Chairs of the Queen Anne and Chippendale period (1730-1795), really one continuous development without a break, have been chosen since this form shows the many facets of a gradual development, is easily handled, and is available in quantity. In order not to prejudge where the chairs were made, they were first grouped solely according to similar means of construction and design. Only after groups of like objects were formed was attention paid to their histories, labels, and similar documentation, Happily, when analyzed, enough of this secondary information was found associated with each group to provide the knowledge as to where they originated. -- pg. 4.

This publication documents The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection of early colonial furniture and presents a broad spectrum of furniture forms made in America during the 17th and early 18th centuries, including chairs and other seating, tables, boxes, various types of chests and cupboards, dressing tables, and desks. The volume also includes prime examples of the different modes of ornamentation in fashion during that period. Over 140 objects are thoroughly described, with detailed information given on each one's construction, condition, dimensions, materials, and inscriptions and other marks, as well as provenance and exhibition history. Every object is explained in terms of the styles and craftsmanship of the period and evaluated in light of comparative pieces in public and private collections throughout the country. Also included is one appendix containing photographic details of construction and decorative elements, and another with line drawings explaining furniture terms and showing various types of joints and moldings. This is the first volume in a series of two that is dedicated to American furniture in the Museum. -- Metropolitan Museum of Art website.

Drawing on the latest scholarship, this comprehensive, lavishly illustrated survey tells the story of the evolution of American furniture from the 17th century to the present. Not viewed in isolation, furniture is placed in its broader cultural, historic, and aesthetic context. The focus is not only on the urban masterpieces of 18th century William and Mary, Queen Anne, Chippendale, and Federal styles but also on the work of numerous rural cabinetmakers. Special chapters explore Windsor chairs, Shaker, and Pennsylvania German furniture which do not follow the mainstream style progression. Picturesque and anti-classical explain Victorian furniture including Rococo, Renaissance, and Eastlake. Mission and Arts and Crafts furniture introduce the 20th century. Another chapter identifies the eclectic revivals such as Early American that dominated the mass market throughout much of the 20th century. After World War II American designers created many of the Mid-Century Modern icons that are much sought after by collectors today. The rise of studio furniture and furniture as art which include some of the most creative and imaginative furniture produced in the 20th and 21st centuries caps the review of four centuries of American furniture. A final chapter advises on how to evaluate the authenticity of both traditional and modern furniture and how to preserve it for posterity. With over 800 photos including 24 pages of color, this fully illustrated text is the authoritative reference work.

The history and construction of 18th century American furniture is examined in this critical evaluation that looks at the topic both from an aesthetic and technical point of view

Rev. ed. of: The new fine points of furniture.1993.

The incomparable Winterthur Museum collection of beautiful and distinct Federal period American furniture is described and illustrated in this book, first published in 1978. Todays printing technology makes this book even more stunning, presenting beautiful photos of 491 pieces. The text explores the maker, place of origin, size, materials, dimensions, details of design and, most importantly, an evaluation of the merits of each piece. It is a history of the entire process of furniture making in Federal America. This is a classic encyclopedia for Federal period furniture enthusiasts, and a mine of information for everyone interested in the social and cultural history of the formative years of the United States.