An important book, but one that is not always easy reading. A rural carpenter’s world is an interesting insight into the practice of carpentry in New York state during the nineteenth century. I found the book to be good, but more scholarly than narrative. Franklin cannot be faulted on his research, I just wish that their had been a bit more license taken – ala The Artisan of Ipswich. I do however believe that future scholars and serious students of history will find this book to be an invaluable resource, and I cannot begin to comprehend the volume of research that must have been undertaken to make this book possible.