The Traditonal Bowyer's Bible, Volume 1

Rating:
Summary: If you want to build an all wood bow, this book is a must!
Review: This book starts by teaching you the basic knowledge of wood and how it will affect the bow's performance. From there it will take you into building a couple different types of bows and the best way to accomplish it. The only better way to learn is to have someone teach you. If you don't have anyone then this book is your best bet!

Rating:
Summary: Very in depth and detailed
Review: This book was excellent for outlining the process of making bows. Each section of the book is dedicated to a different area of bow making, and therefore was able to cover a substantial amount of ground. This book does require an advanced knowledge of bows and archery.

Rating:
Summary: Great book, but...
Review: Where are the definitions? This book goes into every nuance about making a bow, as described by absolutely fanatical bowyers. A little bit of humor and a few personal stories are related, making it a more entertaining read. Every chapter is quite thorough and caters to the novice except the longest (at around 75 pages) and most important chapter, "Bow Design & Performance," which for some reason assumes that you know what tillering, set, draw weight, draw length, string height, string stretch, etc., mean. Some of these terms are somewhat self-explanatory and some are given specific attention, but again, the basics are ignored. I had to skip the chapter and read further for tidbits of clarification and then had to go to some other sources to become familiar with just what these terms mean. What is a "bible" on a subject without the basics described thoroughly?

Rating:
Summary: Great book, but...
Review: Where are the definitions? This book goes into every nuance about making a bow, as described by absolutely fanatical bowyers. A little bit of humor and a few personal stories are related, making it a more entertaining read. Every chapter is quite thorough and caters to the novice except the longest (at around 75 pages) and most important chapter, "Bow Design & Performance," which for some reason assumes that you know what tillering, set, draw weight, draw length, string height, string stretch, etc., mean. Some of these terms are somewhat self-explanatory and some are given specific attention, but again, the basics are ignored. I had to skip the chapter and read further for tidbits of clarification and then had to go to some other sources to become familiar with just what these terms mean. What is a "bible" on a subject without the basics described thoroughly?

Rating:
Summary: Essential guide to building traditional bows and arrows
Review: Wonderful collection of articles about how to go about building bows and arrows from natural materials. Valuble resource for anyone making archery equipment for fun or for profit. Can't afford high-priced bows and arrows? Make your own and save a bundle. Only interested in using modern materials such as fiberglass? Read this book for no other reason than to understand how bows work. Read Vols. 2&3 for even more info on this traditional craft.

Rating:
Summary: From start to finish the authors keep you interested!
Review: Written by a collective group of bowyers that know how to keep the craft alive by building each readers interest. An excellent book for the novice and the experienced crafts person. The authors know what they are talking about! Building a really good all wood bow is not easy, but these bowyers take the mystery out of it and make it fun in the process!