In the late 20th century, in spite of the renewed interest in historical renovation, preserving resources, and a strong do-it-yourself tradition developing among homeowners, the art of maintaining and repairing wood windows has somehow fallen by the wayside. Few modern home-repair books include more than a cursory look at wood window repairs and restoration, offering sketchy information at best. A whole generation of people have been raised not knowing that the upper sash in a double-hung wood window is supposed to open just like the lower sash to allow one to easily wash windows inside and out without going outside, or that properly working double-hung windows permit one to adjust home ventilation by allowing warm air to escape out the upper sash and cool air to enter through the lower.

In Meany's book, individual sections are devoted to the operation, care, and repair of double-hung wood windows, casement and awning windows, fixed windows, and other more unusual windows like pivoting and leaded glass windows, along with chapters on weather stripping, repainting, refinishing, and working with different kinds of window moldings. This definitive book on wood window repair and restoration is now offered in a new edition with excellent detail, helpful diagrams, simple and clear instructions, and a good bit of Meany's wry humor to make it a lively read. It is an absolutely indispensable part of any wood-window-owning do-it-yourselfer's home library. --Mark A. Hetts