Things to Make

A cheerful time capsule from 1918, when a boy who could build his own toys was considered to have the right idea. Archibald Williams serves as a patient, encouraging guide for young craftsmen, walking them through projects ranging from a sturdy sawing trestle to simple furniture, toys, and basic machinery. The book begins with definitions and explanations, making it accessible to anyone with more enthusiasm than experience. There's something deeply appealing about this old-fashioned approach to making: no power tools, no kits, just wood and ingenuity. It's the kind of book a grandfather might have learned from, and that a modern maker might return to for the pleasure of working through problems the way they were solved a century ago. For readers curious about vintage craftsmanship or looking to build something real with their hands, this is a surprisingly satisfying artifact of a more deliberate age.