I started to spin in the late 1940's a child, but I began to take it really seriously in the 1950's as a teenager.  By the 1960's I had decided to make it my Major for my Bachelor's Degree at Whitman College, in Walla Walla, Washington.

One of the first male spinners I met way back then was Alden Amos.  He was making wheels, spindles and teaching classes.   I was impressed.

Later my father started to make spinning accessories and Alden was his chief mentor.   Alden is the King of Spinning.

Buy this book from the Woolery at http://www.woolery.com/Pages/booksspin.html

Spinning Wheels and Accessories

Author: David A. Pennington and Michael B. Taylor

Collectors of spinning wheels, antique dealers, and lovers of textile tools will be excited that Pennington and Taylor are back with another great book about spinning wheels, including over 350 color photos to go with their painstaking research. Their emphasis remains the American spinning wheel from 1775-1900, and they have substantial sections on fancy European wheels as well as the various accessories that textile tool collectors crave. Special sections on Shaker wheels, patent wheels, famous makers, as well as extensive coverage of chair wheels, Irish castle wheels, double flyer wheels, and an appendix with over 1000 makers and their marks are highlights that collectors and dealers will treasure. The pieces shown in this book are all from private collections, so it gives the buyer access to pieces never seen before, including some European fancies that have sold for over $25,000!

Order from the Woolery

http://www.woolery.com/Pages/booksspin.html