This is a unique collection of recipes, tips and methods compiled by Ken Swezey (1905-1972) an ardent do-it-yourselfer who put this book together as much to have a single reference source for himself as to share the information with others. He said "It began with a huge collection of notes, books and personal experiences gathered during many years of preparing physics, chemistry and home workshop articles for Popular Science Monthly and other magazines and similar material for my other books, After-Dinner Science, Science Magic, Chemistry Magic, and Science Shows You How, published by McGraw-Hill." The book is organized into 19 chapters with a detailed 42 page index. There are sections on working with wood, concrete, brick and plaster, a plethora of household recipes and formulas for cleaners, soaps, stain removers and even more exotic items like a preparation to remove doggy odor. There is a useful chapter on calculations and conversions of weights and measurements, tips on fire prevention, sources of materials, how to control household insect pests and an indispensable section of miscellaneous useful information. The internet now provides us with a ready reference for most of this information, but Swezey's folksy, helpful style and personal spin is a refreshing change from generic websites.