Art and Architecture Collection > Decorative Arts: A Research Guide

Furniture

American

Kaye, Myrna. Fake, Fraud or Genuine? Identifying Authentic American Furniture. Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1987. Sourcebook of identification techniques, problems in construction, inspection processes and various clues to spotting fraudulently identified pieces. Covers 17th -19th century furniture. Chapter on "Technology as Evidence". Many photographs, often of test cases and their details.

Bjerkoe, Ethel Hall. The Cabinetmakers of America. Garden City: Doubleday, 1957.
Introductory essay on "Cabinetmaking as it developed in America". Brief biographical sketches of cabinetmakers. Bibliography, pp. 249-252.

Butler, Joseph T. Field Guide to American Antique Furniture. New York: Facts on File, 1985.
Using a "Systematic visual approach," traces the history of American furniture from 17th through early 20th century. 1700 illustrations -- line drawings arranged in chronological sequence by type of furniture, e.g. daybeds, sofas, chests, desks. Forms divided by style, then geographic origin.

Iverson, Marion Day. The American Chair 1630-1890. New York: Hastings House, 1957. Illustrated essays on chairs by historic period, with sections on styles, e.g. Windsor, Queen Anne, Hepplewhite, Turned Chairs. Appendix on museums and historic houses with significant holdings.

Sack, Albert. The New Fine Points of Furniture: Early American. New York: Crown Publishers, 1993.
Uses illustrated examples to show the reader good, superior and finest quality furniture pieces. Explains details about construction and ornamental features.

Semowich, Charles J. American Furniture Craftsmen Working Prior to 1920: An Annotated Bibliography. Westport: Greenwood Press, 1984.
Allows access to useful biographical information in more obscure sources. Alphabetical lists by craftsmen's names of works about individuals; works about groups of craftsmen; general works; trade catalogs; craftsman-biographical index referring to numbered citations in first section; author-title index; subject index.