5 comments about The Encyclopedia of Furniture: Third Edition - Completely Revised.

1. This book is just what I was looking for: Illustrated descriptions of styles and terms used for furniture. If you want to know what terms like "cabriole" mean (for which you really need illustrations), this is probably the right book for you. I say "probably" because The Encyclopedia of Furniture was originally published in 1938 and the current edition was revised almost 50 years ago. Given that most of the material is historical, that's not as bad as it sounds
   
   The Encyclopedia of Furniture would benefit greatly from the better editorial and production values that computerized compilation methods have made possible. (Unfortunately, most publishers--reflecting the ownership of many by huge multinational media corporations--are more interested in how fast they can publish than whether the material is comprehensive or even factually correct.)
   
   Following are examples of the kinds of problems that could be eliminated with some editorial direction and modern production techniques (which will also give you an idea of what's covered by The Encyclopedia of Furniture):
   
   --The criteria for deciding what or who deserves an entry aren't clear. For example, an entry appears for William Morris but none for Breuer or Thonet. And does James Gillingham (an 18th century Phila. furniture maker whose name isn't identified with a chair or any other piece of furniture) warrant more space than either of these?
   --It appears that only photographic plates are numbered, but line drawings don't always appear adjacent to the text they illustrate. Because there are 1800+ illustrations, this can create confusion. For example, to what do the unlabeled line drawings numbered a-e at the top of col. 1, p. 389 refer (none of the text appearing on pages 388-389 appears to reference these).
   --The illustrations don't always appear with the most appropriate entry. For example, there's no illustration for KNEEHOLE but illustrations of kneehole desks appear under both DESK and ENGLAND.
   --The means of illustration are also sometimes inappropriate. PERIOD FURNITURE (p. 336) is illustrated by a hand-drawn timeline whereas it should have been typeset---or perhaps the timeline (which certainly deserves space in this encyclopedia) belongs someplace else.
   --In some places (e.g., the heavily illustrated ENGLAND section) the illustrations sometimes don't even fit the printed page (they just kind of slide off the end).
   --INTAGLIO (p. 262) references illustration 32, which is a Queen Anne armchair. Does this mean that the three-toed DRAKE FOOT of the chair leg is an example of intaglio? The entry is vague, and so is the illustration.
   --Running heads and folios are essential but are sometimes missing just where they are needed most (e.g., the lengthy ENGLAND section).
   
   This great reference is most deserving of an extensive, up-to-date revision.



2. This text doesn't go into detail about anything in particular, it's good at describing the basics, but the basics can easily be found through an internet search. I wouldn't recommend this text.



3. Incredible reference for different pieces of furniture and motifs ranging from the beginning of construction to present. Used it for my History of Furniture class...pictures were very helpful examples and the accompanying captions and text were thorough.



4. I cannot stress enough how fabulous this book is - it really is Must-Have Resource book for ALL Design Libraries. Having studied the applied arts/ craft arts & design this book is a great reference guide and something I use to check on original & replica styles from furniture suppliers, especially for historical aspects to help further inform clients on their choices/ placement & ultimately purchases. If you love furniture, design or are in both - then this is a great addition to your resources.



5. If some one like antique furnitures, you got to have this book. it is very completely and tells you most the styles in the history.

2 comments about Danish Modern.

1. I was absolutely shocked when I got this book. Having many design books, I thought this looked like it could be a good one, however I had no idea that it was going to be as good as it is. The layout and organization are amazingly well done by a team that is obviously extremely familiar with this design genre. This is a present for a friend however you can believe that I'm getting another copy for myself as well.



2. This book provides an overview of Danish modern furniture. It is agood start for anyone interested in the subject, especially if you were not around during the 50s and 60s. Well photographed and written.

5 comments about Home Book of Picture Framing: Professional Secrets of Mounting Matting, Framing and Displaying Artworks, Photographs, Posters, Fabrics, Collectibles, Carvings and More.

1. I was looking to acquire enough information to start framing a couple of items, and so wanted a book that would discuss the basics in detail. This book takes a more general introductory approach, including chapters on woodworking basics and various types of framing jobs--ideal for someone with no background looking to start framing as a hobby or business. If you have some woodworking background and know what type of framing you want to do, you should probably look elsewhere. However, if you want an introduction to the overall practice of framing, the types of tools and skills required, and are ready to pursue other information for deeper coverage, it's a good starting place.



2. This is a great book. I have always wanted to offer my customers top quality framed and matted photographs, but wasn't shure how to go about it. This book opened up a whole new world to me, and I bought some reasonably price tools and now I can frame and matt like a professional. This book is worth its' weight in gold.



3. Author writes from first hand experience and adds in good technical details. Good examples of using common tools and professional tools to create desired results. Many examples and pictures to show how to perform each step. Many areas of framing, matting, and hanging the art are covered. Many references to the best practices are included. Overall a very well written reference book. A great place to start, but include a lot of extra material so the intermediate framer will get a lot out of this book also.



4. This book focuses mostly on woodworking techniques and building picture frames, with a minimal amount on matting (using the Alto mat cutter), mounting, or aesthetics (choosing colors and proportions). Some modern methods of mounting (for instance, strip mounts in which no glue touches the artwork) aren't even mentioned here. This book might be useful if you want to focus on building picture frames, but for a more general introduction to the kind of framing I might do myself, including assembling frames, I found Logan's "Mat, Mount, and Frame It Yourself" more useful.



5. These questions are misleading - I ordered one book, and received and paid for two - I have sent emails complaining, and all I get back (weeks later) is this stupid email asking me to rate the book - which book? - where were you when I asked how I got two books? And how do I correct this? - but NO, instead you send me this idiotic questionaire about "the book" I received - is anybody there? Are you people there, or am I talking to a computer? You pretend to care, but it appears you are just robots - HOW DID I GET TWO BOOKS, AFTER ORDERING ONE, PAY FOR TWO and GET ZERO RESPONSE TO MY QUESTIONS?!! Your computer generated concern is phony - the books were fine, Amazon is suspect!

No comments about American Furniture 2009.

5 comments about Sam Maloof, Woodworker.

1. For someone who loves to work wood with his hands, for someone who appreciates the work of a master artisan, or someone who loves beautifully crafted furniture, you will love this book. It not only has beautiful photos of some of Maloof's finest pieces, but gives great insight into how he achieved the results. This book is put together with real love and an eagerness to share with others who love to work in wood and make beautiful pieces of furniture.



2. I've been woodworking for a a little over a year and had read about Sam Maloof in articles here and there. A few months ago I got to visit the Sam Maloof foundation and I fell in love with the way he shapes his pieces of furniture. As part of the tour we got to sit on one of his rockers and not only do they look beautiful but they are amazingly comfortable. That's when I decided to buy this book to learn more about him and his art.
   This book includes Sam Maloof's story from when he first began and his experience as he grew into his woodworking career. It is inspiring to read and to see how he persevered even though it was not easy at the beginning. The book is full of pictures of his work, more than was available at the Maloof foundation. It includes a high-level description of how he makes his famous rockers too.



3. As you most likely know, Sam Maloof is an icon in the world of woodworking. This book does a great job of both highlighting his many creations as well as to tell the story of the man who would define an entire style and change the face of fine furniture. Written by Sam himself, the book gives you an insight into his genius and humility that you can't get anywhere else other than from the man. And it's clear he had creative input into the design of the book itself, as it's beautifully illustrated and elegantly laid out. I'm relatively new to woodworking and the brilliance of Sam Maloof, but I'm so glad I'm able to have discovered him while we're still blessed with his presence on the earth. Get this book.



4. IF YOU ARE INTO WOOD OR WOODWORKING AS MUCH AS I AM, OR EVEN IF IF YOU ARE ONLY INTO READING ABOUT GREAT ARTISTS/CRAFTSMEN, THIS BOOK IS A MUST FOR YOU !! IT DETAILS WITH GREAT CLARITY SAM'S LIFE & WORK THROUGH BOTH PHOTOS & REMARKABLE WRITING. I FOUND IT INFORMATIVE & INSIGHTFUL!! DO NOT PASS UP THE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN THIS BOOK !!!
   
   BILL



5. I bought this book when I was a student of woodworking/cabinetmaking in college, after hearing and seeing and studing some of Mr.Maloof's work in class. I found his command and respect for his craft, and the material that he works with to be second to none. His work is a insperation in it's self but once you find out the story behind this unbeliveable man it is all the more fasanating. his simple thoughts and down to earth style are a insperation to all. after reading this book I was amazed and inspired by this man and will remember and re-read this book may times.he will always be a insperation to myself and all woodworkers for years to come

No comments about Antique Trader Furniture Price Guide.

3 comments about Glen Huey's Illustrated Guide to Building Period Furniture: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide (Popular Woodworking).

1. Illustrated Guide to Building Period Furniture and Building 18th Century American Furniture and Fine Furniture for a Lifetime (Popular Woodworking) are the same book. I bought the tree at the same time not knowing that.
   This is a racket.



2. I thought this was a great book. very inspiring, detailed pictures.
   Lots of good pointers.



3. An outstanding book for a beginner or more experienced woodworker. I am truly impressed. I am a fairly experienced woodworker. I own many books on the subject. Glen Huey has produced a very fine book on period furniture.
   Another very excellent book is Lonnie Bird's: "Period Furniture Details" I would reccomend buying both books.
   This book is more step by step and informative than many.There are five main projects:1.block front chest 2.Massachusetts high chest{high boy}3.Pennsylvania chest on chest 4.Pennsylvania tall case clock 5.New England desk and bookcase{secretary} All projects are thorougly covered with step by step construction instructions.The book is easy to use in the shop with its spiral binding.There is an accompanying D.V.D That is by itself worth the price of the book! Every project has full cut lists and sources for specialty hardware.The D.V.D {82 minutes} has detailed demonstrations on: making cabriole legs,stickered miters,dye finishing,ogee feet and more. There are printable full size patterns for all curved or special parts for all projects on the D.V.D. [One negative the book like many is printed in China and in my opinion the picture and printing are not as good as many others] If you want to build one of these period pieces this is the book for you,you can do it!

5 comments about Bringing Paris Home.

1. This is a great coffee table book and the photos are interesting. However, it is filled mostly with American houses that have tried to look European rather than the real thing, and there is absolutely nothing to teach the reader about what distinguishes one period from another. I'm glad I bought it, but it missed an opportunity to be much more valuable.



2. After over a month of waiting the book never arrived. The shipper even said that they sent a second copy. It too was never received. I finally got a credit to my account but I really wanted the book.



3. If you can't get to Paris, this book will satisfy a little of that urge. Beautiful photographs of lush homes furnished and accessorized as only Parisions do. Especially intriguing is the window fabric on the cover and in the inside pages. Exactly what is it, and how was it made? So very ooh-la-la!



4. Just by looking at the pictures, you are with Penny in Paris, seating outside with a "cafe" and a "croissant"
   It is a wonderful book.
   Thank you Penny, for taking the time and the research about our Paris.



5. Amazing text, design insights, and photographs. Should be on everyone's shopping list and coffee table!!!!!!!!!!!!! I stocked up so I could have enough on hand for the Holidays.

2 comments about French Touch, The.

1. Not your traditional picture type book, but many ideas on the the use of French pieces along with a historic visit of France. Just one of many unique ideas was to use a "Fireback" as a back splash instead of it's original intent. My freind has one from her mother who lived in France and loved the idea.



2. The book is a great resource for someone interested in building or renovating to create an authentic "french look". French architectural elements are categorized and many pictures of authentic elements are provided in the book. By using the book as a guide, one can choose authentic looking or actual reclaimed elements widely available as opposed to the garish alternatives on the market that are advertised as "the french look". Kudos to the author !!!

5 comments about Making Antique Furniture Reproductions: Instructions and Measured Drawings for 40 Classic Projects.

1. This is a great book for those interested in making period furniture reproductions. Gottshall wrote about 5 books on this topic, all of them excellent, must haves. Perhaps his best, my favorite, is Masterpiece Furniture Making, not to be confused with one of his other books, Making Furniture Masterpieces, also very good.



2. I guess some people really like this book. Like the other book, it has an attractive cover, but inside...lacks. The drawings are hard to understand, of not the best quality and would have expected more.



3. Some of the designs in this book are projects that I definitely intend to build. However, using this book to produce the designs in it requires a good set of woodworking skills and ability to come up with the project based on a minimal presentation. The drawings are adequate, but the photos are very poor quality. Frankly I could produce a better quality presentation on an office copier. Very dated to the 70's and not a book to read just for enjoyment or to look at the pictures.



4. The book gives essential information to anyone interested in the design or construction classic American furniture.



5. I took the initiative to build the carved corner china from the plans in this book and they are excellent. When I was done with my project I wrote Mr. Gottshall with photos of my project and he wrote back immediately, as I am perhaps the only other person he knew who built this particular project.
   I telephoned him to thank him for the education I got building from his plans but alas, he had had a stroke. This was in 1978. I can be reasonably certain Frank has passed away by now, but his legacy is in his books which got better as he got older. A must for any cabintmaker.