This is a cultural history of crafters/artisans/skilled tradespeople in the US from Jamestown until the present. It's not a how-to book. There are some photo illustrations, but overall, it's much more like a long museum guide than a Martha Stewart book. The author makes many efforts to share the stories of makers from diverse backgrounds through time--for instance, the author recounts the amazing life story of James W.C. Pennington through the frame of his blacksmithing. There are metaphors for the remaking of selves and even the nation, which are deflated a bit by the stories of modern "craftwashing." It's all interesting, even if not always as inspiring as intended.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

Adamson's account is historically diverse. While this often creates an imprecise use of terms like 'craft' and 'artisan', the more expansive definitions allow for a unique look at three centuries of evolving and contesting conceptions of craftsmanship. For me, this made the work stand out from similar books on the topic. While I do not necessarily agree with the author's placement of 'craftivism' as a historical endpoint, I can appreciate that this view is more democratic and inclusive compared to historical discussions of craftsmanship that dismissed female labor and fetishized precision and efficiency at the expense of artistic impulse.

An in-depth fascinating look at Craft makers from the early days to the establishment of the market known as Etsy. A really valuable book that will open your eyes to crafts place in history,Highly recommend to lovers of history,#netgalley#bloomsbury

Read if you: Want a deep dive into the history and importance of crafts and artisans in the United States.

Librarians/booksellers: From pre-colonial to times to "craftivism," Etsy, and the maker movement, this is an all-encompassing view of American craft history. The importance of African-Americans to American craft history--particularly in slavery and Civil Rights times--is significant, and eye-opening to read. Readers wanting a comprehensive look at American crafts will be rewarded.

Many thanks to Bloomsbury USA and NetGalley for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.