Essential Reading

Essential Reading

Wooden Boats: In Pursuit of the Perfect Craft at an American Boatyard

This is the definitive book on contemporary wooden boat building. It is not a "how to" but rather a lyrical, profound and insightful examination of the "life" of a boatyard in all of its glorious detail.  The Gannon and Benjamin Marine Railway is the focus of this book, and this is no mere coincidence as reading this book was one thing that gave me the confidence to make the film.  To my mind it is the perfect “expository” accompaniment for Charlotte and essential reading for anybody with the least bit of interest in wooden boats.

Schooner: Building a Wooden Boat on Martha's Vineyard

 I love this book. Through sharply written text and gorgeous photographs it conveys the majesty and importance of wooden boat building.  I aspired to make a film as beautiful, informative, and as well crafted as this book; Dunlop and Shaw set a mighty high bar which I hope others will agree that I have at least come close to meeting. This book is also about the Gannon and Benjamin Marine Railway — go figure.