Bookcases (Paperback)

~ (Author) "AT HEART, BOOKCASES are simply open shelf storage that keep whatever we want within easy reach..." (more)
Key Phrases: cherry veneered plywood, sideboard bookcase, knockdown joint, Peter Turner, Randy O'Donnell, The Taunton Press (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

These are the first two volumes of a "Step-by-Step" furniture project series intended to number "more than ten." Each finely constructed volume is an in-depth exploration by a woodworking expert of the title project. Miller's Beds delineates nine projects; Barrett's Bookcases, 11. Both authors explain the basics of woodworking, safety issues, materials lists, cut lists, and measured drawings. And both emphasize process as much as result; the authors each weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the use of certain joints and joinery techniques, for example, and they explain a variety of different designs. Each volume is lavishly illustrated with photographs, line drawings, charts, and the like. The depth of this series makes it more useful than the recent "HomeTime" series. Highly recommended.AAlexander Hartmann, Bloomsburg Univ. Lib., PA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Bookcases are one of the most accessible and commonly built projects - who doesn't need or want open storage for their homes? The heart of Bookcases: Step-by-Step is 11 attractive projects, covering a range of styles and levels of difficulty. In addition, there is a chapter on general construction strategies, which will help the reader understand the underlying issues involved in building all bookcases: how to design and build durable cases, determining practical shelf lengths, and methods of hanging shelves.

The furniture in this book was designed by well-known custom woodworkers from around the country, including Christian Becksvoort (author of The Shaker Legacy), Kevin Rodel, David Fay, and the author himself. The projects include two simple bookcases (one short, the other tall), a Shaker-style wall shelf, a V-shelf standing bookcase, a French country-style bookcase, an Arts and Crafts-style bookcase, a Shaker glass-front bookcase, a trapezoidal bookcase, a sideboard-style bookcase, a hutch-style bookcase, and a Barrister bookcase.

Since bookcases are one of the easiest projects to undertake, this book will have broad appeal among amateur woodworkers, but there are projects here to please even the most sophisticated woodworker and something for every taste.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Taunton; illustrated edition edition (October 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561583030
• ISBN-13: 978-1561583034
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #86,194 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book, November 23, 1999

By	Scott B. Slater "Bespoken Woodworks" (California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is filled with nice projects. I have just started working on one of the bookcases, the instructions are very detailed, even discussing finishing. The photography and illustrations are great. Looking forward to doing more of the bookcases.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shelves, Wonderful Shelves, June 29, 2004

By	Marc Ruby™ "The Noh Hare™" (Warren, MI USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

Bookcases are a reviewer's friend. Or rather, they are until they take over the house. Eventually you realize that you have more invested in cheap assemble-it-yourself furniture than you do in that Volvo in the garage. If you have pretensions at being handy, there will come a time when you start dreaming of nifty cabinets and lawyers bookcases - all make in that shop in the basement. And that's the time to reach for Niall Barrett's book.

Think there's nothing to it? Barrett starts right out with a bit of bookcase theory. Finally you will understand why those shelves keep sagging and how to keep it from happening. The author's style is straightforward, right to-the-point, but it is clear from the beginning that Barrett loves making bookcases, and loves what goes in them as well.

Eleven designs are presented, from a simple, short bookcase to and exotic formal sideboard bookcase. Other than the sideboard, which is a bit over designed for my tastes I found all of the bookcases attractive, graceful, and functional. Barrett pays most of his attention one the details of building with only elementary suggestions about finishing.

As has been mentioned earlier, he uses shop tools to simplify the work. Although there is no reason that some of the simpler designs couldn't be done with basic hand tools or handyman's power tools. Probably a router and a good rotary saw (small table saw or hand tool) are minimum requirements.

29 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Barrister Bookcase--Take Care!, March 19, 2003

By A Customer

I've only tried one project from this book, the Barrister Bookcase. It looked like a great design and was a good opportunity to use my new Tenon Jig and my Biscuit Joiner. I'm an amateur, but have made at least 10 pieces of good quality hardwood furniture. I am urging fellow woodworkers to take care in following the plans, photos, and instructions for this project as there are errors in at least 1 dimension and numerous misleading features of the sketches and photos. Examining everything carefully will allow you to navigate the pitfalls, but don't take anything for granted.
I contacted Mr Barrett, the author, thru Taunton Press. Initially both appeared interested in my input, but when I had more than just one problem to recite, the communication stopped. I've offered to send Taunton a concise list of the problems but they will not answer my e-mails anymore.
It seems a shame when you purchase a rather polished looking instructional book, find problems, and the publisher isn't interested in correcting the problems.