Book Review

Reprinted from "Crown Jewels of the Wire", January 2001, page 7

I have just read Fred Padgett's Wood Amongst the Wires -- The Temporary Solution, and it can be described in one word: BRILLIANT! This book tells us a lot about Fred, even before we open it; it is a mark of his staunch loyalty to his friends, one of Fred's "trademarks". Co-author Walter P. Ruedrich knew he would not live to see his book finished, and asked Fred if he would do it, and of course, Fred said yes. Despite serious and painful health problems, plus having a full-time job, Fred put this book together in such a beautiful format that I know Walter would be quite surprised and pleased with the result. 

Fred's dedication to accuracy and detail are quite evident; and this book is loaded with history. There are photos of the wooden insulators in and out of service, a color insert, and many shots of San Francisco before and after the earthquake of 1906. I probably have read every book on that earthquake. But for the first time, this book made me feel as if! were there! Fred spent untold hours finding photos, data about the special wood used to make these insulators, and patent information.

This book was published by Fred's talented wife Sue, a busy lady in her own right. It is softbound with 205 pages, almost every one of which has a photo or illustration on it. What a wonderful addition to our hobby, giving us the opportunity to learn about another facet of insulator collecting! If you love history, or insulators, or both, this is a book you will want to have. For ordering information, please see Fred's ad on page 26 of this magazine.

--- CLARICE GORDON