R. Bruce Hoadley

Robert Bruce Hoadley (1933 – October 15, 2019)^[1] was Professor Emeritus of Building and Construction Materials in the Department of Environmental Conservation at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.^[2]

Robert Bruce Hoadley
Born	1933 Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S.
Died	October 15, 2019 (aged 86) Leverett, Massachusetts, U.S.
Spouse	Barbara L. Hoadley
Children	Susan Hoadley Lindsay Hoadley
Relatives	3 grandchildren 2 siblings

His main research interests were wood identification and dimensional changes due to wood-moisture relationships. He is known to the general public primarily as the author of popular books on the anatomy, properties and processing of wood, and for his work as a contributing editor and technical consultant for Fine Woodworking magazine. His expertise in wood identification has been utilized in analysis of antique furniture and art objects for Sotheby's^[3] and major museums.^[2]

His book Identifying Wood: Accurate results with simple tools is an accessible introduction to the topic,^[4] and his Understanding Wood is a comprehensive treatment of wood technology. The first edition of this work sold over 130,000 copies.^[5]

Publications

• Hoadley, Robert Bruce (1990). Identifying Wood: Accurate results with simple tools. Taunton Press. ISBN 9780942391046.
• Hoadley, Robert Bruce (2000). Understanding Wood: A Craftsman's Guide to Wood Technology. Taunton Press. ISBN 9781561583584.