Craft

An American History

By: Glenn Adamson

Narrated by: Rhett Samuel Price

Bloomsbury presents Craft by Glenn Adamson, read by Rhett Samuel Price.

A groundbreaking and endlessly surprising history of how artisans created America, from the nation’s origins to the present day.

At the center of the United States’ economic and social development, according to conventional wisdom, are industry and technology—while craftspeople and handmade objects are relegated to a bygone past. Renowned historian Glenn Adamson turns that narrative on its head in this innovative account, revealing makers’ central role in shaping America’s identity. Examine any phase of the nation’s struggle to define itself, and artisans are there—from the silversmith Paul Revere and the revolutionary carpenters and blacksmiths who hurled tea into Boston Harbor, to today’s “maker movement.” From Mother Jones to Rosie the Riveter. From Betsy Ross to Rosa Parks. From suffrage banners to the AIDS Quilt.

Adamson shows that craft has long been implicated in debates around equality, education, and class. Artisanship has often been a site of resistance for oppressed people, such as enslaved African-Americans whose skilled labor might confer hard-won agency under bondage, or the Native American makers who adapted traditional arts into statements of modernity. Theirs are among the array of memorable portraits of Americans both celebrated and unfamiliar in this richly peopled book. As Adamson argues, these artisans’ stories speak to our collective striving toward a more perfect union. From the beginning, America had to be—and still remains to be—crafted.©2021 Glenn Adamson (P)2021 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Critic reviews

A blow-by-blow chronicle of this country through the lens of craft, from the European settlers to the maker movement and so-called craftivists of today. That no one has ever previously attempted this may be because when we bother to think about craft at all, it is usually through a gauzy haze. Yet Adamson manages to discover ‘making’ in every aspect of our history, framing it as integral to America’s idea of itself as a nation of self-sufficient individualists. There may be no one better suited to this task.

[Adamson's] most significant book published to date … To write with this depth of political and historical knowledge requires enormous amounts of research, as well as meticulous consideration given to the complex dynamics occurring in American history, vis-a-vis race, class and gender. At the center of Craft is a nuanced understanding of the contradictory relations that emerge when craft encounters capital and power … this kind of political astuteness and sensitivity remains rare in writing about craft, and we need much more of it.

A rich chronicle of craft in America from Jamestown to the present day . . . Adamson leads us on a chronological journey through American history, pointing out along the way—sometimes in lush detail—the various craft movements and ideas that were prominent at certain times. The text swarms with interesting anecdotes and names—some well-known and others who will be less familiar to most readers . . . Thoroughly researched and written with passion—and a bit of bite.

A gem of a book. Every chapter is chock-full of fascinating stories and interesting facts. Adamson collects nuggets from history, fiction, and even poetry to bring the world of the American craftsperson vividly to life.

Erudite and immersive . . . With lucid prose and exemplary research, Adamson brings intriguing new details and unusual perspectives to even the most familiar story lines. The result is an elegant, detailed, and functional history worthy of its subject.

Narrate[s] plainly how America was built, who made it, and the stories the nation tells about itself . . . a celebratory history of craft’s potential to liberate America from its racism, xenophobia, and sexism.

A comprehensive volume perfect for academic use or ambitious novice readers.

From America's earliest years, workers have had to contend with prejudice based on their ethnicity, race, religion, gender and age. We are still dealing with the legacy of such injustice, making Craft a ‘tract for our times,’ as well as an important work of historical research.

Profound and engaging . . . Timely, not just because it had the luck to be published during a global crisis that demanded manual mask-making and the desperate invention of table-top activities for under-twelves, but more importantly because of issues it brings to the fore about labor and value.

A wonderful book on history, evolution and influence of craft in America and beyond.

Excellent! Great premise, well researched and gives plenty food for thought. I highly recommend this book to all

Insightful for Craft & Labor

As a ceramic artist, I was primarily interested in this book to see how ceramic history intertwined with other craft histories, Adamson’s writing explored this and much more, touching on subjects like the ever-shifting relationships between handicrafts and industry, the importance of craft in marginalized communities, and society’s broader relationship with craft through art, hobbies, and necessity.

Great Survey of Craft in America

Excellent book overall. As a survey it necessarily only touches on subject that make books could, or already have many books written about them. However, it's strength is in the threading together of all these things, many of which have been overlooked, dismissed, or not given enough consideration in other historical narratives. The downside to the audio book version is the narrator's mispronunciation of many terms throughout the book, relatively low volume, and slight monotone - though it's not terrible, and is compelling enough for the book.

Great book full of useful information skillfully woven together

As an artist this book explained to me how art and manufacturing in America came to be. The real events, stories, and politics good or not so great. From white plantation owner right up to crafting Covid masks.

Great historical account of craft

Very thorough and insightful history of craft. First book to compound all of these histories in such a thorough manner.