jeff Jewett – Jewett is that rarity among finishers, he hasn’t sniffed too many lacquer fumes… yet. This is a great book on hand finishes. It’s clear, concise, and informative.

Tools of the Trade
by Jeff Taylor – This is a lovely and funny read on the portrait of a once young, now old carpenter.

Understanding Wood Finishing
by Bob Flexner – Flexner’s book is an opinionated, no-nonsense approach to finishing – he takes the manufacturers to task for hiding their ingredients and keeping us in the dark. He also loads this book with finishing information.

The Art of Fine Tools
by Sandor Nagyszalanczy – This is tool lust, plain and not so simple. Unbelievable stuff from collections usually hidden from view – incredible tools to behold.

Fixing and Avoiding Woodworking Mistakes
by Sandor Nagyszalanczy – What is woodworking without mistakes? This is Sandor’s approach to fixing goof-ups.

Woodshop Jigs and Fixtures
by Sandor Nagyszalanczy – This book offers a real interesting compendium of woodshop jigs. Some of them are very useful, others not as much, but the book is worth it for that one jig or two you never would have thought of by yourself.

The Toolbox Book
by Jim Tolpin – Toolboxes can be as much a statement about their maker as they are a box for your tools. Tolpin shows a wide range of great toolboxes, totes, and carry-alls – with plans for building some. A very nice book to have.

Encyclopedia of Furniture Making
by Ernest Joyce with Alan Peters – If there’s one woodworking book to have, this is the book to have. It’s a bit dated, but Joyce packs more information into one sentence than some authors do in a chapter. It’s simply a great book. I’m not just saying this. This is the one I grew up on.

The Complete Guide to Sharpening
by Leonard Lee - Most woodworkers didn’t think they’d have to know metallurgy to build furniture. Think again. There is an incredible range of great information on sharpening just about every tool you can think of.

A Cabinetmaker’s Notebook
by James Krenov – The first, I think of his four or five books. These define not only his work, but a philosophy that has influenced furniture makers around the country for the last 20 years. It too is a must for your library.

The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking
by James Krenov – More Krenov philosophy, but also more detail into his work.

American Furniture
by Jeffrey Greene – This is an absolutely fabulous book on furniture making. Period. Not period furniture information alone, but information on furniture. Great stuff on construction, photos and drawings of classic pieces. Even if you don’t like American classical furniture, you will learn a bunch from reading this book. Highly recommended.

Bookcases
by Niall Barrett – A very nice project book on the bookcases you’ll want to build for all your woodworking books. The author gives a nice range of styles, has some very good photos, and walks you through the building of 11 bookcase projects.

Traditional Woodworking
by Mario Rodriguez – Mario Rodriguez, contributing editor for Fine Woodworking Magazine, shows readers how to add traditional detailing to your woodworking – this guy clearly knows his stuff.

Understanding Wood
By Bruce Hoadley – Everything there is to know about wood, the material, is in this book. Discussions on drying, movement, strength characteristics, this book is a must read.