For the Love of Books

Figure Skating History

2012-02-03T14:50:00.000-06:00

While perusing the Finney Company book shelves, I decided to pick up a copy of the book Wonders on Ice: Figure Skating in Minnesota by Moira Harris. I picked up this book because I have always had a fascination with figure skating and found upon finishing that the fascination is still there.

The book starts with the history of figure skating in Minnesota back in the 1800s. It depicts the excitement men and women had going out to the river to socialize and skate with friends until their fingers could no longer take it. Soon lakes across the state were being utilized and warming houses were being used to warm up the skaters.

Harris then writes about the attire of figure skaters from the famous skate maker John Strauss to Oberhamer for having the best shoe for the skates (these companies still reside in Minnesota). The long skirts worn by women in the 1800's were soon "thrown out the door" as the women realized their inability to do jumps, twist and turns efficiently.

As the book moves on Harris poetically writes about the figure skating clubs, how the St. Paul Winter Carnival influenced the sport, and the people who helped enhance the sport across Minnesota as well as the figure skating world.

I found this book a wonderful read and was not surprised to see it was an Award Finalist for ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year Award. It stays true to Minnesota and its profound love affair with figure skating.For more information on this book, please contact Finney Company at (952) 469-6699 or visit Wonders on Ice.

Wonders on Ice: Figure Skating in Minnesota

By Moira F. Harris

ISBN: 9781880654354

Price: $17.95

Review of A Pattern Book fo Tools & Household Goods

2012-01-24T09:42:00.002-06:00

The first time you open this book, you will get a feeling for its magnificence. With its 9” x 15” size and crisp off-white paper, it feels like you take a small step back in time to a tool shop in the 1800s. A Pattern Book of Tools & Trades by Jane Rees & Elton W. Hall will inspire blacksmiths with perfect plate design patterns for replica creation and tool collectors search out tools made by W. & C. Wynn.

Rees & Hall start out describing the history of marketing done by the tool industry. From there they take you through the introduction of catalogs and then delve into the Birmingham tool trade to specifically speaking about W. & C. Wynn of which the patterns in the book belong.

Sample Pattern Page

The next section is the catalog/pattern book itself. It was issued around 1820 by W. & C. Wynn and depicts 83 plates including 9 fold outs all at full size. These detailed plates include steel toys, tools, household goods, woodworking tools, garden tools, kitchen utensils, fingernail clippers, sewing tools, corkscrews and much more.

As bonus, Hall & Rees included a W. & C. Wynn price list issued in 1810 at the end of the book.

A Pattern Book of Tools and Household Goods is available from Astragal Press. To order call: (800) 846-7027 or visit our website: www.astragalpress.com.

Order Number: AP-EAIA43. Price: $50.00 + shipping

New Blacksmithing Book Hits Shelves

2012-01-20T09:08:00.000-06:00

Astragal Press is excited to announce the newest addition to their catalog, Cyril Colnik: Man of Iron by Alan Strekow.

Master metalsmith Cyril Colnik (1871–1958) was an Austrian-born artist who parlayed a gold medal at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago into a sixty-year career creating marvelously intricate gates, balustrades, chandeliers, grilles, architectural ornaments, and other decor for public buildings and the mansions of the wealthy in the “German Athens” of America—Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Legend has it that beer baron Captain Frederick Pabst convinced Colnik to come to Milwaukee, pointing to the commissions the talented craftsman could get from wealthy industrialists and merchants. Colnik’s artistry and technical mastery transformed metal into works of beauty and permanence for clients including Pabst, Charles Allis of Allis-Chalmers Inc., Herman Uihlein of Schlitz Brewing Co., Lloyd Smith of the A. O. Smith Corporation, and many others. Colnik’s creations in iron, brass, and bronze can still be seen at the Pabst Mansion house museum, Milwaukee’s City Hall, Mader’s Restaurant, Wisconsin Memorial Park, and in many other older buildings around the city. The largest collection is in Milwaukee’s Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum (formerly the mansion of the Smith family), where visitors can see both the wrought metalwork that Colnik created for the Smith home and a permanent exhibition of objects, photographs, and archival material by and about Colnik. The exhibition includes the tools of a blacksmith shop, complete with forge and anvil.

Cyril Colnik, Man of Iron is the first book to document this metalsmith’s masterworks. It includes a biographical essay on Colnik and chapters that showcase the riches of the Villa Terrace’s Colnik collection and archives: photos of architectural features and collected objects at the Villa Terrace; examples of Colnik’s sketches, blueprints, and photographs; a trove of photos from Colnik’s personal collection that documented his work in now-unidentified homes and churches; and interior and exterior photographs of identifiable Milwaukee homes, businesses, and public buildings taken by Colnik, author Alan J. Strekow, and others. The book also includes an essay by present-day artisanal ironworker Daniel Nauman, a glossary of blacksmithing terms, a chronology of Colnik’s life and achievements, and a bibliography. Order Number: CB9210. Price $45.00

To order this book, visit us at www.astragalpress.com or call (952) 469-6699.

Hobar has Finally Arrived!

2012-01-12T14:11:00.000-06:00

The wait is finally over as the 2012 Hobar Catalog has arrived. If you are interested in receiving a free copy of this catalog, please email us at info@finneyco.com or call us at (800) 846-7027. If you would like to browse the catalog online, visit www.finney-hobar.com/hobar.html.

Hobar Publications was founded in 1964 and became a division of Finney Company in 1996. What started with a single book on concrete masonry has evolved into a publishing and distribution company offering more than 5,000 quality educational products. This division provides agricultural and career and technical educational materials.

4 More Days Left

2011-12-15T11:33:00.000-06:00

Today's book in our 12 Days of Christmas Sale is

Baskets: Tradition and Beyond

by Ray Leier, Jan Peters and Kevin Wallace

With baskets of fiber, clay, paper, feathers and metal, this book embraces the work of the purist who fells trees to make functional baskets as much as the artist who uses classic basketry techniques with any and every material imaginable. Featuring over 180 stunning full color photographs and insightful commentary, it will inspire all who have an appreciation for one of the world's most enduring art forms. On Sale for $10.00!

Click here to Order:

http://astragalpress.com/cbc_pages/CB1865_baskets_tradition_beyond.htm

12 Days of Christmas Book Sale

2011-12-06T15:05:00.000-06:00

Today started our 12 Days of Christmas Book Sale.

For the next 12 working days we will have 12 different books on sale. The discounts range from 30% - 50% off.

Visit www.chesterbookco.com or www.astragalpress.com to see what book we have for you!

Black Friday/ Cyber Monday is Upon Us!

2011-11-23T15:45:00.000-06:00

Astragal Press and Chester Book Co. fans, check out our spectacular book specials we have going on through Monday November 28, 2011. We have books ranging from $30.00 all the way down to $3.00.

Check them out at

Chester Book Co. - Black Friday Sale

Astragal Press - Black Friday Sale

Have a great Thanksgiving!!

Crafts Make one Smile

2011-11-17T11:21:00.000-06:00

Last Monday we made it back safe and sound from a crazy week at the annual Philadelphia Craft Show. We had such a great time meeting new artists such as Michael Mikula, Tia Kramer, and Keith Holt who had booths adjacent to ours.

We sold many books to many new faces. It was great to see the excitement people had on the great selection we had to offer them. My favorite memory was a lady who asked, "You probably won't be able to help me, but would you happen to have anything on hat-making?" "Of Course we do!" Was my response. She was thrilled with the book and purchased it immediately.

That is what we do, we research different areas of craft, bring in lots of books for review, and select only the best for our catalog offerings.

We came home with smiles on our faces from the appreciation we receive from our customers, our new artist friends who we wish the best, and look forward to attending Philadelphia in 2013.

Aisling's Dreams and Determination are Unveiled in Eye on the Iditarod

2011-11-01T09:14:00.000-05:00

Windward Publishing is excited to announce our latest addition Eye on the Iditarod: Aisling's Quest. It will be available this coming December, 2011.

I was born to race.
Born to drive a team of sled dogs.
Born to follow my dream of running the Iditarod.

This is the real-life story of a young girl with a big dream. From the time she was three years old, Aisling (pronounced "Ashley") Lara Shepherd loved watching sled dog racing on television. Inspired by the drive and determination of the dogs and the people who race them, Aisling set out on a personal quest to one day run her own dogs in the famous Iditarod race in Alaska. Follow eleven-year-old Aisling as she conquers obstacles, deals with heartbreak and loss, and achieves great victories--all while keeping her eye on the Iditarod.

Author Hope Irvin Marston worked with Aisling to complete this inspirational story of courage and resolve. This book also offers an informative and engaging look into the world of sled dog racing and the joys and challenges of caring for and training sled dogs.

To Pre-Order, Please Visit:
http://www.finneyco.com/eye_iditarod.htm

What Others Are Saying:

The best mushers are born 'doggy'. From birth they are drawn towards canine companions and eat, sleep and dream dogs. The best mushers also seem to overcome significant adversity in their lives. Aisling has both qualities and seems destined to become a champion.
Dave Steele, Executive Director, International Sled Dog Racing Association

I think this is a great story; it has a lot to say about what a person can do with determination and drive. Aisling's Quest or Aisling's quest or Eye on the Iditarod also explores the relationship between musher and dogs and gives a lot of accurate detail about the care and training of the dogs. It's a long way from Maine to Nome, but I think one day Aisling will make it to the Iditarod. You'll have to write a sequel! Good job, Aisling, your Mom, too!
Libby Riddles, 1st Woman Champion of the Iditarod & Author

The messages in this book are extremely well demonstrated. It shows commitment, goal-setting, family values, sportsmanship, humane treatment of animals, learning to trust in someone other than yourself, overcoming fear, endurance, pride in achieving a goal, and we learn some interesting and relevant historical facts about dog mushing. This story has broad appeal…it has the magic of three elements - female, animal, and adventure.
Pam Flowers, World Class Adventurer, Arctic Explorer, Author & Public Speaker

Across the world, dreams such as Aisling's are taking shape. Setting goals, working hard, and meeting challenges leads to an interesting life!
Diane Johnson, Iditarod Education Department

FFA National Convention Here We Come!

2011-10-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow we head off to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are excited to visit with students and advisers from across the country and show them many of the new products we have added to our new catalog. We will be back next week to share the adventure!

2010 Minnesota History Award Bestowed Upon Prairie Lightning: The Rise and Fall of William D. Washburn

2011-10-07T11:15:00.000-05:00

Prairie Lightning: The Rise and Fall of William Drew Washburn by Kerck Kelsey has graciously accepted the 2010 Minnesota History Award.

Prairie Lightning tells the story of William Drew Washburn’s life through the highs he conquered and the lows he endured. Washburn had a large influence in Minnesota and surrounding states through his entrepreneurship and politics. He held offices as a Minnesota Senator and Representative while also being a key element in the development of the births of the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railroad, the Soo Line Railroad, and the Minneapolis Mill Company now known as General Mills Incorporated.

Washburn also committed as he could to help the city of Minneapolis and St. Paul continue to grow. In 1924, the Washburn Crosby Company bought a struggling radio station to promote its products and named it after its acronym, WCCO. Because of this purchase WCCO now is one of the longest running radio stations in Minnesota. He also helped found the Universalistic Church in Minneapolis while helping to fund his brother Cadwallader’s commitment to the well-being of children and what is now known as the Washburn Center for Children.

Kelsey seamlessly integrated Washburn’s home life, his six successful children and the many major civic projects he instigated. This along with the occasional stormy relationships with his brother C.C. Washburn, James J. Hill, three generations of Pillsburys and politicians Ignatius Donnelly and Knute Nelson truly showcase Washburn’s colorful history.

Kerck Kelsey is a Washburn descendent and has chronicled the Washburn family for the past nineteen years. He is a historian and a story-teller who has delivered lectures on the Washburns from Alaska to Maine. Kelsey’s previous books include Israel Washburn, Jr. Maine’s Little Known Giant of the Civil War and Remarkable Americans: The Washburn Family.

Prairie Lightning, published by Pogo Press, is available through on-line and local booksellers, finneyco.com or by calling (800) 846-7027.

The Minnesota History Awards were created by the Minnesota Alliance of Local History Museums to honor the excellent work performed in Minnesota’s public history community. The intention of the program is to give due recognition to the organizations and individuals responsible for these programs. From exhibitions to organizational capacity building, Minnesota has been a national leader in public history but has never had a sanctioned awards program to identify this work. In addition to highlighting those who have achieved excellence, the program intends to use the example of winners to show the rest of our peers how it can be done, hopefully raising the quality of everyone’s work.

Finney Company was established in 1947 currently has more than 400 proprietary publications and distributes more than 6,000 quality products, enhancing the company’s mission to help improve the quality of lifelong learning worldwide. For additional information about Finney Company, visit www.finneyco.com or call (952) 469-6699.

New Success was found at the Lakeville Arts Festival

2011-09-23T11:08:00.000-05:00

While Rachel was only in Minnesota for 3 days she made quite the presence in our area. On Friday we made trips to 3 lucky elementary schools in Lakeville, MN for dot painting demonstrations all while learning about endangered species of the world. During the presentations Rachel let all the children know she would be at the Lakeville Art Festival and boy did they listen!

All throughout the festival we had children coming to our booths with their parents saying, "She was the one at our school!" and parents saying, "my child begged me to bring them here to paint with you and buy your book". With art programs being cut all across the country it was exciting to see parents and children appreciate something so wonderful.

Enjoy some pictures from the weekend!

Kids working on their animal dot paintings.

Rachel is reading her book to some upcoming artists.

Rachel's booth and artwork.

Talking with a parent about the additional bringing it into the classroom & bringing it into your home sections in her book.

Reading corner

The "dot booth" with Rachel's artwork.

Windward Makes its Way to the Lakeville Arts Festival

2011-09-08T09:05:00.000-05:00

September 17-18 is an exciting time for Windward Publishing as our author Rachel Dillon has been chosen as the literary artist for the 2011 Lakeville Art Festival. During this time Rachel will be doing book readings, demonstrations, and art projects. She will also be selling her book along with her Aboriginal-inspired dot paintings. Please stop by to see her work on the new paintings for her upcoming book Through Desert Eyes.

She will reading her book Through Endagered Eyes on Saturday at 10:30 and 2:30 and on Sunday at 11:30 and 2:30. To learn more please visit, the Lakeville Art Festival website.

To learn more about Rachel, visit her website at www.racheldillon.com.

A quick blurb about Rachel: Rachel Dillon, born and raised in Madison, WI currently resides and works as an artist in the Southwest. Winner of the Eric Hoffer Award, "Rachel's strong passion for animals and endangered species led her to write about them in hopes that educating others will lead to a more conscientious treatment of these animals and their habitats."

Rachel's book, published locally through Windward Publishing an imprint of Finney Company, Lakeville, will be shared by the author/illustrator at the Lakeville Art Festival. In addition, Rachel will show us through instruction and fun how to create the same artwork from her book. Rachel often works with art instructors as well as moms and dads to help keep art alive in our children and how to educate through art illustration. This event and book is for children and adults. We are excited to welcome Rachel Allen Dillon to this year's festival!

To purchase her book, please visit our website.

David Stanley Auctions Creates Excitement in the Tool World with Sale of the David Russell Collection

2011-08-30T09:09:00.005-05:00

David R. Russell has announced part of his collection will be auctioned off in the upcoming months. This has created quite a stir in the tool world this is considered one of the most important collections in the world today. Mr. Russell has collected these tools for over 50 years. During that time he put together a magnificent piece of work titled Antique Woodworking Tools: Their Craftsmanship from the Earliest Times to the Twentieth Century.

Amassed over forty years, the David Russell collection brings together a stunning array of edge and boring tools from Britain, continental Europe and North America, thus providing a broad survey of hand tool-making from prehistory to today. All the tools are illustrated with James Austin's photographs, with details and marks shown where appropriate. Special attention is given to planes, and the great British makers of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries are discussed in depth.

Since prehistoric times there has been a never-ending quest for better ways to cut and bore wood. Along the way this has produced a wide variety of hand tools, and there are many where beauty and function meet.

The excellent photographs and descriptions do more than justice to one of the most outstanding collections I have ever seen. - The late Roy Arnold

To purchase this book, please visit www.astragalpress.com
or to Antique Woodworking Tools.

Pocket-Watch Slide Rules is Almost Here

2011-08-26T16:09:00.000-05:00

We are excited to announce the newest book which will hit our shelves at the end of September, Pocket-Watch Slide Rules by Peter M. Hopp.

This book is about one of the most attractive and tactile forms of slide rules, the pocket-watch slide rule. Although pocket-watch slide rules were not the most accurate nor easy to use, these delightful devices were in makers catalogues from all parts of the world for the last century of the slide rule's life. Pocket-watch slide rules are an exquisite example of the slide rule makers' art and are perhaps the most collectable type of slide rules.

The Book Includes

- Descriptions of special scales used
- Coverage of seminal patents
- A glossary of terms

- A comprehensive bibliography

- Descriptions of over 150 pocket-watch slide rules and variants
- Full-color illustrations, detailed descriptions, and dating information
- Approximately 80 makers and retailers from the UK, Europe, and the USA

Order now and receive FREE SHIPPING on all
U.S. Domestic orders until October 1, 2011.

Please visit our website www.astragalpress.com to place orders.

After a Whirlwind of Tradeshows, Finney Made it Back Intact!

2011-08-23T11:30:00.002-05:00

Where did the month of August go?

After a month of trade-shows, Finney Co. has made it back to the office. The end of July we started our trek with a stop at the Little Log House Antique Power Show. There was a lot of excitement with this show as it was our first time to visit. We ran into many tractor and old tool lovers. We loved being able to meet with new customers and see the awe in their eyes as they noticed books on early tractors, steam whistles, building tools, Sears and Roebuck catalog reprints, and our new Astragal Press t-shirts!

A week later, we headed off to Orlando for the Orlando Gift Show to showcase our books. This again was a new show for us and we had no idea Great Outdoors Publishing books. This again was a new show for us and we had no idea what to expect. For four days we introduced ourselves to new clients and caught up with old ones. We had a great time showing off the new products for our catalog such as our 3D puzzles, children books, Megalodon books, waterproof ID cards, and shell books.

Both shows were very exciting and we are glad we took advantage of trying out something new. While we are enjoying our time back at the office, we are prepping for the next adventure The International Slide Rule Convention in Boston along with the Blacksmithing show in Hastings, MN this coming September. Hopefully we will see you there!

Little Log House Antique Power Show here we come!!

2011-07-25T09:10:00.000-05:00

For the first time, Astragal Press is attending the Little Log House Antique Power Show in Hastings, Minnesota. For the last week we have been studying our warehouse to decide what items show-goers will be interested in. With the final number of assorted titles being over 450, there should be something for everyone!

We will have books ranging from self-sufficiency, early farming, and tool collecting to crafts, regional history, and blacksmithing.

Please visit us out at the show July 29, 30, 31 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM to see what else we have to offer!

Customer leaves with smile and Youtube Video of Astragal Press

2011-07-13T09:08:00.000-05:00

Last Friday, Finney Company & Astragal Press welcomed Edward Karn into our warehouse to buy a few of our blacksmithing books. Little did we know he planned to create a YouTube video of his trip through our office and warehouse. After a quick introduction, we took Mr. Karn back to find his books and show him the many titles we have available. The trip very well and we were very excited to meet and learn about one of our customers and plan on seeing him again this fall at the Metal Madness event in Hastings this November.

Please check out the video:

To Visit Edwards website: http://edwardkarn.com/2011/07/09/a-visit-to-astragal-press/

Hobar Publications Makes Its Way To MAAE & WAAE

2011-07-08T16:02:00.000-05:00

After two weeks of agriculture shows in Minnesota and Wisconsin, Hobar Publications can relax and say they made it home. Last week we ventured over to Green Bay, WI for the annual Wisconsin Association of Agriculture Educators meeting. The new venue meant a new adventure which ended with positive results. We had a great turn out and were excited to see many of the teachers ready to learn about our new products.

With positive reviews we headed back across the dairy-land to Breezy Point, MN for the Minnesota Association of Agriculture Educators summer meeting. Attendance in the exhibit hall was fantastic with many teachers looking for new products to enhance their classrooms for the upcoming year. Even with the great weather and the beach outside the window, everyone stayed focused on the day's events and presentations.

Even though the last few weeks were a whirlwind of car rides and exhibit halls, we at Hobar are excited for both Minnesota and Wisconsin's Agriculture summer meets next year!

We've Updated Our Website!

2011-06-23T09:40:00.000-05:00

After a few weeks of planning, prepping, and designing we are very excited to announce the update of our Finney Co. website. Please visit at www.finneyco.com!

Below you will see a seek peak of the homepage:

www.finneyco.com

Dillon's Book Makes a Point at NAEA

2011-06-14T10:30:00.000-05:00

In March of 2011 Chester Book Co. was able to make our way out to Seattle for the National Art Educators Association national conference. While that was over three months ago, we had a fantastic time with fantastic results. We were very excited to announce to the attendees our author and illustrator, Rachel Dillon, was accepted as a speaker to explain her dot painting technique from her book Through Endangered Eyes.

Dillon signed books all three days we were at the trade show. It was great being able to to watch her connect with many of the teachers with the signings and also by giving them ideas on how to use her book in their classrooms.

During her presentation, Rachel spoke to the avid listeners about her background on how dot painting and endangered species became a large part of her life. She also explained how to bring the technique into the classroom at any age as well as the importance of animals on our planet. You could feel her passion for these two topics spread to the listeners as the presentation came to a finish.

After we made the trip home we realized what a success the show was. It was wonderful to see one of our authors so passionate about her books and hope to see her again at next years show in New York City.

June Brings Craft Sales

2011-06-07T08:58:00.001-05:00

With temperatures exceeding 100 degrees today, summer has unofficially arrived. To celebrate Chester Book Company has decided to have a summer sale! Throughout the month of June CBC will have craft books of every variety at 50% off.

Titles include: African Art, Robert Lee Morris, Crafting a Legacy, Garden Workshop, Piacasso & more!

Happy 2011

2011-01-17T15:43:00.001-06:00

The new year has come and Finney Company is already busy. We are in the process of publishing a few new books for the year so check back on the process of them. The tradeshow season also kicked off last weekend with the Annual MAAE Winter Conference in St. Cloud, MN. We showcased some new agriculture products to the teachers such as the new 3D Cow model and leadership books. Next on the list comes the MidWest Tool Collector Association meeting and the National Art Educator Association Meeting.

Please keep checking back for upcoming deals and to see where you can find us at upcoming trade shows!

Through Endangered Eyes Poetically Explores Animal Awareness

2010-12-20T15:55:00.000-06:00

In 2009 we were approached by author and illustrator Rachel Allen Dillon to publish her book Through Endangered Eyes and we accepted. It has been two years and we are still excited about the many opportunities Through Endangered Eyes is receiving. Rachel's book has won honorable mention for the Eric Hoffer Award and she was also accepted as a presenter at the upcoming 2011 National Art Teacher Association (NAEA) convention in Seattle in March. As an exhibitor we will be hosting Rachel for book signings.

Now the synopsis of Through Endangered Eyes:

Take a journey across land and sea to meet twenty-one endangered and threatened animals, from the mighty polar bear to the tiny Corroboree frog. Through beautiful paintings and intimate poems, you will learn about the lives and these amazing animals and why they are in danger. Activities and organizations are listed to help you learn more. To order a copy of Rachel's book, click here.

Santa brought us gifts early!

2010-12-17T16:27:00.000-06:00

We are excited to announce another non-exclusive arrangement. Larson Publishing Company has agreed to have Astragal Press become the wholesale distributor of their books.

The first book, Iron Menagerie came about because several years ago a few of The Guild of Metalsmiths members collaborated on writing and publishing a "how to book" on forging animal heads. The result of this effort is the book explains how to forge fifteen different animal heads. Blacksmith Paul Hubler (who hammered out all the projects in this book) is present throughout in pictures and text to explain each and every step in forging an animal head. Iron Menagerie shows its uniqueness by clearly demonstrating every step in the animal head process so any person with a minimal amount of experience can easily follow the instructions. Proceeds from the sale of this book go to The Guild of Metalsmiths Education Fund.

The final title is The Mastermyr Find: A Viking Ave Tool Chest from Gotland. Greta Arwidsson and Gosta Berg authored this book about a chest which was found in Mastrmyr on the island of Gotland Sweden in 1936. More the 200 objects were found in and around the chest. Most of the items were tools that were used by blacksmiths and carpenters and modern in appearance.

As we have said before, if you have questions or want to order these titles, please call (800) 846-8027 or go to www.astragalpress.com.

EAIA Titles Added to our Distribution

2010-12-15T13:38:00.000-06:00

We are excited to have entered into a non-exclusive arrangement with Early American Industries Association, Inc. (E.A.I.A.) to be a wholesale distributor of their books. They are all located on our Astragal Press site, so feel free to order them there.

A Pattern Book of Tools and Household Goods
This beautifully crafted reproduction of a pattern book was probably issued by W. & C. Wynn of Birmingham about 1820. It contains 83 plates of tools, including 9 fold out plates, all at full size. The plates depict hundreds of tools, household goods including tools for the kitchen, corkscrews, garden tools, watch and clock tools, coopers' tools, shoemakers' tools, gun tools and personal accessories like key rings and fingernail clippers.
The illustrated introduction is by Jane Rees and Elton W. Hall. As a bonus, each book has a back pocket containing a reprint of an 1810 W. & C. Wynn price list that closely matches the pattern book. This publication is the first of its kind that has been reprinted at full size and is a unique resource for those interested in tools and household goods. It is also the first publication supported by the Mark Rees Publication Fund. 90 pages. 9 x 15. Hundreds of superbly reproduced B & W drawings of tools. Soft cover. (Includes price list. 36 pages. 4 x 6. soft cover.) ©2006. ISBN 0943196043. Order Number: AP-EAIA43…$50.00

The Chronicle of The Early American Industries Association
Volumes 1-60 (1933-2007)on DVD
For seventy-five years, the Early American Industries Association (E.A.I.A.) has published The Chronicle. Filled with informative articles on the history and study of early technologies, industries, crafts, and trades The Chronicle has become well known for its presentation of original research and ground-breaking articles written by collectors, students, professional historians, and living history re-enactors. This digital edition contains volume 1 (1933) through volume 60 (2007) in searchable Adobe PDF files. © 2009. ISBN: 094319606X. Order Number: AP-EAIA6X…$35.00

The Directory of American Toolmakers - CD-ROM
This is largest single source of information on North American toolmakers ever compiled. It has been updated and is currently available on CD. The heart of the directory is its main list which includes over 14,000 maker's names, the geographic location of the maker as well as the work location(s) (when available), the working years of the maker, the tool types are separated into 73 categories, and description of the marks on the tools. With over 1,200 pages containing over 14,000 entries and over 5,000 supplemental names dating back to as early as 1636, together with cross-references, indexes, and lists of primary and secondary sources, this is an invaluable resource. Tool collectors, museum curators, genealogists, and historians of North American technology will find this publication beneficial. This directory was complied by many members of Early American Industries Association (E.A.I.A.). Searchable CD-ROM. ©2007. ISBN: 0943196051. Order Number: AP-EAIA51…$30.00

New Catalogs are out for 2011!

2010-12-14T09:50:00.000-06:00

Joining the 21+ inches of snow we received on Saturday here is Minnesota are all of our completed trade catalogs for the year 2011. I will post the links below to the websites so feel free to go to our websites to look at our new titles and take advantage of our free shipping for a purchase over $50.00 deal until January.

If you are interested in receiving a free catalog please call us (800) 846-7027 or email us at craftbooks@finneyco.com.

Now for our catalogs

Astragal Press - Books on early tools, trades, and technology. Covers topics: railroadiana, building construction & design, carriages & sleighs, woodworking and history & collectibles.

Blacksmithing and Metalworking - Over 100 books on technique and inspiration.

Chester Book Co. - Offers the finest books on craft by searching for titles from U.S. and foreign publishing houses, art museums, craft organizations, and books self-published by studio craft artists. Topics: Basketry, Paper, Wood, Glass, Fiber, Clay, Beads, Basketry, Craft History.

Hobar Publications - Books containing information on hands-on instructional materials for all career and technical educators. Contains agriculture lit., Natural Resources, Animal Science, Leadership/FFA, cooperatives, food science, horticulture, tractor and farm safety to concrete and masonry, construction, electricity, measuring, plumbing, and power mechanics.

Finney Company - All titles we publish. Included are regional, nature, canoeing and camping, Florida guides, Hiram Drache & more.

Florida Books - Great Outdoors Publishing Co. has put together titles relating to Florida and the Southeast. Included in the catalog are children's books, Florida history, lore, and fiction, birds, boating, guidebooks, paddling, plants, shells, & more.

New Careers Center - One-stop shopping for the best career material from 100+ sources. Covers anything from career assessments, career discovery, ex-offender job information, and careers to colleges, resume, cover letters, paying for college, and job hunting.

Prairie Lightning Strikes up the Colorful Life of William Drew Washburn

2010-12-13T14:50:00.001-06:00

Prairie Lightning was released on June 10, 2010 and published by Pogo Press, an imprint of Finney Company. It is available through on-line and local booksellers, pogopress.com or by calling Finney at (800) 846-7027.

Splendid Settings Brings Together the Art and Craft of Entertaining

2010-12-09T16:00:00.000-06:00

Lakeville, Minn.—Chester Book Company, an imprint of Finney Company, is pleased to announce the release of Splendid Settings: The Art + Craft of Entertaining by Jane Korman.

This exquisite hardback is a personal story that combines the world of cooking and dining with the world of art, craft, and design. It features what the author considers to be her most interesting and imaginative ideas for setting tables, using her personal collections of contemporary handmade dinnerware. It also features menus and recipes that are particular to the four seasons and the way she and her husband, Leonard, love to entertain.

Splendid Settings is presented in four sections based on seasonal entertaining at the Kormans’ homes. It illustrates how the author’s uncomplicated and easy –to-prepare recipes drawn from her own kitchens—and those from family and friends—in combination with her collection of contemporary crafts enhance the total presentation and dining experience at the table.

Jane Korman’s goal is to inspire others to create their own innovative table settings for lovely dinner parties, based on what they enjoy or collect. She believes that “a beautiful table setting will always be appreciated by guests and contribute to the pleasure of even the simplest meal.”

Splendid Settings, released on October 1, 2010, is being distributed by Chester Book Company, an imprint of Finney Company. It is available through on-line and local booksellers, museum shops, chesterbookco.com or by calling Finney at (800) 858-8515.

Proceeds from the sale of Splendid Settings will support fellow research and education in the pulmonary and critical care division of medicine at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Visit www.splendidsettings.com for complete book details and addition images.

Sales for the Holiday Season

2010-12-08T08:59:00.000-06:00

It is now the middle of December which means the Holiday shopping season is in full force. It seems everyone is offering some type of deal and since we didn't want to be left out of the fun we came up with our own promotion for all of our imprints.

Holiday Shipping Special for Web Orders!!

Receive FREE* Shipping and Handling

on all on-line orders of $50.00 or more.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010 through Friday, January 7, 2011

International Customers: Receive $5.00 off** your Shipping and Handling

on all on-line orders of $50.00 or more. Valid Tuesday, November 23, 2010 through Friday, January 7, 2011

A quick introduction to our imprints:
Chester Book Co. - Chester Book Co. offers the finest books on craft by searching for titles from U.S. and foreign publishing houses, art museums, craft organizations, and books self-published by studio craft artists. www.chesterbookco.com

Astragal Press - Astragal Press offers books at affordable prices for those interested in antique tools and early trades and technologies. www.astragalpress.com

Hobar Publications - Hobar Publications provides agricultural, career, and technical educational materials. What started with a single book on concrete masonry has evolved into a publishing and distribution company offering more than 5,000 quality educational products. www.finneyco.com

Ready, Set, GO!

2010-12-07T14:15:00.000-06:00

Only a month before 2011 and Finney Company has decided to forge a new path into social media. We hope all of you find this blog full of pertinent information.

Throughout the year you will find updates on new books, DVDs, & more! Employees of Finney will post reviews of titles we have read and promote coupons available to those who follow our blog.

We hope you enjoy following us on our new adventure and we are sure you will find plenty amounts of information on all of our imprints!

Major Imprints are as follows:
Chester Book Company (www.chesterbookco.com)
Astragal Press (www.astragalpress.com)
Hobar Publications (www.finney-hobar.com)
New Careers Center (www.newcareerscenter.com)