This is the first of three volumes by Tage Frid that are literally a brain dump of techniques and approached to woodwork. Frid is a true working craftsman. He began as an apprentice at a time when most work was done by hand, and survived the transition to machinery without missing a stroke of his plane. Teaching both at the Rochester Institute of Technology and the Rhode Island School of Design, Frid has influenced over a generation of professional and amateur wood workers.
This book is an exhaustive study of joinery. Frid starts with the traditional sections on wood, the tools, and the preparation of stock. Sections then follow on dovetails & other multiple joints, tongue and groove constrution, mortise and tenon, and mitered joints. What is different from other books on the subject is that Frid's explanations are clear and well illustrated, he covers many of the 'tricks' of the trade, and he will address a problem from several directions.
If you could remember everything in this book you would be a woodworking wizard. If you are more forgetful, like me, you will keep this book in the shop where you can grab it when planning out your work. If you have to have only one book on joinery Tage Frid's work may be all you need.