An indispensable guide to one of the world's most valuable natural resources. This new edition adds 17 important timber species not included before, bringing the list of species described up to 400 in total, in this lavishly illustrated book. A new section illustrates the variety of decorative figuring and there is valuable information on wood defects and potential health hazards. A best-selling reference work, now revised and updated, it additionally offers inspirational examples of finished work, an enlarged glossary of technical terms and drawings of living trees which serve to enhance appreciation of the raw material of woodwork. AUTHOR: A professional woodworker and former editor of GMC's best-selling Woodturning magazine, Terry Porter has brought a lifetime's practical experience to the writing of this book.