The Story of Western Furniture

Written for the general reader as well as for collectors and students of furniture design, this is an outline of the development of furniture styles from ancient Egypt to the present day, describing what was made in each period, how it was made, and the social and economic conditions affecting its design and production. The author also discusses techniques such as joining, turning, veneering and marquetry, polishing, upholstery, bentwood and lamination. Many examples are shown in the drawings by Mary Seymour, which provide a useful recognition source and a lively visual accompaniment to the text.