Empire in Wood: A History of the Carpenters' Union

This exciting, well-written book describes the reaction of an organization to technological change. The carpenters evolved an international organization designed for a single purpose: maintenance of 'jurisdiction.' Other unions, particularly in the building trades, have been interested in jurisdiction, but economic pressures have forced the carpenters to develop the art of jurisdictional fighting to its highest refinement. Empire in Wood is a major contribution to our understanding of the dynamics of craft unionism. It is also very good reading. -American Journal of Sociology

Empire in Wood is a choice title for Robert A. Christie's book on the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America. Within the House of Labor the leaders of the Carpenters built an empire and guarded it as jealously as ever did any medieval prince his imperial domain. Aggressively and continuously they fought to extend the jurisdiction of the carpenters. First, they asserted control over the job that had been traditionally done by the carpenters; then they claimed control of 'all [work] that's made of wood'; and finally, they sought control of all work `that ever was made of wood.' They were ready and eager to do battle whenever and wherever threatened. It mattered little, if the interests of the carpenters were involved, whether it was against their parent organization (the American Federation of Labor), the government of the United States, craftsmen in allied and other trades, or capital generally. -Journal of Economic History