The Man Who Made Things Out Of Trees

Written by acclaimed author and woodsman Rob Penn, this captivating book chronicles the journey of a single Ash tree cut down in Wales and transformed into dozens of beautiful, functional handmade objects.

The Man Who Made Things Out of Trees: An Extraordinary Ode to Craftsmanship.

In this rich work of non-fiction, Rob Penn takes readers on an unforgettable voyage across Europe and the United States. Driven by a passion to understand our ancestral connection to woodlands, Penn works alongside master wheelwrights, bowl turners, hurley makers, and cabinetmakers. Each chapter illuminates how the versatile Ash tree has shaped human culture, sports, and daily survival over millennia—from toboggans and baseball bats to axe handles and intricate furniture.

More than just a book about woodworking, it is an evocative homage to vanishing traditional skills, environmental stewardship, and the deeply rewarding pleasure of handcrafting. Penn weaves history, botany, memoir, and human skill into a narrative that resonates with outdoor enthusiasts, history lovers, and conscious readers alike.

Elevate your personal collection today.