Furniture Books

This is an excelent, simple book on making windsor chairs. The format of the book is one of pictures with two or three lines of text describing the pictured operation. A good step by step reference for when you're building a chair.

I was very pleased to see the detailed steps of windsor chairmaking explained and displayed in the photos. It's not rocket science but I would never have known how to begin this project without this book. Because of the clear instruction given in this fine book I'm going to attempt my first chair.

I have built two chairs under the guidance of Mike Dunbar. Mike also trained Jim. The procedures are very similar, so this book gives you insight into what Mike is teaching. There are some differences, but I don't think they will matter to you if you can translate the information in this book into a chair. I have shared a couple of images above to show you that it can be done. That chair started as a pile of rough lumber. Now it is one of my favorite chairs.

I have never made a chair, but have performed all the fundamentals for this project, but with this book I now have the confidence and a plan.
This book is very well formatted and the pictures are perfect for the process descriptions.
If you want history of these chairs, this is the wrong book for you. If you want t obuild one of these chairs...you've come to the right place.

As a member of a Dollhouse and Miniatures Club, this book on the advertising of early dollhouses, I find this book a MUST BUY for all collectors and other people seeking info on dollhouses and the styles that were out there for the public to buy. Again, as a collector, it is essential to have a book like this to use as a "guide", especially when so many houses and furniture of these periods are unknown and this also gives a glimpse into how these products were advertised to entise the public, especially children to buy these products. This book is yet another fantastic book by Dian Zillner to further eductate us in the past and present Dollhouse and Furniture collectables.

I purchased this book for my Mom for Christmas and she was in heaven!

I didn't want to wait the 2-3 weeks to receive this, so I purchased it from one of the secondary sellers listed in the Amazon ad page and got a wonderful NEW book for under $20.00! Paging thru this fun nostalgic book is just like Christmas morning for any baby boomer who was a little girl waiting for Santa in the 1940's thru 1960's.....also has some 1970's dollhouses and furniture. What a wonderful find! You will love it!

American Fancy: Exuberance In The Arts 1790-1840 is a stunning coffee table book focusing upon all forms of physical art - from paintings to furnishings to clocks, glass panels, coffeepots, and much more that could be found American households circa the early 1800's. The full color photographs display a truly remarkable assortment of classic antiques, and the text brings the reader on an in-depth tour of not only the works themselves, but the lives and sweeping historical changes surrounding the men and and women who cherished them. American Fancy is a veritable treasury of vintage creations, many of which were pragmatic as surely as they were beautiful.

From the two color book ribbons sewn into the binding to the heavy duty paper and bright, clear illustrations, this book is almost certainly the best produced new book I have ever seen. I resisted buying it for some months because of the price, but I was wrong to delay. The Chipstone Foundation and the Milwaukee Art Museum, and especially the designer, Wynne Patterson, are to be highly commended for producing a book of the highest quality. That is no small achievement in these pinch-penny days.

Long lost is the fine art of hand-binding books in leather and half-leather, but this book comes as close to the sensual delights of a handmade book of the 18th century as any I have ever seen.

Some of this praise must, of course, be reserved for the author. Some of the sensual delights of this book arise from the integration of black and white advertisements from historical sources, color pictures of painted furniture, close-up images of painted surfaces and ancillary images such as pictures of mocha ware, doll houses, quilts and folk portraits. The conscious effort to vary our range of focus adds a whole new dimension to the experience of reading the book.

I think that Priddy has an esoteric argument to make in his text, and I'm not sure he entirely makes his case. Sometimes, the words fight against the images, but the book is so beguilingly beautiful that the reader is ultimately won over by the sheer fancy imbedded in the effort.

Most of the time, we buy a book for its subject matter and treatment. Here there we have an additional reason. American Fancy is simply one of the finest books made in modern times. It is pure a delight.

Disclaimer: I was a lender to the exhibition and objects from my collection are illustrated in this extraordinary book, more than a catalogue of the exhibition. I heard the author, Sumpter Priddy, lecture on his concept of Fancy well over ten years ago and it resonated within me for years afterward. To finally have the expression of that concept so brilliantly realized must be both thrilling and empty-feeling for him. But those who have the book are the beneficiaries of his insight. The book is beautifully illustrated with top-level color photography by Gavin Ashworth of objects from museums and private collections that flesh out Priddy's vision of what constituted Fancy in the 1790-1840 period. The text is accessible and comprehensive while well-presented graphically. My only quibble is that the book's cover doesn't begin to suggest the riches within. In all, an exceptional effort at an extremely attractive price, thanks to the Chipstone Foundation's involvement.

I baught the childrens thesaurus for my 9 year old daughter, itis used more than our other thesaurus by me and my teenagedchildren. It is very fast and easy to use.

The American Heritage Thesaurus is a must reference book for any home with children. Each researched word, printed in blue large bold print, is accompanied with the a description, printed in black, of the part(s) of speech the word can be used, several best choice synonyms, and a few lesser utilized synonyms. In addition, an example sentence incorporating the researched word is provided. Occassionally a list of antonyms is provided for the researched word. Researched words are easily located as a result of a large space between each word. Each two page spread usually contains one or two color photographs adding some visual appeal. In summary, this thesaurus is highly recommended and is an invaluable resource for any child of reading age.

I was looking for a good thesaurus for my 3rd grader, one that he could grow with. Good writing is all about good words and new ways of saying things. Everyone should have a thesaurus! I love this one. After receiving it, I liked it so much I wanted to buy a class set for my school. First I wanted to make sure everyone liked it as much as I did. My Mom, an elementary school librarian, praised its clear format. My son's teacher loves the pictures, the antonyms and that words are used in an example. The school Prinicipal said American Heritage is always his favorite too. After all that, I am ordering a classroom set for my son's 3rd grade teacher. I am hoping that eventually there will be one for each student 3rd grade and up!

If you've purchased several books about decorating with Arts and Crafts style and wish to get a more in-depth knowledge of the movement, it's proponents and influences, then this is the book for you. From William Morris to Gustav Stickley, Jane Addams to Frank Lloyd Wright, the author covers the who's who of the movemement, large and small. The book is full of excellent photographs and covers a broad spectrum of the styles popular in Europe and America and how it's design philosophy was incorporated into everything from jewelry to homes. When one thinks of the Arts and Crafts style, Stickley's Craftsman style usually is one of the first things that comes to mind. The "Arts and Crafts Companion" quickly proves that there is much more to the style including Nouveau, Minimalist and Japanese influences. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to have a great reference book as well as to learn much more about the Arts and Crafts movement.

I really enjoyed this on several levels. It's a beautifully produced book, with gorgeous illustrations and photographs, and it provides a very good introduction to the Arts and Crafts movement. The book includes information about its origins and leading exponents, and sections on archutecture, furniture, design, and crafts, all copiously illustrated. There is also a list of sources in the back. This book is excellent for browsers, for those wanting a good introduction to the Arts and Crafts movement, or for those who just like beautiful art books.

This book is informative, well indexed and offers great quality with regard to print, photographic images and text for the price. Very readable.

This book, and a traveling exhibit due at Yale this fall and The Smithsonian in early next year, captures the feelings and human aspect of what happens when a family owned furniture factory is closed due to a hostile takeover. The pictures and accompaning text document from an historical and extremely personal perspective the lives of workers in a small town in North Carolina, dependant on each other and the factory, and the devastation that occurs when big city, outside forces make an impersonal decision regarding people 1000 miles away.

a reasonably balanced view of a factory closing that doesn't make the owner out to be a devil (although some former workers clearly feel that way). Shows the human side of what happens when decisions are made based on the aseptic "bottom line". If anything, the book is not hard enough on the original family, the 1st generation that admirably built the company and the second generation that let it deteriorate (the book details how the 2 family members at the top didn't even talk to one another and used separate entrances to the building! Is it any wonder the financials deteriorated and they had to sell?)

The only thing missing is an interview with the capitalist that closed the plant. If they tried and he refused the book ought to say so, otherwise it seems that at least a few pages could have been devoted to his side of the story.

All in all, though, a great book to read, as a counterbalance for all of us that invest thru our 401Ks and retirement accounts expecting great returns and divorced from how those returns are obtained (and at what cost to some people).

This book does an excellent job of demonstrating the effects of a factory closing in a small southern town. As a former resident of the town (childhood home) and a former worker in the machine room and rubbing room of White's Furniture Factory, I was amazed at the depth of analysis and truthfulness in this book. This book demonstrated how the closing of a factory not only affects the workers, but prior workers, and the entire population of the town. I was surprised to see the pictures that were included that told a story all to themselves. This book is highly recommended for college professors wishing to pursue the effects of a factory closing and other downsizing efforts on a small town's population. A great story line supplemented by outstanding pictures as the authors take the reader through the last years of a 100+ year factory that the entire town centered their lives around. Highly recommended for those interested in the effects of a closing on the local population.

I have almost the complete Taunton series of woodworking books and they are a joy to peruse. Filled with good ideas, tips, tools and what-all.

This collection of books, which is priced substantially lower than bookstores by the way, is really a great wealth of knowledge about woodworking in general. I enjoy woodworking, specifically I'm a carpenter so my days have some variety, but there's only so much you can figure out on your own. You'll learn something just flipping through these books. This collection really gives you a direction to go with your craft and they really help you improve.

Having just taken delivery of this boxed set I can see that my workshop projects will have to wait a while so enjoyable I am finding these books to read!

I was initially looking to purchase only the Andy Rae book to help in some cabinet construction work but having not bought any up-to-date woodworking books for a while I decided to buy the set. Having now briefly gone through all three books I am very pleased with my decision to purchase all.

The Rae book, my book of choice, is exceptionally good with clear easy-to-understand explanations of all the subject matter accompanied by excellent line drawing illustrations back with good colour photos as required. The content layout is also very well organised and importantly the reader doesn't get bogged down in heavy text passages on techniques and the like. Importantly even just a quick skim through the various sections of the book leaves the reader with grasp of the essence of the content.

This is a book which I see myself constantly dipping into and, as the writer states in his introduction, will be kept very close to my workshop!

The Rogowski book on joinery is presented in a similar fashion and recieves another thumbs up although I have to confess that as an amateur carpenter I doubt the need to tackle some of the more ambitious work presented. Nevertheless, I am already rethinking of changing some of the techniques I presently use in favour of those presented by Mr Rogowski.

The Bird book on shaping wood looks like becoming another very useful reference and ideas book that I shall dip into as new and more ambitious projects come along.

All in all I heartily recommend this boxed set to anyone who dabbles in and enjoys woodworking, and wants to learn more from the experts in a easily understandable and practical manner.

Definitely 5 stars to Taunton Press for compiling ths set.

This is a great book with tons of wonderful pictures. There are many antiques and vintage items in the pictures, (which I LOVE), and the ideas are very short and simple. A great book to just open, get some ideas easily, and be inspired. If you like collecting, or like Vintage style decor, this book would be a great addition to your collection.

Everything what you want to know about the country style decoration, collectibles, cooking, and gardening is included in this book. It's perfect !

Large formate hardback with full page photos color each page, minimal captions, how to sections for creating your own unique interpretations of what you see. Compilation of photos from previous issues of Country Living Magazine condensed and available in one book. Abundant creative stimulation for moments when I just want to relax and allow myself some visual candy, snuggled comfortably listening to Miles Davis. Jazz and country? you bet!

This book is full of very helpful information on many aspects of furniture restoration and repair. Unlike many books on the subject it gives you the information you need without wasting your time or money.

Bennett has created a clear guide that both beginning and experienced restorators will find helpful. His techniques preserve the integrity and value of antiques by treating them conservatively. I especially appreciate Bennett's directions for formulating fillers and cleaners. If you want to do a proper job of restoring a fine antique this book is an essential tool.

How useful is this book? Within a fortnight of its purchase, I repaired the damaged cockbeading on my mid-Victorian/ Scotch chest of drawers using a scratch stock, and managed to open a locked cabinet door on my Victorian chiffonier by cutting a new barrel key. Prior to purchasing the book, I had contacted a local cabinetmaker regarding fashioning a replacement cockbeading for my chest of drawers. The cabinetmaker assured me that the job was "...very complex" and placed me on a year-and-a-half waiting list. My local locksmith was prepared to charge me $150 to open the locked cabinet door on my chiffonier. The barrel key blank cost me $12.

The book is a breath of fresh air with its emphasis on restoration using old methods, techniques, and materials rather than prescribing the usual hearty dollop of filler and varnish to get your beloved piece back to its former glory. I found the chapter devoted to colour matching to be particularly significant, and I have yet to encounter a book that delves so deeply into the matter.

The chapter entitled "Is it Really Antique?" made for a fascinating read. The Development of the English Wood Screw, Woodworking Methods, Locks, and Anatomy of a Fake are all accompanied by a bounty of useful photographs.

Truly the most useful book that I have found on the subject, and one that I reach for before all of the others when I need a question answered.

Recently we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Eames Lounge Chair and what better tribute to that milestone than this commemorative book. I have it and I love t. There is also a poster of the cover that you must get too.

Hats off to Herman Milller for keeping the Eames style relevant and as fresh as ever!

A great resource for anyone that has one of these iconic chairs or is interested in its history.

At last a book about THAT chair. Thomas Hine, one of the contributors to this interesting book, writes a chapter about the way the chair kept popping up in all the right media and this probably helped it along to its iconic status. I was aware of the chair many years ago and kept seeing it in interior design photos, adverts, and anywhere that visually needed to project an upmarket ambience. Strangely I never saw anyone sitting in these chairs and I was surprised to find, when I bought one, that the back does not support one's head. A 1956 photo used in a Herman Miller ad shows a stockbroker friend of Charles Eames clearly with his head on the back, he was either a short guy or had moved well forward in the chair.

The book is a celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the chair by five contributors with over two hundred illustrations. I thought Pat Kirkham's chapter on the chair's development the most interesting. There is a 1946 photo of a chair that is clearly a prototype for the final 1956 version. Another photo, from 1950 shows Billy Wilder sitting in this '46 version. Although Charles Eames designed the chair there was a huge technical input from Don Albinson who worked in the Eames Office.

The book is a handsome production, well thought out editorially and nicely designed and printed though there is a bit of unnecessary design whimsy with the chapter titled 'The Lounge Chair: idea to icon'. It has seventy-seven pages of photos and graphics with no page numbers, the captions are on three following pages where the illustrations are repeated as thumbnails with the relevant text, in fact the seventy-seven pages had enough space for these captions. Also I would have liked to have seen a technical drawing of the chair and ottoman with dimensions.

Despite a rather high list price I thought this book was a super reminder of a brilliant example of product design. The chair's status is surely growing because by 2004 over one hundred thousand had been sold and that most likely includes mine.

***FOR AN LOOK INSIDE click 'customer images' under the cover.