First published in 1804, this is a set of books describing the various crafts and trades available to young people proved so popular that it went to numerous editions. This selection from the original volumes provides a fascinating account of the skills and tools required for 44 of these trades - as well as the financial rewards. The advantages and disadvantages of each one is carefully detailed - for example, the stocking-weaver may not earn much money but it is 'clean, neat work, and unexposed to the inclemency's of the weather', while the plumber enjoys a wide variety of tasks such as pipe-work, guttering, making statues and coffins but faces health risks from working with lead. Listed alphabetically, each trade description is accompanied by a beautiful full-page engraving illustrating the work. This book provides a revelation of just how our job descriptions have changed in two centuries.