I need a book! For work and for my own satisfaction, I need a book that will help me identify antique furniture from the various American and European periods. Price guides and encyclopedic books are overwhelming. I am hoping for a book I can actually read, cover to cover.
0 Answers
Katie McDougall wrote on :
Here are two books that will give you the basis from very different perspectives. “The Bulfinch Anatomy of Antique Furniture”by Atterbury and Forrest, is a wonderful reference book with ample illustrations and photos that will give you the ability to identify period pieces. Second book is Emyl Jenkins “Appraisal Book.” Written for any level of antiques collector, she defines what antiques are, categorizes many periods, styles and different types of antiques, as well as collectibles, and helps the reader understand how to begin the process of valuing an antique.
Katie McDougall wrote on :
P.S. Bulfinch will give you the European perspective and Emyl focuses on American antiques.
sherry9090 wrote on :
Thanks for sharing, Katie. I think we have a copy of Bulfinch Anatomy on the office bookshelf. As it is, all I can find useful in reference books is to confirm or identify a design I already have on hand. I scan through a chapter “Louis XIV” for example, and it seems to make sense of a sort. But the varied styles are not contrasted. So when I walk away, and later find myself staring at a French piece, I still have no notion of which Louis it is.
I’m thinking what I need is something specifically designed to be comparative.
Thanks a lot for the input.
Cathy Wood wrote on :
Sherry — You know what the solution is when you can’t find the type of book you want: Write your own! Chances are that if you’re looking for it, others are, too. And listen, I’ll be your editor! Good luck.
Cathy Wood wrote on :
Here’s another resource: “The Style Sourcebook,” by Judith Miller — a classic first published in 1998. This is a gorgeous coffee table-type book that also has truly useful information about interior-decorating styles. “The Style Sourcebook” concentrates on fabrics, paints, wallpaper and flooring (with hundreds of oh-I-so-want-that samples) but it might work for you because it’s divided into historical periods, with a succint and visually rich explanation of each period’s style in the book’s front section. Plus, it’s perfect for curling up with! I found the 2008 edition online for much less than its stated $50 retail price. Highly, highly recommended.
sherry9090 wrote on :
oooooh
This sounds very promising. Could be exactly what I was hunting for. Thank you very much, Cathy.
mary parks wrote on :
I like Kovels price guide. It is very large and does not read like a book, but it has a quick index to find the piece and they always are coming out with the most current lists. For an on-line site it is Miller’s Antiques and Collectibles.
sherry9090 wrote on :
yep, yep. I do periodically thumb through Kovels. Mostly hen I’m starting with a given piece and want to identify it. What I’m digging around for now is something designed to teach me. For example, The Victorian Period: You know it’s Victorian when…
lol @ me. Does that make sense? And, funny thing, I hadn’t even thought to ask for web sites. Perfect! Thanks
victoria dorney wrote on :
Hope this helps try “Antique Trader-Furniture Price Guide 3rd Edition by Kyle Hursfloen at Krausebooks.com.It is the 3rd edition of the most functional furniture. The price guide is filled with completely new listings of all types of American and European furniture from the 17th thru the 20th. 384 pages tons of photos of the pieces as well, it is a 6×9 softcover for $13.95. If you go to krausebooks.com click on antique trader and then furniture there are several other period books related to your topic.
Good Luck!
sherry9090 wrote on :
That sounds like a bargain, islegirl. Thanks for the good wishes, too. 🙂
Darla Martin wrote on :
There are a number of books on antiques written by the Kovels. Some are on specific types of antiques. Don’t have a particular recommendation but you might try what they have to offer.
sherry9090 wrote on :
I’ll watch for those. Seeing how popular Kovels price guides are, it makes sense their other offerings would be useful. Thanks for the tip!