Handmade goods delight the eye and the touch. Craftwork also brings joy to the craftsperson producing the pieces. But is there more to it than simple pleasure? Big-cheese academics seem to think so. Check out the books we’ve been enjoying recently at Pittsburgh Mercantile

In Craeft, archeologist Alexander Langland digs deep into everything from beekeeping to leather tanning in order to understand the deeper role of authentic crafting traditions in society.  In the process he also unveils what has been lost through industrialization.  Part elegy, part how-to, it will make you want to start thatching your own roof.  https://www.amazon.com/Cræft-Inquiry-Origins-Meaning-Traditional/dp/0393635902

Kelly Lambert’s Lifting Depression: A Neuroscientist’s Hands-on Approach to Activating Your Brain’s Healing Power looks at how the acts of knitting a sweater, preparing a meal, or simply repairing a lamp actually bathes our brain in “feel-good” chemicals. As Lambert explains:  “Our brains are programmed to derive a deep sense of satisfaction and pleasure when our physical efforts produce something tangible, visible, and meaningful...You feel more control over your environment and more connected to the world around you. This reduces stress and anxiety.”  We're all for that!  https://www.amazon.com/Lifting-Depression-Neuroscientists-Hands-Activating/dp/0465018149

Next on our list:

Origins of Creativity by biologist Edward O. Wilson examines the importance of artistic expression, from the beginnings of human language, tens of thousands of years ago, to contemporary breakthroughs in scientific thinking.  https://www.amazon.com/Origins-Creativity-Edward-Wilson/dp/1631493183