The Metropolitan Museum’s preeminent collection of early colonial furniture is expertly documented in this long-awaited publication. It covers the full spectrum of furniture forms made during the 17th and early 18th centuries―from chairs and other seating to tables, boxes, various types of chests and cupboards, and desks. Each of the 141 objects is thoroughly described with detailed information on provenance, construction, condition, inscriptions, dimensions, and materials. Photographed anew in color for this volume, each piece is explicated in terms of the styles and craftsmanship of the period and is evaluated in light of comparative pieces in public and private collections throughout the country. One appendix contains photographic details of construction and decorative elements, and another has drawings of joints and moldings.
Published in association with The Metropolitan Museum of Art
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6 reviews for American Furniture in The Metropolitan Museum of Art: I. Early Colonial Period: The Seventeenth-Century and William and Mary Styles
4.8out of 5
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★★★★★
customer –
Excellent publication with information and pix not found elsewhere.
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
★★★★★
All Ten –
There is no other way to describe this book but to call it spectacular. I have many furniture and woodworking books and this is easily one of the best books of it’s type.
First, this is a huge book. Large format and lots of pages.
The photography is spectacular. I know I’ve already said spectacular but the pictures are incredible. Most are full color and full page. The color rendition is excellent. All the photos are professionally done.
This book would be great just based on the size and color photos but it also is carefully and thoroughly written. The descriptions are excellent with tons of interesting details on every aspect of each and every piece. They cover the background of the specific items as well as similar or related pieces around the world. There are also histories that list any books or magazines that have published photos or articles as well as the provenance of each piece.
Then there is the technical side that describes not only the exact material (as in this part is pine this part is white oak and another part is red oak etc.) but tells if they identified the wood through observation or microscopic analysis! Then there are the descriptions of the mechanical methods of construction. Did the builder use nails or screws and if so, what type of nail or screw. Are there repairs and if so what type and if the repairs were reversed in conservation and then what method they used to conserve the piece.
Lastly and the most important aspect for me was some very thorough listing of dimensions. While no listing of dimensions would be absolutely comprehensive, there are enough dimensions provided along with the fantastic photos to keep a furniture builder pretty busy building copies of the pieces in this book. I can’t think of another book of this type that provides such a wealth of construction information. Simply superb.
I’m really not exaggerating or inflating the description of this book. I’m leaving out things because there is just that much in this book.
If this book looks like it’s of interest, I highly recommend it.
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
★★★★★
Lschop –
An outstanding collection of early American pieces – excellent photos along with origin, provenance, and detailed construction information.
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
★★★★★
Kellly T –
Like new condition and a very informative addition to my library.
customer –
Excellent publication with information and pix not found elsewhere.
All Ten –
There is no other way to describe this book but to call it spectacular. I have many furniture and woodworking books and this is easily one of the best books of it’s type.
First, this is a huge book. Large format and lots of pages.
The photography is spectacular. I know I’ve already said spectacular but the pictures are incredible. Most are full color and full page. The color rendition is excellent. All the photos are professionally done.
This book would be great just based on the size and color photos but it also is carefully and thoroughly written. The descriptions are excellent with tons of interesting details on every aspect of each and every piece. They cover the background of the specific items as well as similar or related pieces around the world. There are also histories that list any books or magazines that have published photos or articles as well as the provenance of each piece.
Then there is the technical side that describes not only the exact material (as in this part is pine this part is white oak and another part is red oak etc.) but tells if they identified the wood through observation or microscopic analysis! Then there are the descriptions of the mechanical methods of construction. Did the builder use nails or screws and if so, what type of nail or screw. Are there repairs and if so what type and if the repairs were reversed in conservation and then what method they used to conserve the piece.
Lastly and the most important aspect for me was some very thorough listing of dimensions. While no listing of dimensions would be absolutely comprehensive, there are enough dimensions provided along with the fantastic photos to keep a furniture builder pretty busy building copies of the pieces in this book. I can’t think of another book of this type that provides such a wealth of construction information. Simply superb.
I’m really not exaggerating or inflating the description of this book. I’m leaving out things because there is just that much in this book.
If this book looks like it’s of interest, I highly recommend it.
Lschop –
An outstanding collection of early American pieces – excellent photos along with origin, provenance, and detailed construction information.
Kellly T –
Like new condition and a very informative addition to my library.