4 comments about Classic America The Federal Style & Beyond.

1. Another reviewer complains that the newer Universe edition has had its text edited down.
   
   This is true. The Universe just compresses the text into fewer pages, and cuts out a few paragraphs. The book's value is in the photos--all are in this edition..
   
   The quality of the printing job for the Universe not quite as good as that of the earlier Rizzoli. This does reflect itself in slightly less grand photos, but of course, it is also much cheaper.



2. I am extremely upset with my purchase of this book Classic America by Wendell Garrett. I had previosuly checked this book out from my local library and loved it. It was a hardcover book of 297 pages. Since it was out of print in hardcover and currently offered in paperback, I bought it. I was shocked to see it had been reduced to 200 pages!! I want the other 97 pages I expected and paid for. Amazon failed to mention that the book had been edited down by 1/3 the size. What a ripoff and shame on you Amazon!!!



3. This tells a history of the U.S. during the late 1700's and early 1800's with an emphasis on events and people that influenced architecture and interior design.
   The photographs are excellent, however I question the accuracy of the text. A couple paragraphs disagree with known experts without any comment. Some sections repeat themselves word for word. Entire paragraphs are printed twice, which calls into question the writing and editing of the work.
   Finally, before I had even finished reading the book, it had fallen apart in my hands. So regrettably, what could have been a beautiful volume to display is now a bunch of loose leaves.



4. Wendell Garrett has done students of interior design and architecture a very great service with this modestly priced history of America's Federal style. His concise and accurate text is amply matched by Paul Rocheleau's handsome photographs.

   There is so much to learn, even for amateur students of American architectural history. We hear about Palladio, Robert Adam, Christopher Wren and others who influenced the American Federal style, but we also learn what was going on in the American colonies in a religious, economic, and legal sense--all of which helped to affect the shape and style of American architectural and decorative tastes.

   One of the most interesting things is learning how American craftsmen, builders and architects (many of whom were slaves) were influenced by the latest European styles. American styles in everything, from dress to furniture to homes, tended to be more plainspoken and stripped down to the bare essentials than were their European counterparts.

   This is an absolutely fascinating read, and a visual treat for anyone who is even remotely interested in the American Federal style.

5 comments about The Bulfinch Anatomy of Antique Furniture: An Illustrated Guide to Identifying Period, Detail, and Design (Bulfinch Anatomy of Antique Furniture).

1. Don't buy from this vendor, the book was prepriced and they charged substanitally more plus the frieght. When contacted about it they asked for more imformation and pictures of the product then is required to get a social security number. They were bascially nasty with their attitude. Amazon should not list these people.



2. "The Bulfinch Anatomy of Antique Furniture" is not only a wonderful reference book with lovely illustrations and photos, but it makes a great coffee table book as well. I highly recommend this book. It is a great value for very little money.



3. Totally a collectors book has great pictures and wonderful information showes the designs well. helps you learn what to look for in antiques



4. This is an absolute sensational book! It is a book that must be included in your antiques reference library!
   It covers everything A to Z on the subject of identifying and authenticating period pieces. You WILL be able to identify period pieces once you've studied the book subjects. It offers hundred of pictures, with clear cut difinitions and examples.
   If you are an antiques dealer, beginner or expert, you will not regret owning this very comprehensive guide.
   I would also like to recomment The Bulfinch Anatomy of Antique Furniture; another must have reference book.
   *****



5. This volume provides a good reference for collectors of antique furniture. It includes a detailed chronology of styles and periods, coverering Europe and the US, and presents typical pieces of various categories of furniture, including details on construction. It is well illustrated. Unfortunately no relative values are provided. Also degree of rarity, popularity, etc. is also rarely mentioned.(A tip: I still think that Peter Philp's FIELD GUIDE TO ANTIQUE FURNITURE is much better. In fact, if you've got Philp's book, you don't really need this one).

No comments about Perspectives on American Furniture (Winterthur Conference//(Report)).

No comments about The Manual of Furniture Restoration.

No comments about Painted Furniture.

No comments about Furniture in Maryland, 1740-1940: The Collection of the Maryland Historical Society.

1 comments about Making Classic Carved Furniture: The Queen Anne Stool.

1. Ron takes you through every step in idiot-proof detail assuring sucess to anyone capable of following instructions and mildly skilled with tools. This book along with his two others, Making a Pie Crust Tea Table and Making a Chippendale Chair are a must for anyone serious about making 18th Century furniture reproductions.

No comments about Sotheby's Concise Encyclopedia of Furniture.

1 comments about Quilts Sold!: A Guide to Heirloom And Antique Quilts.

1. Kathy Prochnow is a regular contributor to Traditional Quilter and has long provided insight into the quilt auction marketplace and how it works; so it's a logical transition from column to book, gathering her knowledge in QUILTS SOLD! A GUIDE TO HEIRLOOM AND ANTIQUE QUILTS. Historical background blends with pricing information and details on how auction house quilts work to provide quilters with the most thorough coverage in print. Her researcher husband contributes his expertise to gather a comprehensive price list of auctioned quilts, making this a real winner.
   
   Diane C. Donovan, Editor
   California Bookwatch

No comments about Roycroft Decorative Accessories in Copper and Leather: The 1919 Catalog.