Native Watercraft Books
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Birchbark Canoes of the Fur Trade
by Tim Kent
This is an invaluable resource for those interested in North American
history, the fur trade, canoes, early exploration, the traditional life
ways of Native American people, early military transport, and sailing
craft. The core of the book is based on the author's discovery of eight
surviving original voyaging canoes of the nineteenth century, four in
full size and four minature models. These historical treasures,
representing both freight canoes and express canoes are preserved in
museum collections in England, Canada, and the United States.
The author provides detailed descriptions of each element of these
canoes, which contain a number of previously unreported features as
well as authentic period repairs of the bark cover and wooden elements.
Also included is a reexamination and expansion ofall the fur trade
materials in the classic work by Adney and Chapelle. This is necessary
in light of the newly-discovered original specimens, as well as
numerous new historical resources of which both Adney and Chapelle were
unaware.
In addition, the book containes extensive chapters on the orgins,
manufacture, decoration, usage, sailing, portaging, repair, storage,
equipment, and cargoes of voyaging canoes. A great deal of this
material pertains to the 17th and 18th century French era of the trade.
Based on unpublished record books and documents of French outfitters,
traders, and travelers, as well as numerous other early documents, much
of this material has never before been published.
The work is copiously illustrated with other 150 contemporary and early
photographs, some 200 line drawings, and reproductions of numerous art
works of the fur trade period. Many of the photographs and art works
are presented in full color.
"An invaluable souce for the amateur and professional historians,
museums and historic sites, authors and re-enactors. These volumes will
significantly ease the labors of anyone interested in furthering his
knowledge and appreciation of the great bark canoes of North America. A
major reference work for amateur and professional alike." - Ralph
Frese, Premier canoe historian, designer, and builder
Oversize paperback. 686 pages in two volumes. $50.00
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The Bark Canoes and Skin Boats of North America
by Edwin Adney and Howard Chapelle
The art of bark canoe building might have been lost altogether but for
the work of artist-craftsman Edwin Abney. In 1899, Adney build his
first Birch bark canoe under the guidance of a Malecite Indian. This
early interest developed into a life-long study that resulted in a
collection of paper, drawings, and models reproduced here. Howard
Chapelle, who compiled and edited Adney's papers added a chapter
describing Eskimo skin boats and kayaks to round out this remarkable
study.
This classic study is the definate work on bark canoes. Revealing the
secrets of a nearly lost craft this book will appeal to craftspeople
and canoe enthusiasts, as well as scholars in material culture and
Native American studies.
Detailed line drawings. Photos and construction techniques for 13
tribal styles of birchbark canoes, many kayak and umiak (open skin
boat) styles, and temporary bark and skin boat styles. The Native boat
builder’s bible.
"Edwin Adney...understood Indian language. The material he assembled,
over decades, had not been gathered in anything like such details and
scope before, nor could it ever be again, for in Adney's lifetime the
number of makers of bark canoes declined from the thousands to a
scattered, vestigial few. Alone, Adney perserved this immemorial
technology." - John McPhee, The Survival of the Bark Canoe
"A fascinating and richly detailed clook at a nearly lost
handicraft...This book will tell you how to build these craft, what
tools and materials were used, and how they were prepared for
incorporation in the the boat. Also discussed are the changes in
construction and materials that took place as European products were
introduced." - Fine Woodworking
"The most extensive description of native boats in North America." - Canoe
Oversize paperback, 242 pages. $30.00
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Building a Birch Bark Canoes
by Richard C. Schneider
Thirty years ago, there were few birch bark canoe builders remaining in
North America - even fewer in the United States, but that was when
Richard Schneider undertook to build one from scratch himself.
This book describes the procedures and processes as well as the
problems in traditional birch bark canoe construction: from the
harvesting of bark and roots to caulking and sailing the finished
12-foot long vessel. Originally recorded in 1970 as a chapter in his
LINK Crafts of the North American Indians,
this new edition now includes recent research and additional
observations of contemporary canoe builders not available for the first
version.
Everything is well documented in great detail and with ample
illustrations by the author for readers who want to be informed about
this most unique of Native American watercraft. Whether you inted to
build on yourself or simply want to know how it is/was done, this is
the book!
Paperback, 61 pages, $7
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