21 JANUARY 1882, Page 23

Every Man His Own. Mechanic. (Ward, Lock, and Co.)—This volume

is described as " a complete and comprehensive guide to every description of constructive and decorative work that can be done by the amateur artisan at home and in the Colonies." The three parts into which it is divided deal severally with "Household Carpentry and Joinery," " Ornamental and Constructive Carpentry," and "Household Building Art and Practice." Each operation, as far as is practicable, is illustrated by engravings, which show the tool em- ployed, and, when necessary, the position of the hands. The work is of the first utility; nor is its considerable bulk, the vast variety of the topics handled being taken into account, a real objection.