The Complete Book of Shaker Furniture

Explores the Shaker religion and lifestyle, highlights particular artisans, and examines the development of Shaker styling over time

Rieman, maker of reproduction Shaker furniture and coauthor of The Shaker Chair (Univ. of Massachusetts Pr., 1992), and Burks, former curator at Canterbury Shaker Village, have created a comprehensive, well-documented guide to Shaker furniture. While most Shaker furniture books illustrate the classic "period of gospel simplicity" from 1820 to 1850, this book illustrates all periods of Shaker furniture, showing that Shaker styles actually reflected the tastes of the time, simple when neoclassical was popular and becoming more ornate as tastes changed to Victorian. Beginning with a broad description of the Shaker religion, lifestyle, and furniture-making, the book progresses to descriptions of each bishopric and its furniture and artisans. Although this book contains more information than most libraries need, it is highly recommended where there is interest.
- Gayle A. Williamson, Fashion Inst. of Design & Merchandising, Los Angeles
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

While many people recognize Shaker furniture by its pure lines, preservation of the natural beauty of wood, and meticulous but understated craftsmanship, few are well-versed in its cultural and spiritual context. By combining in-depth commentary on the Shaker tradition with detailed technical information and superb photographs, Rieman and Burks have created the most authoritative volume to date on the identification and authentication of individual pieces of Shaker furniture. The entire range of Shaker furniture is covered. Most studies concentrate on the favored period between 1820 and 1850, called the "gospel simplicity" era, but this comprehensive survey stretches back to the very beginning of the nineteenth century and forward into our own. The authors examine every aspect of Shaker construction, from wood selection to joinery techniques, moldings, and locking mechanisms. Not only have they examined hundreds of pieces, but they have also scrutinized numerous documents, including diaries, journals, records, and oral histories. Their efforts have yielded the names and life dates of more than 250 craftsmen, while Rieman's flawless photographs document 340 objects, many never photographed before for publication. An outstanding resource. Donna Seaman