Douglas Brooks is a boatbuilder, writer, and researcher specializing in traditional wooden boats Since 1996 he has been documenting traditional Japanese boatbuilding. He has apprenticed with seven boatbuilders from throughout Japan. He is the sole apprentice for six of the seven teachers. His work has been honored by the Japanese Ministry Craft Council. He has authored four books on Japanese boatbuilding and numerous articles published in the US, UK and Japan. He has taught and lectured across the United States and Japan. His latest book, Japanese Wooden Boatbuilding is the first comprehensive survey of the craft. He lives in Vergennes, Vermont.