A book that is covertly a love poem disguised as a father-and-son story, an apprentice’s learning of an exotic craft, a hymn to the eternal mystery of trees, and a tribute to the flat-out joy of gifting. Enchanting.” — Bill Buford, author of Heat and Dirt
"I didn’t think it possible to blend the tones and sensibilities of James Herriott and Anthony Bourdain, but Callum Robinson has managed to do it - in wood! This wise and wonderful book takes the lucky reader as deeply into the grain of Britain’s primal medium as it does into the psyche of one its most gifted practitioners. Trees, chairs, and woodworkers alike will resonate differently once you’ve become Ingrained." — John Vaillant, author of Pulitzer Prize finalist, Fire Weather
"Honest, original and true – written like a good novel, with that very rare merit of exploring the doubt and criticism necessary for any great art or craft, be it writing or carpentry." — Lars Mytting, author of Norwegian Wood and The Sister Bells Trilogy
"This magnificent debut isn't just an ode to the craft of carpentry, but the art of writing. Robinson's chiseled, elegant prose is the sound of a bright new voice in non-fiction. His memoir brings to life the heartwood in trees, families, and a young man making his way in the world with an inspiring integrity. This is essential reading for any artist who might be losing their way." — Sophy Roberts, author of The Lost Pianos of Siberia
"A gorgeous, heartfelt book, shot through with the wisdom and grace of the trees that illuminate its pages. In the age of rampant consumerism, it is salutary to be reminded that there are still craftspeople like Callum Robinson, pouring love into his creations. Like his tables, chairs, cabinets and sculptures, Ingrained is a work of wonder and beauty." — Lee Schofield, author of Wild Fell
"Ingrained is a delight to read: deliciously indulgent and a work of pure craft poetry." — Rebecca Struthers, author of Hands of Time
"This memoir is a paean to the glories of nature; to working with your hands against the grain of our all-too-disposable lifestyles." — Bookseller (UK), "Editor's Choice"
"A delightful book about the art of craft; a hard-carved woodworking romance written with tenderness and an almost sensual attention to detail. I can smell the resin and the soft, fresh sawdust. I can feel the bite of dense grain beneath the blade. Quite magical." — Cal Flyn, author of Islands of Abandonment
“A debut that’s both a paean to the art of woodworking and a memoir about creative endeavors.” — Observer
“When [Robinson] rolls out the names of trees. . . it's as mesmeric as Edward Thomas listing wildflowers. Which is apt, because Robinson is a fine writer, sometimes poetic.” — Spectator