The Adirondack Chair: A Celebration of a Summer Classic [Hardcover]

Daniel Mack (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2008

There’s no competition. When it comes to the American Idyll, the hammock and the Adirondack chair are the shoe-in (and shoes-off!) winners. Built for lazing around in, they’re the classic icons of a summer getaway. And they’re both quintessentially American. The hammock, invented by the native inhabitants of the Caribbean, was “discovered” by Columbus on his first voyage to the New World. And the Adirondack chair—whose name evokes the mountain retreats for which it was originally fashioned—is deeply rooted in the American Arts & Crafts movement. In these charming books, furniture maker Daniel Mack captures the nostalgic, carefree, and oh-so-comfortable spirit of the hammock and ’Rondack chair. Illustrated with scores of contemporary photographs and images from vintage memorabilia, The Hammock and The Adirondack Chair are also filled with “who knew?” history. And each contains instructions for hanging your own hammock or building your own chair. But really, these books—splendid gifts for Father’s Day or as thank-you tokens for summer-weekend hosts—are not about work. In fact, they’re perfect for taking a little break with (while relaxing, of course, in a hammock or Adirondack chair).

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

DANIEL MACK, an artist who specializes in simple, natural furniture, is the author of five books on rustic furniture and building. He lives in Warwick, New York.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Stewart, Tabori & Chang (April 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584795689
• ISBN-13: 978-1584795681
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 7.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #461,626 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A unique and refreshing slant on an outdoor favorite!, April 16, 2008

By 

SleazyRider (New York) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Adirondack Chair: A Celebration of a Summer Classic (Hardcover)

I knew from the cover---a photograph of a well-worn and weather Adirondack chair---that I was in for a treat, and the pages that followed confirmed that impression. Here is a superbly written and well photographed treatise on the ubiquitous Adirondack chair, that distinctly American style of chair that one cannot resist sitting in with a good novel and beverage. Through a combination of poetry, prose, anecdotes, and meticulous research, Daniel Mack elevates this rather pedestrian piece of furniture into a position of royalty, and does so with style and flair.
For those readers who, like myself after reading this book, are so moved to build an Adirondack chair, Mr. Mack offers plans and step-by-step instructions. The advanced woodworker will find the wide variety of chair designs contained in this book positively inspiring; novice woodworkers will find the plans and easy to follow step-by-step instructions particularly helpful. Even the casual reader will enjoy the rich historical perspective and outstanding photography.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Adirondack Chair: A Celebration of a Summer Classic, October 30, 2011

By 

msdouglas - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Adirondack Chair: A Celebration of a Summer Classic (Hardcover)

This book is very informative and tells me how to build chairs. It shows many photographs of various Adirondack chairs.

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful Read, August 12, 2009

By 

S. Showalter "garden geek" (VT, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Adirondack Chair: A Celebration of a Summer Classic (Hardcover)

This delightful book is a quick read full of history, wonderful photographs and personal stories sprinkled in which moves the reader through a spectrum of emotions. Grinning, getting misty-eyed and pausing to remember Adirondack chairs from my past were all part of the ride for me. There's even a chapter on the 'updated' Adirondack chair which showcases some pretty creative chairs. What a kick!!