American Woods by Romeyn B. Hough

[John Morris]

I would normally install this topic in our "Woodworking Book Reviews" section of this forum, but since it's also a website I thought I'd share it here.

 

There is a collection of books still in existence today, that are arguably the most incredible collection of American Wood species in the entire world. The set contains 14 volumes.

This collection is rare, you can find individual books for sale, yet now and then you may find the entire collection that will set you back thousands of dollars, if you are a book collector, and you appreciate this genre of books, then it's money well spent.

 

Here is a complete set displayed by Christies.

 

HOUGH, Romeyn Beck (1857-1924). The American Woods, exhibited by actual specimens and with copious explanatory text. Lowville, NY: By the Author, 1894-1928.

WWW.CHRISTIES.COM

 

Fortunately though, for us peasants, the content of the collection has been uploaded online by the University of North Carolina, and you can view the cross sectional images of each wood species found in North America.

Keep in mind, that the original books that were produced, all had real wood slides in each page of the book.

 

Quote

Hough explained the unique nature of his work: it is "illustrated by actual specimens, and being in this way an exhibition of nature itself it possesses a peculiar and great interest never found in a press-printed book. The specimens are about 2 x 5 inches in size, and sufficiently thin to admit of examination in transmitted light ... Looked at in reflected light they appear as in the board or log ... These specimens are mounted in durable frame-like bristol-board pages, with black waterproofed surfaces ... and each bears printed in gold-bronze the technical name of the species and its English, German, French and Spanish names ... The woods used for the specimens are personally collected by the author ... and are sectioned and prepared by a process of his own device."

Source: Christie's Acution

 

Here is the online version that is well categorized, and easy to use once you click around and understand the layout.

 

History of Forestry - The American Woods: exhibited by actual specimens and with copious explanatory text by Romeyn B. Hough

WWW.LIB.NCSU.EDU

 

If you have followed my research and transferring of another book named "American Woods" by Shelly E. Schoonover, not to be confused with the featured book above, you'll see that I have used many of Hough's slides in my research. Here is an example of a research page with a slide. When at the page, scroll down to view the slide.

 

Wiki | Pacific Yew

THEPATRIOTWOODWIKI.ORG

---

Wiki

 

Here is an actual slide by Hough (below). Each of his books pages in all his reprints, have real wood slices in each page. It's incredible what Hough accomplished.

 

I hope you enjoy the website where these pages are translated for our viewing pleasure, and a big shout out to the University of North Carolina State Libraries for taking the time to bring this incredible collection to the internet for all to enjoy, and use.

 

 

I have also installed the link to this wonderful resource in our "Links Directory" under the "Research" category.

 

[lew]

Thanks!

[Gerald]

Thanks for the link John. I noticed a link to The Urania Lumber Company Photograph Collection but the link was broken. I was raised in Jena , La which is maybe 25 miles from Urania and two of my uncles logged for that company. Yeah it a small small world.

 

I looked up and link and it is not the same but very interesting.The Urania Lumber Co Auxillary Photo Collection

[John Morris]

2 hours ago, Gerald said:

I looked up and link and it is not the same but very interesting.The Urania Lumber Co Auxillary Photo Collection

Wow Gerald, I love that! They have wonderful images for sure, thanks for the share!

[John Morris]

 

@Gerald I just submitted that link in our directory. Anyone can submit links, if ya'll come across some cool stuff like this, please submit in our links directory

 

 

[Gene Howe]

What a great group of pics and accompanying texts, Gerald. Thanks for the research and posts.

[John Morris]

I just did a search for the collection of Romeyn B. Hough books and Ebay actually has a few, for a price of course!

+Romeyn+B.+Hough for sale | eBay

WWW.EBAY.COM

---

Get the best deals for +Romeyn+B.+Hough at eBay.com. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items!