Country Furniture [Paperback]

Aldren A. Watson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 5, 2005

A practical guide to fashioning traditional country furniture by hand, using the techniques of old-time craftsmen.

With his informative commentary and over one hundred meticulous illustrations, Aldren A. Watson offers an introduction to the tradition of country woodworking in Country Furniture. Sample workshop designs, practical advice on tools and equipment, and an overview of reliable woodworking methods all lend to our understanding of a fascinating, time-tested craft. From the sawmill to the workbench, Watson carefully illustrates the step-by-step process of furniture design, carefully delineating the fine details and instructing us on how best to accommodate our desired designs. In addition to his detailed practical information, Watson offers insight into the captivating history of country furniture and provides us with interesting anecdotes about the furniture makers themselves.

Part how-to, part history, part reference (an excellent visual glossary is included), Country Furniture offers a unique explanation of sought-after, time-tested woodworking techniques—from perfecting a dovetail joint to carving, finishing, and assembling a Windsor chair. 309 black-and-white illustrations

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Country Furniture is a practical guide to fashioning traditional country furniture by hand, using the techniques of old-time craftsmen.With the help of over 100 extensive, meticulous, and beautiful illustrations, the author provides sample workshop designs, practical tools and equipment advice, and reliable woodworking methods. Along the way he relays some of the fascinating history of country furniture - how it was made as well as interesting information about the furniture makers themselves. Country Furniture is a unique explanation of sought-after techniques. (8 X 10, 288 pages, map, illustrations, diagrams, charts)

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Aldren A. Watson is an illustrator and designer as well as woodworker and has written and illustrated many magazine articles and books, including The Blacksmith and Country Furniture, published by Norton. He lives in Brattleboro, Vermont.

Product Details

• Paperback: 274 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company (December 5, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393327779
• ISBN-13: 978-0393327779
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,324,823 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic vintage instructional/reference book, April 17, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Country furniture, (Paperback)

Truly one of the best instructional/reference books on early American country style furniture published in the last 50 years. Although the book covers some basics it is more geared to the intermediate to advanced skilled craftsman. It features over 250 pages of detailed text, illustrations and diagrams. The book has over 300 detailed pencil drawings by the author and has wonderful instruction and history of country furniture craft technique.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another winner from Watson, November 1, 2008

By 

Dick Johnson (Oklahoma USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Country Furniture (Paperback)

If you do an author/title search for this on Amazon, you will be amazed by how many times this book has been re-issued. You can also save some money - there's a range of prices for used copies.

First, like all of his woodworking books, the line drawings are fantastic. Second, the practical ideas are usable by woodworkers of all skill levels. Third, he writes well and provides all the information you need for what he's describing.

You owe it to yourself to get this book along with his others: Furniture Making Plain & Simple; & Hand Tools. These three books plus Bernard E. Jones' Complete Woodworker and Practical Woodworker will provide you with an unbelievable amount of information on hand tool woodworking. They may be from an earlier time, but quality never goes out of date.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A true masterpiece, full of superb illustrations., September 21, 2007

By 

Woodworking Fool (Portsmouth, NH) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Country Furniture (Paperback)

Here is a fun read and a valuable resource for anyone with an interest in traditional woodworking. The book is worth buying just for the superb pencil illustrations. I have bought several of Aldren Watson's books, he is clearly a man of exceptional talent.