Illustrated story of the revolution of the axe and its varied uses with photos from the author's collection and museums. Identifies the great variety of North American axes, dating from the Colonial period to the present. Detailed drawings and diagrams of construction and production of basic types of axes are also pictured, along with a list of all known American axe manufacturers since the 18th century, and notes on the care of axes. (152pp. illus. index. Masthof Press, 2005 reprint.)