Thos. Moser: Artistry in Wood [Hardcover]

Thomas Moser (Author), Brad Lemley (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2002

Feted by aficionados of woodcraft for his reverence of historical forms and traditions, attention to elegant proportions, and devotion to exquisite detail, Thomas Moser has achieved the highest quality in the creation of fine furniture. Here, in his own words, the world-renowned woodworker recounts the history of his workshop, Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers, and provides insight into the philosophy, materials, and processes that are the foundation of his style. Moser furniture references Arts and Crafts, Mission, Shaker, and Japanese styles, but is always completely original and meticulously hand-finished. Lavishly illustrated with over 300 full-color and black-and-white photographs and shop drawings, this is a sumptuous celebration of a master artisan and his oeuvre.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Former college professor Moser began furniture making more than a quarter century ago, and artistry of design and quality of craftsmanship remain signatures of his company, Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers of Auburn, ME. This volume is an exploration of the man, the career, and the company, as Moser himself moves away from daily operations. After a humorous foreword by Andy Rooney, five chapters co-written by Moser and Lemley (a woodworker and journalist) give an overview of the legendary company. The first two chapters, "Origins" and "A Covenant with Wood," present a focused and concise exploration of the beauty of the Moser furniture. The next three emphasize the company itself and are more specifically useful to the woodworker. More than 300 full-color photographs demonstrate the textual points, and whimsical design drawings and construction details appear as well. Less a woodworker's manual than a celebration of the artful designs, this delightful volume is an inspiring coda to this artist's career. The only caveat: an index would have been useful. Highly recommended for all furniture collections.
Alex Hartmann, INFOPHILE, Williamsport, PA
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Thomas F. Moser is president and founder of Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers of Auburn, Maine.

Brad Lemley is a writer and woodworker whose articles have appeared in This Old House, The Washington Post, Discover, and many other publications.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books; 1st Edition. edition (November 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811836118
• ISBN-13: 978-0811836111
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 10.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,215,109 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Short on advice - long on gorgeous pictures, December 22, 2005

By 

Dennis R. Mitton "tolstoy" (Eastern Washington, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Thos. Moser: Artistry in Wood (Hardcover)

I've followed Moser's name as a woodworker since way back in the early days of a black-and-white Fine Woodworking magazine. At the time I was a struggling woodworker who was a bit amazed (and a bit jealous) at how Moser was able to build such a successful business. This book documents that rise and examines how the company functions today with Moser in a more administrative role. It's a book as much about a company as it is about a person.

Frankly I don't think there's much of a mass appeal to the story of the rise of T. Moser Cabinetmakers but I will say that the book is filled front to back with photos of some of the most beautiful furniture there is. This will make a great addition to any woodworker's library or to any coffee table. It's certainly a book that you want to thumb through. It's kind of a book for the choir and if you're in the choir you'll likely love it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational and Educational Woodworker's Book, November 4, 2007

By 

Gepetto (Mendota Heights, MN) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Thos. Moser: Artistry in Wood (Hardcover)

This is the best woodworker's book I have ever read. Moser steps back and provides the best combination of a practical, historical, analytical, and philosophical reflection of woodworking and architectural styles. I had never realized the influences of furniture sytles throughout history and around the globe. Moser explains the relationship of the styles of Frank Lloyd Wright, Japanese styles, Greene & Greene, Arts and Crafts, Nakashima, Bauhaus, Wegner, et al. He very nicely explains the differences between the practical and theortical aspects of creating the idea and then delivering the final product. I personally liked Moser's sharing of his personal experiences and his transition from student, educator, craftsman and businessman. Moser is obviously very intelligent and can then synthesize all that I have mentioned above. Further, the book has some of the best photography I have ever seen in a woodworker's book. Thank you Thomas Moser for taking the time to write and produce this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars Thos. Moser: Artistry in Wood, February 1, 2010

By 

Ted Bright - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Thos. Moser: Artistry in Wood (Hardcover)

A must read for those who own or appreciate this genre of furniture. Beautifully written and illustrated autobiography, as well as a fascinating insight into the evolution of a unique art and business.