Blackthorn: Lore and Art of Making Walking Sticks

Paperback, 80 pages

Published by Alloway Publishing.

ISBN:
9780907526162
3 stars (1 review)

Exploration of the legends and the practice behind the craft of walking stick making from choosing the branch to treating and preserving the finished product. Jack Douglas takes the reader step by step through identification of the Blackthorn, choice of branch, straightening and finishing with some diversion into history, country lore and legend on the way. A fascinating glimpse into a traditional country craft.

1 edition

A bit of blackthorn knowledge.

3 stars

The edition I have just read is the first edition, so may differ from the re-print. John provides a personal account of his passion for Blackthorn, and his practical insight into choosing, and shaping walking sticks. There is also a short account of making pipe racks. The book concludes with a tiny section of lore, mostly it focusses on scenic anecdotes where John goes looking for blackthorn patches and hedgerows. It is well written, and John doesn't profess complete botanical knowledge about his subject, it is written from the perspective of a keen hobbyist who wants to share his knowledge with others, blackthorn addicts, and anyone else with an interest in trees and cane making.