Working with Us: History
A new publishing model is born
The Taunton Press is a family business that was started in 1975. It began not out of an elaborate business plan, but out of a passion for woodworking. Our founder, Paul Roman, realized that he was not alone in his interest and that there was a need for a quality woodworking publication. He also recognized that many of the people who would read this magazine were the same skilled artisans who would contribute to its contents — it would be a magazine by woodworkers for woodworkers. Out of this, Fine Woodworking was born.

Successful well beyond Paul's hopes, Fine Woodworking became the model for each of Taunton's subsequent titles. As we expanded into home building, home design, gardening, cooking, and fiber arts, we maintained our focus on providing our readers with both information and inspiration.

Today, The Taunton Press employs close to 300 dedicated individuals, and publishes five magazines (with a combined circulation of over one million) and some 50 books a year. We also produce DVDs and Web sites.


1975 — Paul Roman publishes the first issue of Fine Woodworking.
1977 — First book, Biennial Design Book, published.
1981 — First issue of Fine Homebuilding published.
1985 — First issue of Threads published.
1986 — First video, Dovetail a Drawer, produced.
1988 — First issue of Fine Gardening published.
1994 — First issue of Fine Cooking published.
1996 — Taunton goes online.
2004 — Fine Homebuilding is named to the Chicago Tribune's list of 50 best magazines.
2005 — FineWoodworkingNetwork.com is launched.