The Lost Carving: A Journey to the Heart of Making

(NOTE: Postage discounted when purchasing multiple books in an order.)

About the book: Awestruck by the sight of a Grinling Gibbons carving in a London church, David Esterly chose to dedicate his life to the art - its physical control, intricate beauty and intellectual demands. Forty years later, he is the foremost practitioner of Gibbon's forgotten technique, which revolutionised ornamental sculpture in the late 1600s.

After a fire at Hampton Court Palace in 1986 destroyed much of Gibbon's masterpiece, the job fell to to David Esterly to restore his idol's work to its former glory. It turned out to be the most challenging year in Esterly's life, forcing him to question his abilities and delve deeply into what it means to make something well.

Esterly breathes life into the world of wood carving and deftly illustrates the union of man and material necessary to create a lasting work of art. He also describes the determination, concentration, and skill that go into achieving any form of excellence.

This book is in new condition.

In order to keep postage costs under control, I ship all books USPS Media Mail. I will do combined shipping for all books purchased within the same order. The first (i.e., heaviest) book ships for the calculated price. All other books in the combined shipment will ship for an additional $1 each. Because Media Mail is limited to printed materials, postage for tool purchases will be calculated separately.

If the program overcharges you for postage, I will gladly refund the difference. Please feel free to send me a note if you have any questions.

I have been a hand tool collector and user for over 30 years.

Thanks for looking at my item.