Furniture Books

Raymond provides comprehensive instructions for the woodworker to produce a variety of handsome clocks based on timeless designs. Not only are the patterns well presented but also ways to finish the cases. Included is a very clever moon dial clock.

WHAT A WONDERFUL NEW PUBLICATION. LOTS OF GREAT INFORMATION & PHOTOS. WE NEED MORE FINE BOOKS LIKE THIS!

I bought Barrett's other book, Bookcases, from a bookstore, after paging through it. I found the bookcases really appealing. A wide range of designs, some that didn't appeal to me at all, but enough were right down my alley that I knew I'd make them. The drawings and photos were really clear, so i didn't worry about being left in the lurch halfway through the project with vague directions.

When I saw Kitchen Projects, I bought it sight unseen because I knew Barrett would do a good job. He doesn't disappoint.

There are some really good projects in here, more than in Bookcases: simple things with elegant lines. He doesn't seem to work in any one traditional style, but weaves together some Shaker, contemporary and a few traditional ideas. These are designs that fit anywhere solid wood is appropriate.

He uses some plywood now and again, but you'd never know it looking at the finished object. And man does the guy have nice tools from what I can see in the photos.

The projects look mostly simpler than the bookcases--and a lot more useful. I haven't had the chance to make anythin fromt eh book yet, but I already have a few lined up for my house and friends' birthdays.

This book is a sure bet. Highly recommended!

I must confess that I was very pleasantly surprised and delighted by this excellent, first book outing by David Linley! It is an excellent survey of the history of classicism from its origins in ancient Greece, to the influence of Architect Andrea Palladio, throughout Europe, England and the rest of the world. Linley is an excellent modern day interpreter of classicism, which is evident by his furniture designs which are featured throughout this beautiful book. He goes into detail about the great furniture makers such as, Chippendale, Hepplewhite, and Sheraton. He also discusses the influence of some of the great architects such as Adam and Kent. I had the good luck to see up close, one of Linley's biggest commissions: The conference table in The Board of Trustee's Room at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which was more than cleverly done. In years to come, he will unquestionably be regarded as one of the great modern interpeters of classical furniture ever. This book is a MUST for anyone who loves fine furniture.

Finely detailed in research and detailed photos of an oten overlooked period of American furniture.

This lovely book was shipped swiftly in perfect condition and provided many
nice photographs from these quirky and talented French craft masters.

Deborah Lambert is the Senior Academic Consultant for Christie's Education in London, England.

There are many books on the history of furniture and its styles; there are many important documents that provide information about furniture makers and the periods in which they lived. But however valuable these may be, to me they only tell part of the story. the other part is told by the pieces of furniture themselves. I have been privileged to have had the opportunity, over the last 20 years, to listen to David Hawkins talking about antique furniture and watching him work. Most of what I understand about how period furniture was made I have learnt this way, and questioning and sometimes arguing a point. There is no doubt that David is a masterly restorer, but he is much more than that. One of the most remarkable things about this book is that it is like having David in the room with us. He works and talks, as it were, in front of us making us see, making us think, and telling anecdotes that prove a point or enhance knowledge. He claims there have been many people with similar skills, but despite his protestations I find this quite hard to believe. He mixes practical common sense, and sound commercialism, with an innnate feeling for what is right, he probes and questions, showing all the time a deep respect fot those from whom he learnt his trade, and for those that taught them, and the traditions of the workshop. But perhaps more than anything, he is passionate about it all. The practises and conventions of the workshop that were responsible for the production of all the furniture we now collect, the tradition to which David belongs, no longer exist. By sharing his life time's experience and knowledge he has helped capture it for us and for the future generations. It will I am sure, change the way many of us look at and think about period furniture by opening our eyes, sometimes to the obvious. With or without any practical knowledge, anyone with a serious interest in antique furniture will find this book fascinating.

5th August 1999

Coca-Cola bean bags are instantly recognizable by their bottle of Coke. But while Polar Bears are obvious, it's harder to distinguish Jaguars from Cheetahs. Luckily, this handsome book contains large, colorful photographs and pertinent details to help a collector manage a wide variety of Coca-Cola bean bags critters. And, the comprehensive list of all Coca-Cola bean bags in Appendix A is a very useful feature to track what's in your collection.

The chapter on tags is especially helpful, with highly readable photos of the in's and out's of the authentic tags. It's too bad the country flags were not similarly illustrated for the International sets so we could learn more about the country each critter came from. Still, it's a great book to show kids what different animals look like in all the countries where Coca-Cola is sold.

This book is more than just veneer. It has the look and feel of a coffee table book. There are glossy pictures and plenty of diagrams. However after the shock and awe, you will find this a great overview of many wood working disciplines. This book has information on everything from the history and makeup of various woods to tools used in various types of wood working.

My interest is mostly in turning and turning tools. There a tab in the margin of the book page that leads you to similar information on the subject. This is the in print version of a Hyper Link.

After absorbing this book you will have a better feel for what how you want to proceed. Then the book is still useful for a reference. If you do not actually indulge, at lease you can hold an intelligent conversation.

I have a copy in front of me, and it's lacking the publishers cover copy, so here's what's on the back cover.

"A complete and comprehensive guide to the history of furniture, focusing on the four major furniture groups - chairs, tables, sofas, and desks.

Looks in detail at the period between 1600 and the modern day, with each century analyzed in turn.

Includes a lof at furniture created in the pre-1600 period, from Tutankhamun's ornate state throne to the much simpler furniture created in the 1500s

Includes hundreds of full-color pictures"

That's from the back of the book. Looks like an interesting study of what we have done for furniture, but I'm a futurist and more interested in what will be the furniture after the Singularity.