Furniture Books

I love all decorating books & have several pre-ordered for the next few months from my favorites. However, Jansen is the best. No one created more divine interiors than this old line Parisian firm. I have toured homes that even after 50 years look as fresh as when Jansen created their magic.

A good photograph album of individual pieces of furniture by the great Paris firm of Jansen. Pictures are mainly from the Jansen archives and from promotional materials the firm produced in the early 70s. Apparently this is a distillation of photos because the Firm had many more pictures in their archives than are reproduced, including some interesting pieces that the author seems to have missed.
The examples shown are mostly reproductions of period furniture and not especially interesting except that Jansen made them. Some more original pieces are twists on period styles and there are some attempts at more contemporary designs in the 1970s using steel and glass.
Nevertheless, a valuable book for collectors and dealers.
You could have purchased the archives themselves fairly cheaply as they were sold at auction in the past few years.

This is a wonderful research resource. The photos are detailed and clear;
the writing is of top quality; the book dovetails well with the first Jansen book. I have already used the book as a resource and buying tool several times in the 3 weeks since it arrived. My only wish is that it contained a more detailed index; otherwise, it exceeds all expectations.
Mary Tindukasiri

As a companion to Mr Abbott's previous book JANSEN which gives a wonderful overview of what is probably the most influential design firm of the 20th century, this book JANSEN FURNITURE provides an extensive catalog of the custom furniture produced by the company from about 1905 through the 1980s. Along with exact reproductions of 18th and 19th century antiques, there are extraordinary inventive adaptations of historic models for modern use. In addition to the classic French 18th century styles, all the trends from the late 19th century to mid-20th century are represented. Although there is some descriptive text, the majority of the book is devoted to images of the furnishings with hundreds of photos and drawings in both black & white and color showing the pieces either in isolation or in the finished setting. Chapters are "Historical Seating" which includes canapes, banquettes, sofas, a Roman-style daybed, and an incredibly chic Art Moderne Egyptian-inspired child's high chair in addition to countless other types of chairs; "Modern Seating"; "Historical Tables" which includes consoles as well as dining tables; "Modern Tables" which also includes bureau plats as well as the famous folding dining table of gunmetal steel and ormolu; "Case Furniture" which includes secretaires, bookcases, commodes, and the famous wardrobe for Jackie Kennedy's White House Dressing Room; "Occasional Tables" including card tables, low cocktail tables and the much-copied petite telephone table on casters; "Lighting"; "Metal Work"; and "Upholstered Pieces and Draperies" which also includes carpets. Clients as diverse as the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, President and Mrs John F Kennedy, CBS founder William and Babe Paley, the Cuban Countess de Revilla de Camargo, and the Shah and Shabanou of Iran, clearly they all appreciated truely great style and had the financial means to express it. This book is a wonderful reference resource for all interested in the history of interior design.

Thanks to DuPont, American Federal Furniture is now much appreciated, and is some of the most expensive period furniture in the world. It's hard to fathom, that not long ago this type of furniture was not coveted at all, it was thought too austere and understated, the wealthy in the ninetenth century and early twentieth century wanted all things French, thankfully they finally came to their sences and now this style is considered one of the most beautiful. John Townsend was a master of the style, along with John and Thomas Seymour and Duncan Phyfe. This book does a wonderful job of highlighting his best work and the text is highly informative and the writing scholarly. If you have any appreciation for great craftsmanship or just love American Federal Furniture, then I have no doubt you will love this book.

This book mirrors the wonderful exhibit of John Townsend's work that was on display at the Metropolitan Museum, and for people like me who make reproductions of Colonial and Early American furniture, it is a source of ideas, inspiration, and goals.

It's also a source for humility. Seeing the work that this man produced without the help of table saws, routers and the other tools of the 21st century is humbling.

The book is definitely worth every penny for those who love the furniture of the period, who enjoy knowing the history behind a particular piece, or who just enjoy seeing objects that are beautifully built with matchless craftsmanship and care.

This was originally written for the Washington Woodworkers Guild Newsletter, Sept 2007
This lavishly photographed book is a summary of all the currently known and likely works by John Townsend and his shop in Newport in the late 18th century. It is the catalogue associated with the 2005 exhibit of John Townsend's works at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 2005.
This is not a woodworking book per se. The first portion of the book details the history of Newport, with an emphasis on how it turned into a great cabinetmaking city. The extended family Townsend is then documented, and the links to the Goddards, the other great "name" of Newport cabinetmaking is explained. John Townsend's life is then described in as much detail as is currently available, with some speculation on why and how his furniture is distinguishable from the other major makers in the town. The bulk of the book is photographs of every piece currently known or believed to have been produced by him and his shop, organized by type, and with descriptions differentiating the pieces.
There is some description of technique: 10 pages of the more than 200 in the book are in the section "Observations on John Townsend's Cabinetwork". Most of the book is about the time and place that these masterpieces were created in, and the pieces themselves. As a furniture design, construction, and appreciation aid though the book has major strengths. These include 110 pages of large high quality photos and descriptions of 47 major pieces, including many very similar pieces made over decades. Being able to see the effects of subtle changes in proportion and decoration, and of different wood grains on otherwise similar pieces, is worth the price of the book by itself. There are also many photos of the undersides/backs of pieces, which provide additional understanding of how structural issues in the pieces were managed.
For documentation on technical specifics, more detailed references are required. This book contains no plans, and no exploded drawings. There are references to other sources in this book, though most are of historical rather than a technical nature. This book is appropriate as inspiration, for some technical details, and for the very high quality images that could be used to help make reproductions.

The gulf between appreciation and understanding is immense and while anyone can look upon a John Townsend highboy and see that it is beautiful, understanding the world in which it was built (which was without electric tools), the builder and the technological aspect of cabinetry makes these fine pieces of furniture all the more awe-inspiring. John Townsend, who was a shining star in the rather large furniture industry in New England of which Newport might be considered the capital, is all the more interesting because his pieces and his life have been documented. This work that was produced by the Metropolitan Museum of art is fascinating even if you aren't a connoisseur of fine furniture. It is brilliant, well written and most importantly full of beautiful color photographs of all of the known John Townsend works along with several other masterpieces of 18th century New England furniture.

I don't know whether its best to call this work an art book, a collector's reference or a history book but it serves well in all capacity. As an art book it does an extremely great job of describing in word and image the qualities of a master cabinetmaker. Being a master cabinetmaker was (is) a talent and a skill not unlike being a great painter. The difference is the medium but similarly unique styles are developed skills are honed and a great deal of personality is brought about in each work. As a collectors reference this book shows what makes Newport furniture and furniture of New England unique and also gives a great catalogue of the work that is currently in existence. Finally as a historical account the book does good justice to describing Newport's furniture industry and what made New England the place where Furniture making would reach its American zenith in the mid 18th century.

I am happy to own this book and know that it will be often viewed and re-read. If you are a fan of colonial America or fascinated by early American Furniture you need this book. While it may appear expensive it is an excellent reference a great book for the coffee table or to be gently placed on your Chippendale lowboy.

Ted Murena

Make a Windsor Chair (A Fine Woodworking Book) For amateur or advanced woodworkers this is THE book to have if you are aiming for a great Windsor chair. Michael Dunbar is widely, and justifiably, known as America's most well known Windsor chair craftsman. He has taken the best of his personal furniture making classes and boiled it all down into an easily followed, well illustrated guidebook. If this is your first or even tenth Windsor chair project you will find this book invaluable.

Mike Dunbar has probably had more to do with the revival of hand made Windsor chairs using traditional tools and techniques than any other person in the U.S. and his book remains the best single guide to making such a chair. I purchased a copy eleven and a half years ago when I took my first class with Mike and when his book was still in print. I have never regretted the fifteen or twenty dollars it cost. Nonetheless it needs to be thoroughly revised and updated. Even Mike admits there are some serious errors in the book, and some of the techniques he and his students have developed since the book was first published will yield a better chair with considerably less effort. My advice would be to spend the six or seven hundred dollars to take one of his classes plus the cost of meals and a motel room for five days, take copious class notes, and then buy the book as a good reference work for subsequent chairs.

Excellent book dealing ONLY with the construction of the Windor chair. Dunbar takes the reader through the selection and riving of wood, adzing of the seat and turning of the chair legs, through to the finished construction of the chair. Dunbar also explains the construction of a steaming setup and jigs for the bending of wood(s). Dunbar runs a school on the making of Windors and this would be the textbook students use to learn Dunbar's methods. A "can't miss, no regrets" purchase.

I not only have this book, I have made a chair in Mike's workshop in New Hampshire. Mike has been instrumental both through his writings and teachings in the recent revival of interest in the making of Windsor chairs by hand much as they were made hundreds of years ago. His book is my definitive resource for questions about Windsor chair construction when I am working in my shop. In this day and age where most of our furniture is mass produced by machines using wood composites and other man made materials it is refreshing to see how fine furniture was once (and in certain places still is) crafted directly from the forest with nothing but hand tools and the skilled hands of the chairwright

This book is mostly over my head, but it goes a long way to satisfy my curiosity about the mystery of the Japanese house, specifically, the wonderful sliding screens that tranform spaces and make them more fluid. I especially like the fact that the author talks a lot about his apprentice years, even down to the tools he received and the sorts of jobs he was expected to do. In the U.S., houses aren't built with this blend of art & science, but I think that may change as people become more unhappy with the slapped-together, junk-wood and drywall method of home building. MAKING SHOJI is probably not for the Black & Dekker crowd, but carpenters and other curious folk will find it very interesting.

This is a very comprehensive guide to make japanese screens in the traditional style.I found it useful and you can figure out the western tools needed if you dont have the Japanese tools.

If you ever want to be deeply impressed with the human ingenuity take a look at this book. The lowly shoji door, is a commonplace in Japanese homes. Not just as doors, but as windows and room dividers. And each is a work of art, put together by craftspeople like Toshio Odata using the same tools they did a thousand years ago.

For the woodworker this book is a detailed study of the techniques and processes involved in creating an object that is simple in its concept and incredibly complex in it's potential. To the student of Japanese culture the book is a vivid tour of the philosophy and commitment that underlie many of the simple, traditional factors of their lives, from doors to teacups. An insight into some of their aesthetic underpinnings.

Homeowners in Japan would collect and age wood, especially for their houses. Then an itinerant craftsman would take up residence for the time needed, building both his workshop and then features expected of him. All the tools he used must be easily portable and capable of work both delicate and massive. For a true master, an intricate door would take a day, despite being made completely from scratch.

Odate combines instruction with anecdote, while the photographs and diagrams are easy to follow. Compared to the traditional way a Japanese learned carpentry (by 'peeking' at the master) this book is a gift for those who want to master the Japanese toolset. For someone like me, who is used to modern machinery and automation, the book is a lesson in humility as well.

Shoji is the word for Japanese sliding doors and screens made of wood. Their making requires a degree of skill and attention to detail previously thought to be beyond the reach of amateur woodworkers. Now master craftsman Toshio Odate provides an illustrated, step-by-step, compendium of practical instruction that will enable the novice to successfully create and assemble two shoji projects: the common sliding screen with hipboard, plus an intricate transom featuring the beautiful asanoha pattern. Building on this foundation, Odate gives construction details and nots on eight shoji variations. Technical chapters cover the Japanese mortise-and-tenon joint, shoji paper, and home-made rice glue. Making Shoji is an impressive, unique, highly recommended, "do-it-yourself" woodworker friendly instruction guide.

I'm not much for writing book reviews but had to for this one. I have alot of wood working books and this may be my favorite one. BUY IT you'll like it.

I bought one of Norm Abram's book on outdoor furniture. I built the adirondack chairs, and then the garden bench. I learned alot, they turned out very well, and I subsequently bought all his other manuals. I wish he'd do some more. His plans and choices of projects are the best among the current title offered.

Perhaps I'm biased, I think Norm is to woodworking what Carl Sagan was to science. The projects are described in detail with Norm's hand on your shoulder. Complete and well detailed with out wasting time. I recommend this book and the rest of Norm's books highly.

This book is fantastic. Detailed pictures, lists of required tools and woods, and step-by-step instructions help you create great-looking Shaker furniture. I used this book to create a Shaker blanket chest, which was my second "large" woodworking project. The quality of results surpassed my expectations. This book is a must for the beginning woodworker who wants to produce quality items while at the same time learning or re-learning basic techniques.

Not a lot can be said here. If you want to see the best and have comparasions to look at as well. Or if you just want drool over real furniture this is the book. A must have for anyone who aspires to knowing what is truly art in furniture design.

If you want to truly study and develope an "eye" for the finer points of antique furniture this is a must have book.

A great book for any furniture collector. If you want to see why similar pieces of furniture vary so much in value, this is the book for you. Education for the eyes. I'm beginning to feel like an expert!

If you have any interest at all in Early American Furniture, buy this book! Mr. Sack is one of the most knowledgable experts on this subject. This book shows you the subtle differences in what makes a piece good and what makes a piece great. Having his experise on this subject is invaluable if you have any interest in searching for early American antique furniture. He learned from his father, who had an amazing eye, and Mr. Sack shows you what he has learned. He is reknowned as an expert in the field of Early American Furniture. It is a shame that this book is out of print and that one must spend a great deal for a used copy, but this book is worth every penny. Maybe we will get lucky and he will revise it again, but I would not hold my breath.

I bought this book after reading a blurb in New York Magazine. The handwritten font is a bit hard to read, but I could get through it. I might not make anything from the book, but it inspires me.

I like the measurements given in the book, and the idea of measuring your family before buying furniture like tables and chairs. Now I know that height of our dining room chairs are perfect for my husband.
No wonder he LOVES those unslightly shabby chic junkers!

Back in the early seventies, when I first saw a copy of NOMADIC FURNITURE, I was fascinated by the variety of basic necessities one could make for oneself using inexpensive building products and a minimum of technique. With basic materials and mechanical skills, and the ideas, and seeds of ideas found within this book I took off on a long journey of experimenting with furniture design and construction. That journey, and this book are no less valid today.

Thirty years later, my eldest son is off to set up his own household, and I looked back into this book for ideas to share with him and I came to this website looking for a copy to buy him. Beds with eggcrate bases, swing arm lamps, crutch-tip/spring supported legs bearing bookshelves, creating your own private "living module" in rental properties, even some structural cardboard furniture - all were things I tried, inspired by this book. Many of those creations I lived with for years, and a few I still have.

As I began to get a feel for designing my own possessions, I came to appreciate more and more the Papanek/Hennessey philosophy that a simple solution could also be an elegant one, and it could also be resource responsible. I've spent most of my life designing and building things, and looking through this book again has helped me realize how much I owe the authors.

Readers who use this book, and it's difficult to imagine anyone looking at it who won't use at least some of it, will also profit from NOMADIC FURNITURE 2, published in 1974. It's more of the same, and in this case, more is good. Papanak also authored another book in 1973, Design for the Real World which establishes his philosophy of sustainable design, and for aiming design at all the world's peoples, not just the wealthy West. The NOMADIC books are simple, practical introductions to that philosophy. They contain ideas that could, at their basis, be used anywhere.

NOMADIC FURNITURE is a book for students and retirees (rich or poor), for newly established live-in relationships, for the cash-poor middle class, for the bored wealthy and for everyone of every life-style who finds importance in how they live, who understands that it is important to have some possessions, but not be possessed by them.

I got this book in when it was published in 1973. Shortly therafter had a new house built. Of special use were the dimensions provided for seating heights, counter heights. I was able to negotiate my good but conventional builder into some new ideas.

When we moved into the house with, of course, limited resources my wife and I turned again to the book for furniture and lighting ideas and achieve a pretty good aesthetics/cost benefit.

I have since lived at sea, lived in other homes, set up office and other workspaces designed to accomodate the user to very great satisfaction.

The book is both a simple how-to and a significant philosophy of living in a better harmony with the world.

A few highlight ideas :

Use hollow core doors as worktop surfaces, old doors can be sometimes be scrounged from the curbside. (Doorset holes can be used for power cables) new doors can be finished to your taste and can be quite handsome as well as light weight.

Use file cabinets as office furniture bases - place them form a desk kneehole and put a hollow core door on top for a top. Serviceable and easily portable!

Modular bookshelves were great, too.

Live well!

I bought a copy of this book a long time back. I've made up several of the designs, including the no nails or screws workbench. I made the workbench up because I wanted a big desk cheap. That was over twenty years and four major moves ago - and I'm sitting at that workbench desk right now. I lost my copy ten years ago (never, ever lend books that you can't stand to lose!), and am delighted finally to be able to replace it.

This is an invaluable reference book on early oak furniture, which is neccessary for anyone who wishes to have an understanding of the subject. It is both full of expert knowledge explained in a clear concise manner and also contains numerous photographs of the furniture which is depicted in an organised chronogical order that clarifies the text.

This is the most informative book I have seen on all subjects of wooden furniture and does not limit itself to only oak. It describes in great detail the facts on why varying woods were used in each time period due to availability and why only certain trades were allowed to do specific work due to guild laws. The descriptions and photos are amazing, ( WARNING, you will be spellbound for hours looking at these...:) ), and the index at the back of the book uses the best system that I have seen by far, each picture is displayed in thumbnail size pictures and arranged by catagory. Simply look at the index section for chairs, see the thumbnail photo of the one you seek and the page location is written underneath. Family and friends borrow this book so much that I have often contemplated buying a second copy just to be sure of having it around all the time...:) This book will never go out of date. If you only ever buy one book on earlier woodworking, this is the one you must see. Would also make the best coffee table book I've ever seen.... Its BIG, its impressive and its the best, what more could you wan't?

This is a great book, it has so many photos I could not count them, then has them all in the index - a photo of each item, making it easy to locate any specifically. My only complaint is the photos are not colour but it would cost 4x as much (but perhaps would be worth that price).

if you have an interest in the development of early furniture . . . and how to recognize real pieces that are still on the market . . .and still surprisingly available . . .this is perhaps the definitive book out there . . . it is highly recommended despite how costly it is . . .

Wonderful photographs of rare and not so rare old lamps along with a great education on their production. A real "must" for those collecting full sized kerosene lamps!

Just starting in the business, it's been a great source for information and pricing.. Thanks!!!

This is Ms. Thuro's companion book to Oil Lamps I. The focus here is on rare cased glass, colored glass and composite kerosene lamps and in combination with Oil Lmaps I, is a valued addition to a complete study of the kerosene lamp. 1998 Price Guide

Only one week after purchasing this book I spotted an Oil Lamp in an antique shop in Bournemouth, England and I bought it at a bargain price knowing from reading this book that it was a 1904 German "Bismark" Lamp!

I like this book very much. Not only does it answer color questions for inside my house, but it gives me color guidance and inspiration for the outside of my house (which is in dire need of a paint job). The photography in the book is lovely . The detailed instruction for choosing colors makes it easier than I thought it would be. This beautiful book is a useful tool.

I gave this book to several friends as house warming and wedding gifts. Both friends said they loved the book, but more than that, they were able to get use out of it. One friend found a beautiful putty paint color for the outside of her house. Her house looks amazing with charcoal colored shutters. She is so happy with the result. My other friend chose a color scheme for her living room, dining room and family room. She said the book made it easy. I have since purchased a copy for myself. I'm reading it now and am getting very inspired to make changes in my own home.

My wife and I found this book very helpful in determining colors for the outside of our house. I learned what was needed to prep and paint the house as well. My wife enjoyed the information on color for our rooms and is planning a color scheme. This book is worth the investment.

This is a very comprehensive guide for choosing colors for both the interior and exterior of your home. It includes everything you would ever need to know about color, painting techniques, and everything in between. This is the only guide that I will need to accomplish my goals. There is simply nothing about the color selection and painting process that isn't thoughtfully addressed in this book. Plus, the photographs and are beautiful! It's got it all.