Book Review - Early American Furniture Makers

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Back to the Rolling "M" Workshop

Title: Early American Furniture Makers: A Social and Biographical Study Author: Thomas Hamilton Ormsbee Publisher: Gramercy Publishing Company Date: 1929, 1935

Early American Furniture Makers: A Social and Biographical Study is a road map through the history of American furniture by Thomas H. Ormsbee. In this book, Ormsbee gives a historical overview of the lives,careers, and furniture styles of America's early furniture makers, cabinet makers, and woodworkers going all the way back to America's very first professional furniture maker, John Alden of Plymouth Rock. It reads a bit like a history text book, but Ormsbee's satirical and witty writing style keeps things entertaining. He has an amazing way of tying furniture to history and visa versa. If you are interested in antique American furniture, in the lives of our country's early woodworkers, or just in American history I suggest you pick up a copy of this book. If for no other reason, to see how Americans of the late 1920's viewed our history and our nations taste in furniture. Very interesting indeed...

I received my 1935 copy as a gift from a friend and book collector, but you can pick up a used copy at www.alibris.com or www.amazon.com.

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Disclaimer: I do not claim to be a literary critic in any way. This review only reflects my impressions from reading the book and my opinions on the usefulness and quality of its content. Please don't take my review too seriously, I'm no expert. I'm just a guy who appreciates the value of self-education through reading and hands-on experience.