Woodworker's Central Woodworker's Gazette Gazette Archive 5/26/00

A book review: By Jim Barry Title: Fence Style - Surround Yourself with Charm & Elegance Authors: James Harper and Margie Roe Published by: Sterling Publishing Co. Inc. 387 Park Avenue South New York, NY 10016-8810 ISBN ISBN 0-8069-3945-1 Price Hardcover: $27.95 (Canada $41.95 ) 128 color pages Fences can add that magical finishing touch to a well landscaped house. This book presents a beautiful array of fence styles in stone, metal and wood. The photography of fences and the landscapes they surround is extremely well done. Not only broad shots of pickets fences, but included as well are the close up details, like that of ornamental decoratives and designs that play just as an important part as the structure of the fence itself. This book is to help you decide what style is best suited for your taste and your building landscape. With a brief introduction into required tools and supplies, the reader is shown how to determine what is required to build the fence of their dreams given the conditions they face with their landscape. The text does not go in-depth with all the details but it provides the necessary information needed to get the reader going on the right track. As an added bonus, the book included a section on personalizing your fencing with painting ideas and stencilling techniques. Very inspirational. The only downfall with the book was the price. At $41.95 (CAN), I would put the book back on the shelf. If the book had more details about construction techniques, I would consider it a good buy. Jim Barry The Woodchuck Canuck Editor's Note: Sterling Publishing has graciously donated several books for review which are passed on to our members free of charge in exchange for thoughtful, honest reviews. Thank You!