Walkingsticks

A comprehensive study of walking canes from around the world, dating from the distant past to the modern-day. The book presents a historical context on both practical and ceremonial usage. At the same time, specially shot pictures showcase the celebrated A&D Collection of canes, while enlightening prose demonstrates the cane's enduring relevance to society. More than just a mobility aid, the cane has held numerous offices of significance. From the staff of the legendary Monkey King in the classic Chinese Journey to the West, or the stylised crosiers carried by high-ranking prelates from the Roman Catholic church, to the truncheon wielded by Mr Punch in puppet shows, canes are embedded in the culture of almost every country around the globe. Roving the map with one hand and thumbing through history books with the other, A Virtual History of Walking Canes and Sticks seeks not only to introduce the collector to the diverse wealth of canes available but also to entertain the casual reader. Intermingled with over 800 full-colour pictures are descriptions of gadget canes for tradesmen, squirting canes for pranksters, and glamorous Art Nouveau canes for the dapper gentlemen of the '20s. Informative and meticulously researched, this book paves an accessible route into a niche subject while paying homage to our ongoing relationship with canes. This story stretches back as far as history itself.

Read Along or Enhanced eBook: Walking sticks are among the world's most fascinating insects. And one many children can find right in their backyards! With a simple story, perfect for read-alouds, and colorful illustrations, this scientific look at a walking stick's life-cycle will captivate budding entomologists. Informative sidebars are included that let children learn even more about these wild insects.

If you are a Walking beginner, an advanced Walker or just walk with friends – this is the right book for you. Based on 400 scientific studies about Walking and Nordic Pole Walking, this book gives a deep, easy-to-read and comprehensive insight into the benefits of Nordic Pole Walking and Walking exercise. It teaches the correct Pole Walking technique and explains the body’s physiological adaptation to achieve your fitness and health goals with this easy to perform, low impact exercise. It describes how Nordic Pole Walking, a sport that incorporates more than 90 percent of all body muscles, can prevent and help to cure most common health disorders, like obesity, back pain, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and more. Scientifically proven self-testing tools help to check your actual fitness status and potential health risks. Practical weight loss concepts, nutrition advice and guidelines for lifestyle-changing lead you to a new quality of life. Detailed training plans from beginner to marathon level make it easy to achieve continuous success.

Take your woodworking for a walk! Woodworkers, carvers, and turners of all skill levels will discover 15 fun walking stick projects that range from a basic pine staff to a sophisticated brass-adorned turned cane. Complete with step-by-step instructions, detailed patterns, and in-depth coverage of shaping, turning, and finishing techniques, this book also includes a valuable guide to woods and an impressive gallery of works from the private collection of Albert LeCoff, executive director of the Wood Turning Center in Philadelphia.

Get an up-close look at different kinds of insects that use their bodies as camoflage.

Discover how to create unique and beautiful canes that will be treasured as useful works of art. Legendary carving artist Lora S. Irish introduces you to all of the essential components and woodcarving techniques of cane topper carving in this comprehensive guide with 4 step-by-step projects and 6 joinery methods.

Put your wood carving skills to practical use This must-have book features 13 projects with step-by-step instructions and photography for creative and elegant walking sticks. Including projects for both intermediate and advanced wood carvers, painting and finishing instructions are provided, as well as helpful information on types of wood used for walking stick shanks, methods for joining a head to a shank, and more. From a simple lyre-shaped thumb stick and a gent's walking stick to derby sticks with the head of a fox, eagle, Labrador retriever, black swan, and other animals, you'll enjoy putting your carving skills to the test by creating these beautifully useful walking sticks and canes. Author Paul Purnell is a self-taught wood carver for 15 years who specializes in birds, animals, and other wildlife. His carving style includes a mixture of tools, and he has carved projects for The Guild of Master Craftsman's Wood Carving and Woodworking Crafts magazines.

Just how long is the world’s longest insect? A walking stick called Chan’s megastick is nearly as long as three new pencils placed end to end. Not only that, but these supersized insects are also masters of disguise. They look so much like sticks that some animals can’t even tell when one is standing right next to them! These are just some of the surprising facts children will discover as they explore the fascinating world of these extra-long insects. In Walking Sticks: The World’s Longest Insects, eye-popping color photos paired with simple, grade-appropriate text will engage children as they learn about the natural habitat, physical characteristics, diet, life cycle, and behavior of this supersized animal. A comparison diagram is also included to show readers the animal in relation to a familiar object.