Right before I got Best Made back I wrote my own how-to manual. And over the years, I've built up a collection of them: from the basic how-tos (knitting, drawing, ping pong, or fishing) to the more specific how-tos (home taxidermy, backwoods surgery, or espionage in occupied Europe).
As someone who believes deeply in learning through making and connecting with our hands, I'm drawn to books that I would almost classify as tools in and of themselves. The best how-to manuals share something essential with a good tool—they're brimming with possibilities.
Someday I'd love to write a book about how-to manuals. For now, I've gathered some of my favorites to share with you.
