Furniture: World Styles from Classical to Contemporary (Hardcover)

~ (Author), David Linley (Foreword) "ANCIENT EGYPTIAN FURNITURE is better documented than that of other ancient civilizations, and it was obviously very well regarded in its day..." (more)
Key Phrases: industriels modernes, soft modernism, toshiyuki kita, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Marry a well-established subject-matter expert to a publisher recognized for its lavish four-color and educational tomes, and the honeymoon will last forever. Antiques maven and collector Miller talks all about furniture in what could easily be dubbed the best reference book of 2005. Twelve information-packed chapters divide and conquer, starting with 4000 B.C.E. to 1600 C.E and ending with postcontemporary and modern in 1970 to the present. There is nary a second to pause and linger: page after page describes the period, its defining elements of style, and its famous artisans and books and offers historical time lines and a collection of sample chairs, tables, case pieces, desks, and the like. The 3,000 photographs are superb, each with brief description, date of manufacture, dimensions, provenance (when known), occasional price (from $200 to more than $450,000), and sometimes the dealer code. More than enough education to prompt an even larger stampede of collectors. Useful addresses, further reading, dealer codes, and glossary are appended. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

A glorious encyclopedia from expert Judith Miller, showcasing more than 3,000 years of design. From primitive pieces to elegant modernity, this definitive guide illustrates every style and form, with tips on how to recognise the key elements of each period. Featuring lavish, full-colour photographs throughout. Foreword by furniture designer and manufacturer David Linley. Judith is the ideal expert to guide both amateur and experienced collectors ...' Homes and Interiors

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 560 pages
• Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd (October 6, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1405306548
• ISBN-13: 978-1405306546
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 10.3 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #430,299 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Furniture by Judith Miller, March 24, 2006

By	Alan B. Young (Ypsilanti, Michigan) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Furniture (Hardcover)

A few months ago, I found this book while browsing through the shelves at a local bookstore. The fantastic pictures and descriptions in the book ignited my interest in furniture history. This is not a how-to book, but if you want an understanding of the details that are characteristic of particular furniture styles -- as well as some background on the historical, political and social forces that influenced these designs -- you probably won't find a better reference manual.
The book covers furniture from around the world over a 3,000-year period and includes over 3,500 excellent photographs and illustrations. Regardless of your interests and tastes -- from Chippendale to Capellini or Newport to Newson -- you'll find examples and information on styles, history and biographies that will broaden your knowledge of furniture development.


Furniture has twelve chapters, covering styles from the ancient furniture of Egypt, Greece and Rome to European styles of the 17th to 19th centuries. There are also chapters on Chinese, South African and American furniture, as well as a discussion on contemporary designs and directions. Each chapter opens with an historical overview of the era being examined.
For each era, there is also a timeline of events that helps the reader understand factors that influenced each era's furniture designs and materials. The historical discussion in each chapter is followed by a section called "Elements of Style," where that era's prominent stylistic details are thoroughly examined, followed by examples of magnificent manifestations of furniture in different countries. Within each style, Miller presents the reader with an ongoing understanding of how the three basic furniture forms -- chairs, tables and case pieces -- evolved and who the influential makers were.
The appendices of this book are also noteworthy. They include:

* Anatomy of Furniture. Contains descriptions of many common furniture elements such as plinths, friezes, escutcheons and cross-banding.
* Useful Addresses.A listing of museums, galleries and historical buildings around the world.
* Further Reading. An extended list of books and publications on the subject.
* Dealer Codes. A list of identifying codes for dealers and auction houses that have been involved in the selling of many of the pieces featured in the book.
* Glossary. A six-page section containing valuable, concise definitions and descriptions of important furniture terms.
* Index. A well-cross-referenced index to individuals, countries, styles and furniture types presented in the book.

In short, Furniture shows in brilliant photographs and scholarly research how historical and social events influenced furniture development. This will be an excellent addition to your reference shelf or, better yet, a well-read and often-referenced display for your coffee table.
. . . Alan Young

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great new book, March 20, 2006

By	L. Scinto (Oxford, CT USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Furniture (Hardcover)

This is an absolutely beautiful book. The photography is spectacular, all of the pieces are on a white background so you can really see the details. It has a lot of information accompanying the photos and covers all the major time periods. I would like to use this as a text for the History of Interiors class I teach.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Book For 3D Modellers and general Artists, September 6, 2006

By	Hala Khalil (New York City) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Furniture (Hardcover)

This book is really the reference book for furniture and has a Wide variety of furniture types covered! About 99% of the books pages contain Beautiful and 100% clear Photographs.
The only real dissappointment is that the book containsonly one page for each of the 3 Ancient civilizations mentioned in the book, the Ancient Egyptians, Ancient Greeks and Romans, and Ancient Chinese. If it had a large variety like other types of furniture periods covered, this book would be the greatest Furniture and Prop Reference book.