Furniture Books

Great photos and informative text about Stickley and the Arts and Crafts movement. Our house is mission-ish and this adds to the enjoyment of the design.

Knowing what a nut I am for Stickley and all things relating to the Arts and Crafts movement, my wife bought me this book for Christmas. Believe me when I say that this book is not something you are likely to skim once or twice and then put away. I read the whole thing and found it to be an excellent resource for all who love Stickley's furniture and the Craftsman lifestyle. As a woodworker I can attest that there are loads of great photographs to inspire you to build reproductions of Stickley classics. As a DIY-er I appreciate the home improvement and color scheme ideas that I was able to gather in this book.

As a librarian I have already read and reviewed many books on this subject. I can honestly say that (to-date) this book covers the Arts and Crafts lifestyle as well as any other and is second to none when it comes to understanding the rise and fall of Stickley's style. Highly recommended.

An excellent book for both the Stickley and Arts & Crafts Movement enthusiast. We recommend it.

woodworking projects. We moved in this Arts & Crafts house built in 1912 two years ago and started remodeling a bit by bit. Also my woodworking hobby has taken off along with the remodeling. The more we have done on the house, the more we like and the more we want to know about it. I have been in the stores looking at those expensive mission style furnitures and mimic the design on my own piece. I designed every piece I made for the house. Then at the point that we think we need to know more about the history of Arts & Crafts and bigger picture, we bought this book. It is surprisely good book that contains everything we were looking for. Gorgeous pictures, stunning furniture. When we were refinishing the master bedroom, we were looking at the book constantly for ideas and colors. Now the room is done, I am looking forward to making my next project - morris chair. Again, I already know what it will look like from this book. Well, this book is not only for people like me who needs reference but also very nice one for those Arts & Crafts enthusiasts.

This book is full of lush photographs of Stickley homes. I bought it because it was well-designed, as well as informative. The photo references are impressive, and overall the book pays the same attention to detail that Stickley did. For example, I was impressed that beneath the dust jacket, the cover of the book itself was a beautiful print of a Ginko Flower textile. Almost every page has full color images, and at the back there are individual photo references for furniture, lighting, and decorative items, much like a catalog. The whole thing is indexed as well. Useful as a reference book for research, or an art book to just enjoy.

I was very satisfied with Amazon. My book was packaged extremely well so that the pages wouldn't get messed up. I was surprised at how fast I received it too.

I purchased three books on tin toys and dollhouses, and this one was the best by far to help me evaluate some tin/metal doll houses I was buying.

The book sections are by the doll house maker, with excellent photographs that help identify them, and estimated years that they were sold.

In addition there are photographs of the furniture that you would typically find in these houses. This helps alot if you have just purchased an empty doll house, and you want to furnish it with vintage items of the correct size and type.

Simply an excellent reference book for tin doll house collectors or just old-timers wanting a bit of nostalgia :)

Mary Brett has written the Bibile of Tin Litho houses. Excellent pictures of the houses detail their interiors, exteriors and the furniture needed to make them cosy little homes. All major producers are covered, Marx, Cohn, Wolverine to mention just a few. Ms. Brett also includes a section on the more unusual items, such as the rare and unique Friendly Folks Motel. Better buy two copies, this book is destined to become dog-earred and worn before very long.

Great reference book for collector of 40's and 50's plastic doll house furniture. Copyright in 1997 makes pricing guide a tad out of date . . . nevertheless a good starting reference price range. Great photos. Interesting information on producing companies.

This is a wonderful reference quide for baby boomers who want to collect dollhouses and furniture! What great memories this book brought back. I found doll houses and furniture I once had and some of the models my cousins and friends had in the 1950's! This is a trip down memory lane and the price is great for this publication. Amazon delivers quickly, too!

This dictionary is colorful and easy to read. Although the age range states four to eight-year-olds, I think that it is better suited for four to six-year-olds. I bought this for my seven-year-old, but it's more appropriate for his younger brother who will start Kindergarten this Fall. It would also be useful as a supplement for a higher-level dictionary.

This is a bery good bokk for small children. My daughter loves her book and uses it regularly, she is 5 years old and in Kindergarten.

This was my son's favorite book. We took it everywhere we went. I started going through it with him, page by page, when he was about a year old. By the time he was 18 months old, he had it memorized and of course had his favorite pictures. I made up silly stories about some of the pictures, which he found hilarious. It's a great teaching tool. My son is now 18, but I have so many wonderful memories of the times we spent together reading it! I'm buying it for my friend who is adopting a toddler from China. The child speaks no English so I'm sure it will be enormously helpful to her.

This is an excellent resource for beginning readers and writers. I use it in my first grade class. It has great pictures and easy-to-read text

The ultimate guide to quality tabletop antiques for those of us who cannot get enough of these kind of "pretties". Have owned this book for 10+ years, and still "pour" over it, can never get enough of it!! Besides being informative, the pictures are literally intoxicating. If you love all things old and elegant (nothing shabby here) for dining and entertaining, this is the book for you. If you look at decorating books and get disgusted with cookie cutter tablewear, or you would die before going into a Pottery Barn or Pier One, this is the book for you. Tasteful, classic, traditional and always in style. Like a very wealthy elderly MD once told me, "anyone can have new things". Ladies, if you think like me, you will totally understand this!

This book is a must for those who truly enjoy a great table! The photos are magnificent and is beautifully written. I found that I learned a LOT by simply looking at the photos of china, crystal and glassware. From this book alone, I chose my sterling silver flatware and china patterns and have never regretted it! The book also gives ideas on simple room decorations as well - even though this is not a primary focus of the book itself. I really can't say enough good about this book......

This book is everything I hoped it would be. The photographs are stunning and the book is full of them. There is virtually no repetition. A beautiful, inspirational tome for anyone who loves to set the table.

I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. It is an absolutely gorgeous book for anybody interested in table settings of the most elegant kind. As well as spectacular photography of the most sumptuous crystal and china, the text is fascinating as it explains the history of table settings and of individual antiques.

As a person who is particularly interested in mixing and matching colored crystal and different china patterns on the table, I have found it to be of immense help and has given me even more courage to blend different styles together.

I will treasure this book forever.

A very comprehensive book covering both English and American furniture of the classical to recant,evan having some of the author's own furniture on the front cover.This is a book that has created very favourable comments from visitors to our house who have browsed through it during their stay.

Rodel has crafted an excellent review of the Arts and crafts movement in America with many fine pictures.

The book provides an excellent introduction in the history of furniture at the end of the 19th century and the evolution of the Arts & Crafts movement. The nice thing about this book is that it's giving the larger context, showing the influence designers in England and continental Europe had on Arts & Crafts movement in America. The book has excellent pictures of representative furniture pieces.

Towards the end of the book, there's a small collection of contemporary furniture makers and designers that build classic pieces, or new ones inspired by the classic designs. You can google the name of the furniture makers to find showrooms and stores that carry their products, which is a very good way to start when you want to buy such furniture.

If you like this type of furniture, and you're technically inclined, it might also help getting a book that describes how this furniture is built. This helped me enormously to understand what is involved in producing good quality furniture.

As a librarian and a lover of all things relating to Arts & Crafts style, I recommend this book to anyone desiring a greater knowledge of this furniture's history and design evolution. With clear color photographs and just the right amount of text, this book illustrates the origins of Arts & Crafts furniture in England and its progression, first to our East Coast, and eventually Westward across America. In fact, my only 'complaint' about this book is that the photographs are good enough that they leave you wanting for more.

Because of the depth of information presented here, I would not say that this is a general interest read - rather this book is geared toward those seriously interested in the history of the Arts & Crafts movement and its recent revival.

as i am an admirer of atelier van lieshout, the book is very interesting, amazing - you can read and look in it, whenever you have a couple of minutes, re-read it, re-look at it, there is always something new you can explore

Great artist, great book. Nice format. It actually includes a manual and plans to build fiberglass structures according to Joep Van Lieshout's desings. You also get a detailed step-by-step guide to pickle pork meat. His conception of art, installation, color and life are all equally interesting. Get it if you can.

brilliant vision. impact realization. one doesn't know whether it is a joke or to take it all dead seriously. the power lies in this double edge.

(horizontal format paperback) A nice range of photographs and essays describe the activities and products of Lieshout and his camp. Includes photographs, plans, and do it yourself type instruction for sexy camper units, toilet fixtures, kitchen furnishings, skinning and perserving pork, and weapons- BRING ON THE APOCALYPSE!

I have built almost everything in the book. I made a few mistakes because I misinterpreted the drawings, but if you study the drawings very carefully before construction then you will truly enjoy this book. Author needs to write another book like this. Watch the interpretation of Dado and rabbet joints in particular.

This book was the first that I picked up when I started building my own furniture. The projects turned out great and the finishing process that he recommended was excellent. The diagrams and step by step instruction give you all the information that you need to complete each project even if you're an amateur like I am (you do need to have/buy some good power tools though). I've made two of the projects he describes and there are still a couple more I'd like to do.

I would classify myself as an intermediate level woodworker and a book expert (I am a librarian after all) and I can honestly say that this is one of the absolute best books of its type on the market. As I see it, the normal downfall of a book such as this is the authors either spend way too much time giving us all of the philosophical and historical background behind the furniture style in question, or once they actually get to the furniture projects section they disappoint by selecting such rare (and odd) pieces to reproduce that the book ultimately becomes more of a novelty rather than a useful tool.

I am thrilled to say that the authors of this book got the balance between philosophy and practical matters just right. There is just enough about Arts and Crafts fundamentals here to whet the appetite for the projects which follow. And speaking of the projects, this is good stuff! Out of the twenty two projects offered in this book, I can honestly say that I would be very happy to build fifteen of them and put them in my own home. In a book this size I am usually lucky if half of the projects are appealing enough to want to build them for myself, and keep in mind that I am a HUGE fan of this furniture style.

Bottom line is that the color illustrations (although minimalist to the beginner's eye) are compelling to the more skilled among us, the choice of projects is excellent, and the bibliography of suggested reading is very good. I highly recommend this purchase.

This is a good A&C furniture book for the intermediate woodworker. The authors cover pieces from the simple (wastebasket) to the more difficult (entry bench, sideboard). A nice touch is that besides covering the usual Gustav Stickley pieces there are items by other A&C companies of the time (Shop of the Crafters, Limbert, Greene & Greene [actually architects, but they designed the furniture for their buildings], L & J.G. Stickley, Roycroft). The introductory chapter covers a brief history of the style, next is an introduction to some of the general woodworking techniques needed, and then the various projects with good photographs and explanations (there are a couple of minor editorial glitches, but they cause no real problems). The projects also vary from a duplicate of the original to slightly modified interpretations. A useful technique is given for staining/glazing the furniture to achieve the traditional golden brown color without actually having to fume the pieces in concentrated ammonia (a smelly, dangerous, and potentially lethal approach). So if you are a somewhat experienced beginning woodworker, you should find some great projects here to move you on to the next level. And even if you are a very experienced furniture maker, you will find some nice pieces you might want to make too.

Enjoyed the book. Learned about furniture shopping. Especially good for people that live near the cities whose furniture stores she reviewed.

I recently purchased a new home and had decided that I wanted completely different furnishings. I had no idea where to start and Best Furniture Tips became an invaluable guide. It enabled me to understand various styles,furniture terminology, what to look for in a piece of furniture and information on how to negotiate prices.

I especially liked the advice and insights from some of the nation's top designers. Since I travel frequently the book was easy to take along and enabled me to check out design centers and stores in other cities in my spare time.

Litwin has a pleasant writing style that explains in easy to understand English all the furniture jargon and pricing structures which many times seem overwhelming to a buyer. I would recommend this book to anyone who is contemplating a furniture purchase. Armed with this, one can confidently enter any store and not feel like a babe in the woods.

One suggestion, buy her previous book, Furniture Hot Spots to find out where the really good stuff is.

As an Interior Designer I found this book an interesting read. I like to check out books written for the public to see what kind of advice is being given (there's a lot of bad information out there). This book offers insight into the furniture buying world of which the public is often unaware. Be warned, though, if you are used to bargain hunting this isn't likely to help you find a $50 sofa or $30 dresser. This is intended for people who want to buy better quality, long-lasting furniture. (she talks about good dressers starting at $1200 - for some people this may seem like a lot of money).

It is also most helpful for people who live near a city as she talks a lot about shopping design showrooms. One thing I did not see mentioned is that trade showrooms usually require that public shoppers be accompanied by a trade professional or at the very least have a legitamate letter from one (and an appointment) stating exactly what the client will be looking at. Many of these places will not offer assistance or pricing to the public without such. You'll need to investigate this prior to embarking on your shopping trip. If such is the case, your best bet here is to have a design professional aid in the process or you will have to pay outrageous retail prices. The Design Center usually offers these services (for a fee).

That said. She does explain a lot of terminology found in furniture buying as well as many pitfalls (one being that your average furniture salesperson's opinion varies markedly and can often be based on fabricated speculations). Ms. Letwin also offers an education on furniture styles for those who are interested.

If you are shopping for quality pieces that you plan to have for the rest of your life you may find this book helpful. It pays to be forewarned. For the price it can't hurt to get this book.

This book was such a great help. I use it as a source for everything, most recently for online antique shopping. I never would have known which stores to check out -- and to trust -- without the information I found in this book. It's great.

I recieved this book for Christmas and just finished it. It is a great introduction to the use and care of hand tools. It has very informative and interesting side bars and is wonderfully illustrated. It blends the aesthetic with the practical very well. Just one hint: skip over the section on handplanes and just purchase Hack's "Handplane book" which is the definitive book on handplanes.

I highly recommend Classic Hand Tools for many reasons, but in a nutshell it is a book to help me get through the long winter here in Minnesota. I read it randomly and don't mind at all reading parts several times.
Not only is it well written, (I'm a "professional writer" so I'm hard to please) it is beautifully produced with many excellent photos. You get a short course of the history of hand tools... with a special emphasis on planes. Mr Hack also produced a book of this size and quality, specifically about planes. I plan to get that one on also.
The book is not limited to woodworking tools; Hack also touches on black smithing -- the sort that many tradesmen would have had to know in the days before mass-produced tools. Also there is a chapter on how to buy used hand tools.

The breadth of Mr. Hack's knowledge is truly impressive. The book gives enough detail to understand the history, care and use of a tool while not becoming boring. His technical understanding of tools was very good and he did a nice job of conveying it. I'd recommend it.

Garrett Hack feels that his hand tools have become extensions of
himself and are linked with what he makes and how he makes it. He
also believes that learning about hand tools and how to use them
is part of the pleasure to be gotten from working with wood.

His beautiful and informative book, "Classic Hand Tools", will
convince even the most casual "weekend wood-butcher" that he's
right.

Hack's presentation of hand tools is organized according to their
normal purposes: boring, sawing, planing, marking and measuring,
striking and chiseling and he provides historical insights into
the development of the more common hand tools. For example,
"Striking Tools" starts with axes and hatchets and moves through
twybills and throes to mallets and hammers.

Each major section surveys numerous variants of the class of tools
being dealt with, and covers use, maintenance, sharpening and
tuning. As a bonus, most sections contain informative sidebars
providing advice and tips from the master.

Although the author's bias is for Western tools built before World
War II, he includes explanations and discussion of some Eastern
hand tools and explains what's involved in making your own tools,
buying used tools and strategies for restoring old ones. There's
even a section on workshops, benches and clamps.

This handsome work is illustrated by more than 300 photgraphs and
40 drawings and features an introduction, bibliography and index.

John Sheldon's superb photography more than exceeds the exacting
standards of the Taunton Press.

Garrett Hack, a farmer, tool collector and trained architect, has
been making furniture professionally for more than 25 years. He
is a regular contributor to Fine Woodworking magazine.

I have read many books on woodworking, The Complete Woodworker's Companion is the only reference book I own. Roger Holmes has written a very concise and relevant book on the fundamentals of woodworking; including tools, wood preparation, construction methods, and finishing. The galleries of modern masterpieces are just as interesting and educational as the chapters on woodworking. Every beginning and intermediate woodworker should read this book cover to cover and then read it again.

This was the first woodworking how-to book I bought and it has been very informative and I reference it often. With many helpful photos, the author does a good job of explaining all of the basic woodworking fundamentals (how to 4-square wood, how to cut joints, different projects, etc.). There is also a balance between using machines and hand tools. Recommended.

Looked over the book in a local bookstore and was intrigued by the furniture designs found in the book. Picked it up and found that the projects were as simple to make as indicated in the plans. Would highly recommend the book for weekend workshop hobbyists who want woodworking projects that are challenging and rewarding to work with.

This was the first woodworking how-to book I bought and it has been very informative and I reference it often. With many helpful photos, the author does a good job of explaining all of the basic woodworking fundamentals (how to 4-square wood, how to cut joints, different projects, etc.). There is also a balance between using machines and hand tools. Recommended.