I am not sure you can find what you are looking for in a book. Time will reveal all. As for those pesky knots, allow a tad more time in lay out mode to avoid joinery in the tough spots.
What exactly is the issue with the chisel work?
Have you hand planed much? Notice how the grain will rip out when you push the plane the "wrong" way. At times you will see this from one side of the timber to the other, you have to push it on the left and pull it on the right. I find cleaning the sides of mortices the grain can be off from one side to the other. Just change angle and proceed, I can see it some times with out putting the edge into the wood, more frequently I dig in and test then work with what I am dealt. I call it pat the cat.
Tim
