Customer Reviews

Early American Furniture a Practical Guide for Collectors

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Having been sent this book as a present by a friend in the US, I felt I must tell others just what a treasure trove it is. It has been written by someone who not only obviously loves his subject, but who has written a clear, easy-to-read amd well-illustrated guide for those of us who have developed an interest in early American furniture but who lacked expertise. It also tells you how to care for furniture. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Whether you're a collector or would-be collector of american furniture, this is the single must-have book for you. Well-written and quite readable, this book is more than just a reference. Its engaging style and informative nature will make it hard to put down.It'll help you spot the best quality pieces and recognize those that have been tampered with. For the new collector buying from auctions or dealers, this book is priceless. It'll help you spot the best quality pieces and recognize those that have been 'restored'. If you want to really know what your colllecting, get this book first!

Early American Furniture: A Practical Guide for Collectors by John Obbard is filled with information about all aspects of furniture from this period. Chapter one starts with an overview of the furniture trade, followed by understanding period and style, evaluation of quality, identifying period workmanship, and identifying fakes and frauds. Each type of furniture has its own chapter (wing chair, Windsor, chest of drawers, desk, highboy, etc.). There are many illustrations, but the only photographs are on the cover. With all of this information covered, one can sense that this book states concepts "straight to the point". For example, on page 64, there is a paragraph which states to look for a detached shoe or two part shoe and that this is something to note with old furniture. A beginner is not going to grasp that concept from the paragraph and illustration. Regardless, this is a good review source for the experienced person or a good outline for a beginner. I have spent three times the price of this book for many with less information.

This book is much more detailed than suggested by it's description on the Amazon website, a bit comprehensive for a beginner like myself. It does do a good job of introducing the various period furniture styles and educates the collector about repairs, reproductions and intelligently inspecting period furniture you are interested in purchasing.

I find this book to be one I refer to often. It covers a wide range of antique furniture one might actually see on sale at a fair or auction. Pieces well into the Victorian era are covered. It gives good information as what to look for in the most desirable pieces. The illustrations are very good--all are line drawings, not hard to see photos. It is pocket sized so it is easy to carry around. From my reading of the book, what he says is reliable. This book is far superior to most other field guides to American furniture. Unfortunately Mr Obbard is deceased, so we cannot look forward to other masterpieces from him. His other book Early American Furniture is focused on colonial pieces that are much rarer and more expensive, For me it does not have the practical directness of this volume. Buy a copy and see.