5 comments about Matting and Framing Made Easy.

1. Extensive instruction on matting pictures for personal to archival matting. Practically anything you would need to know about matting. Not a lot about framing pictures but a very basic start at simple framing near the end of the book.



2. As a total beginner, I thought this book was very strong on presenting information about materials and archival vs. non-archival and such. However, I found the author's instructions on specific techniques to be lacking...I often had to read them many times just to understand a fairly simple procedure.



3. As a beginning framer, I found this book to be a wealth of valuable information on equipment and techniques. It covers every aspect of framing and answered most, if not all, of my questions. This is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in learning the art of framing.



4. This is simply the best book currently out there for the do-it-yourself framer. In particular, after looking at dozens of books in libraries and bookstores, it's the only book I found that really gives satisfactory attention to archival considerations, pros and cons of different methods of mounting artwork, and protection of the framed materials from moisture in the environment (a real area of concern if you're living in an extremely high-humidity region, as I am!). After an hour or so of browsing through the book, I already felt I had gotten my money's worth in answered questions and useful information. Everything the beginner needs to know, plus a little more in-depth information for those of us who have already learned the basics. Recommended!



5. This being the only book on the subject that was on the bookshelf in the brick&morter store, I was very disappointed in the author's handling of certain key aspects of the subject, that I felt, as a novice were very important.Specificly alternative sources of suitable supplies and materials.

1 comments about Shaker Design.

1. bunch of clear pics,interesting info about each piece.
   even if you not particular of shaker craftsmanship or design,,,youll like this book.
   
   if you have even a little interest in woodworking,but arent partial to shaker design,i bet you could spot 10 pics of items in this book youd want to try n build.
   if you work with wood,youll want this tome. [always wanted to use that word.] ;-)

4 comments about John Townsend: Newport Cabinetmaker (Metropolitan Museum of Art Publications).

1. 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.



2. 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.



3. 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.



4. 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

4 comments about Oil Lamps II: Glass Kerosene Lamps (Oil Lamps).

1. 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!



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



3. 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



4. 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!

1 comments about Doorstops: Identification and Values.

1. One must first be able to get past the problems that this is an old book with out of date values and poorly focused, washed-out photography. But its value lies in the fact that there are very few books on this subject and it has some pieces and color variations not found elsewhere.

No comments about Asian Furniture: A Directory and Sourcebook.

1 comments about A History of European Picture Frames.

1. Mitchell has done agreat job by gathering all this data and turning it into a thoroughbred classic on antique picture frames.
   Academic quality could be compared to Framing in the Golden Age but lacks the in depth detail of that great book.

No comments about Principles of Victorian Decorative Design.

1 comments about American Furniture of the 19th Century: 1840-1880 (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. This book serves as an excellent reference for Victorian furniture and is a great buying aid due to the large number of photographs with captions that identify the maker. Includes profiles of many of the famous makers such as John Henry Belter and J & JW Meeks.

4 comments about The Book of Shaker Furniture.

1. The book presentation itself, is beautiful. Mr Kassay has over thirty years experience teaching industrial style, and it shows in his book. All of the photos are black and white, which at first, struck me as odd -- but Mr Kassay highly successfully uses this medium to help convey the grace, simplicity and sleekness of the Shaker's furniture. In his excellent descriptions, he provides the colors, type of current finish, and the original, if known.

   The measured drawings of the selected items are a work of art by themselves. They are beautiful line drawings with gray shading which gives a three dimensional presence. Mr Kassay carefully and completely exposes the hidden joinery that has often been omitted from the other classics of measured drawings of Shaker furniture. None of the other books that I have read, come close to providing as much detail of the actual craftsmanship of the joints.

   At first impression, my favorite is his drawing and explanation of the Harvard side table with the under slung drawer from the Fruitlands Museum. It's stability has always looked questionable to me, and he openly discusses it and I gained insight how to modify mine to be more sturdy, but still very recognizable as a reproduction of the original.

   Instead of showing photos of one or two examples of each type of item,for example, candle stands, he shows four or more. While he doesn't have measured drawing of each photo, he has at least one measured drawing of each type and provides dimensions on the other pieces. By providing many examples of items, he relates a broad sense of all of the Shaker's candle stands, rather than portraying, "this is the characteristics of this stand, look elsewhere for the big picture."

   He also includes a good history of the Shakers. While the information is fairly common among the books about the Shaker's and their furniture, it makes his book a complete reference for new comers and for people who have only room on their shelf and budget for one book.

   If the reader is interested in the beauty of the Shaker furniture, a beautifully done book, and extremely well done drawings, this is probably the book!




2. I'm, as a woodworker, an advanced amateur (I'm a Civil Engineer). One of my last works was a case with 27 (yes twentyseven) drawers of 15 different sizes and a door. A few months ago, attracted by a photo in the cover, I bought a book in London (England) about all the aspect of the Shaker Community and with a great surprise, I found there something very similar to what I had drafted and done. I didn't even know the existence of a Shaker Community before. Do you believe in reincarnation??? So I become extremely interested and tried to learn more about all the aspect of the Shaker furniture. I think this book has solved many questions I had and put in my mind many ideas. The drawings, in particular, are extremely clear and accurate and made with a loving care. After having seen this book I' m working to a sewing desk and to a woodworking bench in Shaker style. Certainly I didn't regret the money! Antonello Ruscazio - Sardinia Island - Italy



3. A great book to show customers. Includes a paragraph detailing each peice, a wonderful history of the shakers and their furniture, overall dimensions, and plans for a limited number of pieces. This book could use some color photos plans for each peice and more detail in the plans, but that was not necessarly the aim of the book, though it achieved what it meant to do well. When reading this book, one feels the struggle shaker cabinet makers were engaged in between simplicity and "the world".



4. A classic work on the Shaker community and furniture. Kassay's hand-drawn plans of specific furniture items reflect great detail while remaining relatively easy to follow. Logical organizaton of the content with excellent references. A "must have" for any serious woodworkers interested in or having respect for the Shaker lifestyle. Much deeper content than softcovers on the subject.