Description

Book Synopsis

Why do we make things? Why do we choose the emotionally and physically demanding work of bringing new objects into the world with creativity and skill? Why does it matter that we make things well? What is the nature of work? And what is the nature of a good life?

Whether you're honing your craft or turning your hand to a new skill, discover the true value in what it means to be a craftsman in a mass-produced world.

Part memoir, part polemic, part philosophical reflection, this is a book about the process of creation. For woodworker Peter Korn, the challenging work of bringing something new and meaningful into the world through one's own efforts is exactly what generates authenticity, meaning, and fulfilment, for which many of us yearn. This is not a 'how-to' book in any sense, Korn wants to get at the 'why' of craft in particular, and the satisfaction of creative work in general, to understand its essential nature.

How does the making of objects shape our identities? How do the products of creative work inform society? In short, what does the process of making things reveal to us about ourselves? Korn draws on four decades of hands-on experience to answer these questions eloquently in this heartfelt, personal and revealing book.

'If you are in the building trade or just love creating things as a hobby, you will find this book fascinating' The Sun



Trade Review
It’s a beautifully written account of one man’s journey, making beautiful items over his lifetime. -- Vanessa King * Psychologies *

Why We Make Things and Why it Matters: The

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    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Wed 17 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Peter Korn

    10 in stock

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      View other formats and editions of Why We Make Things and Why it Matters: The by Peter Korn

      Publisher: Vintage Publishing
      Publication Date: 02/02/2017
      ISBN13: 9781784705060, 978-1784705060
      ISBN10: 1784705063

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      Why do we make things? Why do we choose the emotionally and physically demanding work of bringing new objects into the world with creativity and skill? Why does it matter that we make things well? What is the nature of work? And what is the nature of a good life?

      Whether you're honing your craft or turning your hand to a new skill, discover the true value in what it means to be a craftsman in a mass-produced world.

      Part memoir, part polemic, part philosophical reflection, this is a book about the process of creation. For woodworker Peter Korn, the challenging work of bringing something new and meaningful into the world through one's own efforts is exactly what generates authenticity, meaning, and fulfilment, for which many of us yearn. This is not a 'how-to' book in any sense, Korn wants to get at the 'why' of craft in particular, and the satisfaction of creative work in general, to understand its essential nature.

      How does the making of objects shape our identities? How do the products of creative work inform society? In short, what does the process of making things reveal to us about ourselves? Korn draws on four decades of hands-on experience to answer these questions eloquently in this heartfelt, personal and revealing book.

      'If you are in the building trade or just love creating things as a hobby, you will find this book fascinating' The Sun



      Trade Review
      It’s a beautifully written account of one man’s journey, making beautiful items over his lifetime. -- Vanessa King * Psychologies *

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