Craftsman of the Cumberlands: Tradition and Creativity

by Michael Owen Jones

Overview

Michael Owen Jones's study of chairmaking in southeastern Kentucky focuses on Chester Cornett, a rural woodworker whose craft became a release from the problems and anxieties in his life; the massiveness of the chairs provided a sense of security and stability, and the virtuosity of their design and construction engendered feelings of self-esteem. Considering other area craftsmen for comparison, Jones explores why people consider aesthetic qualities as well as utilitarian ones in the making of everyday objects. He also looks at the nature of the creative process and the traditions that influence it.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780813183916
Publisher:	University Press of Kentucky
Publication date:	10/21/2021
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	304
File size:	20 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Michael Owen Jones is professor of folklore and history at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Table of Contents

	Preface	ix
1	The Chairmaking Business	1
2	The Masterpiece and the New Design	48
3	Man of Constant Sorrow	80
4	The Unique and the Antique	113
5	Security, Seclusion, and Self-Esteem	155
6	It Takes Half a Fool to Make Chairs	196
7	The Beauty Part and the Lasting Part	235
	Bibliographical Notes	263
	Index	284

Editorial Reviews

A charming book in the Foxfire tradition. Jones (history and folklore, UCLA) focuses on the artistic and traditional constraints in the work of one woodworker and chairmaker, Chester Cornett. Paper edition (unseen), $15. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

An outstanding work. It describes chairmaking in southeatern Kentucky as a craft in fine detail, and it fulfills its promise to answer some more fundamental questions about chairmakers themselves, their families, their friends.

Southern Folklore

The story of a complex man who through his chairs tries to transcend his limitations, yet seems to be thwarted. He withdraws more and more into his craft and looks toward it as some kind of salvation. Just may change the way we look at handmade objects.

Atlanta History

Reminds us why studying folklore makes us feel good.

Journal of American Folklore

Jones investigates the lost tradition in the context of folklore, exploring the craft of chairmaking through the bittersweet stories of those who keep the traditions alive.

McCormick (SC) Messenger

"The story of a complex man who through his chairs tries to transcend his limitations, yet seems to be thwarted. He withdraws more and more into his craft and looks toward it as some kind of salvation. Just may change the way we look at handmade objects." — Atlanta History

"Reminds us why studying folklore makes us feel good." — Journal of American Folklore

"Jones investigates the lost tradition in the context of folklore, exploring the craft of chairmaking through the bittersweet stories of those who keep the traditions alive." — McCormick (SC) Messenger

"An outstanding work. It describes chairmaking in southeatern Kentucky as a craft in fine detail, and it fulfills its promise to answer some more fundamental questions about chairmakers themselves, their families, their friends." — Southern Folklore

From the Publisher