Bookcases [Paperback]

Niall Barrett (Author)

Book Description

Series: Step-By-Step Furniture | Publication Date: October 1, 1999

Bookcases are the most commonly built home project, and this book contains complete, illustrated instructions for 11 different styles.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

These are the first two volumes of a "Step-by-Step" furniture project series intended to number "more than ten." Each finely constructed volume is an in-depth exploration by a woodworking expert of the title project. Miller's Beds delineates nine projects; Barrett's Bookcases, 11. Both authors explain the basics of woodworking, safety issues, materials lists, cut lists, and measured drawings. And both emphasize process as much as result; the authors each weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the use of certain joints and joinery techniques, for example, and they explain a variety of different designs. Each volume is lavishly illustrated with photographs, line drawings, charts, and the like. The depth of this series makes it more useful than the recent "HomeTime" series. Highly recommended.AAlexander Hartmann, Bloomsburg Univ. Lib., PA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press (October 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561583030
• ISBN-13: 978-1561583034
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #666,381 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shelves, Wonderful Shelves, June 29, 2004

By 

Marc Ruby™ "The Noh Hare™" (Warren, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Bookcases (Paperback)

Bookcases are a reviewer's friend. Or rather, they are until they take over the house. Eventually you realize that you have more invested in cheap assemble-it-yourself furniture than you do in that Volvo in the garage. If you have pretensions at being handy, there will come a time when you start dreaming of nifty cabinets and lawyers bookcases - all make in that shop in the basement. And that's the time to reach for Niall Barrett's book.

Think there's nothing to it? Barrett starts right out with a bit of bookcase theory. Finally you will understand why those shelves keep sagging and how to keep it from happening. The author's style is straightforward, right to-the-point, but it is clear from the beginning that Barrett loves making bookcases, and loves what goes in them as well.

Eleven designs are presented, from a simple, short bookcase to and exotic formal sideboard bookcase. Other than the sideboard, which is a bit over designed for my tastes I found all of the bookcases attractive, graceful, and functional. Barrett pays most of his attention one the details of building with only elementary suggestions about finishing.

As has been mentioned earlier, he uses shop tools to simplify the work. Although there is no reason that some of the simpler designs couldn't be done with basic hand tools or handyman's power tools. Probably a router and a good rotary saw (small table saw or hand tool) are minimum requirements.

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, November 23, 1999

By 

Scott B. Slater "Bespoken Woodworks" (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bookcases (Paperback)

This book is filled with nice projects. I have just started working on one of the bookcases, the instructions are very detailed, even discussing finishing. The photography and illustrations are great. Looking forward to doing more of the bookcases.

40 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Barrister Bookcase--Take Care!, March 19, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Bookcases (Paperback)

I've only tried one project from this book, the Barrister Bookcase. It looked like a great design and was a good opportunity to use my new Tenon Jig and my Biscuit Joiner. I'm an amateur, but have made at least 10 pieces of good quality hardwood furniture. I am urging fellow woodworkers to take care in following the plans, photos, and instructions for this project as there are errors in at least 1 dimension and numerous misleading features of the sketches and photos. Examining everything carefully will allow you to navigate the pitfalls, but don't take anything for granted.
I contacted Mr Barrett, the author, thru Taunton Press. Initially both appeared interested in my input, but when I had more than just one problem to recite, the communication stopped. I've offered to send Taunton a concise list of the problems but they will not answer my e-mails anymore.
It seems a shame when you purchase a rather polished looking instructional book, find problems, and the publisher isn't interested in correcting the problems.