By Hand & Eye, Walker & Tolpin (book)

By Hand & Eye by George R. Walker and Jim Tolpin is a deep dive into the world of history, architecture and design. Instead of serving up a list of formulas with magical names (i.e. the Golden Section, the Rule of Thirds), the authors show how much of the world is governed by simple proportions, noting how ratios such as 1:2, 3:5 and 4:5 were ubiquitous in the designs of pre-industrial artisans. And the tool that helps us explore this world, then as now, is the pair of dividers.

The key to good design is to master these basic "notes", much like learning to sing "do, re, mi". How to do this is the subject of the first three-quarters of the book. It offers exercises, examples and encouragement in opening your inner eye and learning the simple geometry that will help you improve your design.

The last quarter of the book puts these principles into practice by designing nine projects that are decidedly contemporary, proof positive that design isn't reserved for highboys and 18th-century Philadelphia side chairs. The projects are small enough and simple enough that you can explore the book's concepts without risking a lot of wood or time.

By Hand & Eye is not, however, a recipe book for better design. The principles of good design are learned through exercise and repetition, and the authors offer the critical exercises in every chapter.

200 pages with full-color illustrations printed on heavy matte coated paper. Casebound and sewn, with cotton cloth covered boards. Published by Lost Art Press and printed in the United States.