Customer Reviews

Thos. Moser: Artistry in Wood

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Thomas Moser is an interesting guy. A professor turned woodworker by necessity. He started by repairing antiques, seeing how they are put together. Then he started replicating shaker furniture, due to asthetics, simplisity and function. He wrote a book on it. In dong so he met the sisters who were still alive at the time. They were flattered. He then realized it was time to evolve. This is the story and pictures of his evolution.

He appears to have a positive work ethic and he shares the wealth. A rarity, a nice guy!

The book explains his evolution and history as a "cabinet maker" and the decisions he made which now put him in the lime light.

I like the romance of working in wood, the pictures in the book are equal to the written content. His mastery parallels Japanese woodworkers. I have many texts by inspirational craftsmen. This is a great read.

The spirit of the wood is honored!