Drawn from over 35 years experience building and teaching, this book combines both the nuance you would expect, and a broad overview of the rich history of compound timber frame joinery. The work is divided into two parts: Book One, Design & History, and Book Two: Geometry & Joinery Systems. In The Elements of Design, Chappell draws parallels between the significance of proper design proportions. Using the proportions of the golden mean, phi and the Fibonacci sequence, and metaphors to music, Chappell begins to develop a design template that includes both sound and harmonics as fundamental aspects of the design medium. In A Brief History of Roof Framing, Chappell goes on to explore the early development and history of timber framed roof systems from the 12th century Stave Churches, Tithe Barns and Market halls of Europe, to the ancient Pagodas of China and Japan. Book Two moves into the technical aspects of how to begin the process by first Developing the Geometric Model. Though the subject can be complex, the emphasis on developing a strong visual mental image at the outset is strengthened through the rich use photographs and illustrations. In The Vocabulary of Compound Joinery, Chappell goes on to thoroughly discuss a very broad variety of design options and joinery details for virtually any situation one may ever confront in constructing complex, joined timber framed roof systems. Beautifully illustrated with over 870 color photographs and illustrations, Chappell presents a complete and comprehensive geometric and mathematical system in this work.