Julian Dyer wrote [000524 MMD, "Shellac & Varnish Wood Finishes"]:

> I tried to find out a bit more about types of wood finish a while
> back.  It's quite clear that many books fudge the subject because
> they have no idea, or only some woolly received opinion, about types
> of finish.

A 'standard' book from the woodworking community is "Understanding Wood
Finishing : How to Select and Apply the Right Finish", by Bob Flexner.
Published a few years ago, it has lots of information (about myths and
truths) on its 320 pages.  It's definitely worth reading!

Harald M. Mueller