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On this page you will find those resources of note that I find of use:  books - links.  (If you've discovered some good resources of your own that you think your fellow woodworker's might enjoy, let me know of them.)


Books

We'll start with a list of books that I continue to find informative and inspiring.  Make sure you read the first three books (for a fuller description, see learning the craft); they are classics.


   R. Bruce Hoadly's Understanding Wood, published by Tauton Press, is essential reading.  Do not skip reading this book.

   Of all the how-to manuals out there the best is still Tage Frid Teaches Woodworking, and now volumes one and two have been combined in a single book.

   James Krenov communicates his sensitivity to the wood, his tools and the process in his classic, The Fine Art Of Cabinetmaking.

   Nineteenth Century Design
Charlotte Gere and Michael Whiteway
Harry N. Abrams, Inc. Publishers
Great text and photographs with lots of furniture and other beautiful objects.  Not the usual Victorian fare, but rather focuses on the "art movements" in 19th century England.

   The Art of the Cabinet
Monique Riccardi-Cubitt
Thames and Hudson
A scholar chronicles the great case pieces of the world from the Renaissance to art deco placing incredible furniture within a political, economic, and historical context.  Wonderful photographs.

   Encyclopedia of French Period Furniture Designs
&  Encyclopedia of English Period Furniture Designs
Jose Claret Rubira
Sterling Publishing Co.
Page after page of drawings of historic furniture put in chronological order to show changes in styles.  Nice drawings of details like moldings, carving, hardware, etc.

   The Grammar of Ornament
Owen Jones
Dover Publications
Reprint of a 19th century classic.  A fabulous collection of color plates that brings together ornamental design from around the world and from ancient civilizations to the 19th century.  A wonderful source of inspiration for designers and artists.

   How to Design and Construct Period Furniture
Franklin Gottshall
Bonanza Books
Don't know if this book is still in print. but it is a great resource for identifying certain furniture styles.  Has a section on rules of design that is a little strict for my taste but, nevertheless, gives a clear, sound approach to furniture design.

   The Victorian Cabinet-Maker's Assistant
Dover Publications
This book was supposedly on the workbench of many a Victorian craftsman.  Has interesting technical information for the furniture maker of any period along with drawings of many fine pieces of furniture.  I especially like the collection of cabriole and turned legs for chairs and tables in this volume.

   Art Nouveau Furniture
Carl Benno Heller
Berhaus Verlag
A basic introduction to the major designers of this brief but impressive period of furniture creation.  Good photographs.

   Making Fine Furniture
Tom Carby
Guild of Master Craftsman Publications
Focuses on the work of a number of Australian craftsmen and shows that there is some very creative work coming from furnituremakers down under.  A great collection of contemporary furniture in one book.

   Cabinetmaking - The Professional Approach
Alan Peters
Macmillan Publishing Co.
One of England's best known contemporary furniture craftsmen discusses the business end of making furniture in the small studio.  Lots of sound advice along with photos and drawings of the author's work.

   Solid Wood Cabinet Construction
Franz Karg
Tauton Press
Impressively constructed furniture from a German cabinet making school.  Shows new and creative ways of doing frame and panel work and refutes my belief that all modernist furniture is boring.



Links

Here are some links to resources on the web that I have found useful.  Remember to come back after visiting these sites!

   General Interest Furniture Sites:

FM 4 Furniture

The Furniture Library

   Other Furniture Makers:

Macek Furniture

Blue Ridge Woodworkers

Rocking Chairs and Dining Furniture by Gary Weeks

Michael Colca — Furniture Maker

   Commercial Showrooms:

Valerio Art Deco

American Victorian Furniture by J. Hill Antiques

Sotheby's

   Galleries:

Woodworker's Gallery of the Northwest

Gallery M Fine Furniture

   Craft Promotion:

The Artist Business Resource

   Art Sites:

World Wide Arts Resources

An Art Gallery Service

   Industrial Design Sites:

Design Engine

CORE-Industrial Design Network

   Materials & Supplies:

Texas Kiln Products


This page will always be a work in progress, as I continue to discover good woodworking resources.  Tell me yours.


 


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