Book Description
This massive biographical dictionary offers the most thorough study of a group of early American craftsmen published to date. It contains biographies of 296 silversmiths and jewelers who worked in Massachusetts prior to the American Revolution, records of more than 6000 examples of their work, and illustrations of 424 of their marks. It completes and amplifies research undertaken at Yale since the 1930s when John Marshall Phillips (1905 - 53), the leading scholar of American silver of his generation, acquired the research notes of Francis Hill Bigelow (1859 - 1933), a pioneer in the field.
There are brief biographical notes on 93 craftsmen in allied trades, including watchmakers, clockmakers, and engravers, and a section on individuals previously misidentified as Massachusetts silversmiths, as well as essays on silversmiths and their tools, Boston silversmithing and jewelrymaking trades, and other Massachusetts silversmiths. A glossary of terms relating to tools and craft techniques and 193 additional illustrations complete the book.
Book Description
This new paperback expands on the techniques covered in Shaping Wood — a title in the enormously successful Complete Illustrated Guides series. It covers joinery relating to 18th century furniture styles, as well as the demanding techniques required to complete ornate period pieces. Turning and carving, as well as building accurately, are all included in a highly visual format. Anyone who loves period details and longs to create them will want this book. 300 color photos and drawings are featured.
Customer Reviews:
Very good!.......2006-05-16
I am surprised at the low book review. This is one of the best teaching books I have read. Lonnie Bird is an artist at conveying woodworking concepts. This is not a step by step how to guide to a completed project. Every detail that is covered is very well covered. I have both of the Lonnie Bird books and believe they complement each other. I highly reccomend this book and this author! If you want a good step by step book on Period Furniture try: Glen Huey's "Building Period Furniture" Both of these books are excellent. See my review under this book on Amazon.I have bought many books that are barely worth taking home. These two books are worth more than they cost! The printing and pictures in This book are superior as are all others I have read by Taunton press.
Details Add Value.......2004-07-10
This is a valuable aid in making details. Another reviewer states that 80% of the book is in another book by Bird. This might be a bit of an over statement - no matter if just 20% is new material the book is worth it. I own both of the books he addresses - I noticed the duplication right away. The real question is "will this book make you a better period furniture maker?" I am 57 years old - own every tool required to make period furiture - hold a Masters certification from Marc Adams School of Woodworking - have taken course work with some of the top people in the field - I am now working on a Philidelphia Low Boy and am wooking with Allan Breed (instructor) - and this book is helpful and even insightful. I know at least four of the eighteen of us in class have purchased this book.
Don't buy if you own Complete Guide to Shaping Wood.......2004-02-28
If you already own Lonnie Bird's Complete Illustrated Guide to Shaping Wood you will be extremely disappointed with this book. It seemed that 80% was duplicate material. The book descriptions says that this book expands on the techniques covered in Shaping Wood. To me, it looked like nothing more than a page for page copy.
Book Description
A source of both inspiration and practical ideas, Colonial Homes Classic American Decorating profiles six homes and explores indepth the specific elements that contribute to the overall look:color and pattern, fabric, furniture, and finishing touches. Readers are given the "big picture" -- an overview of the basic tenets of good design at work -- and then shown how to achieve it.
Rather than focusing on a narrow definition of "colonial," Colonial Homes Classic American Decorating features a classic Virginia farmstead, an 1818 Federal period house, a New York City apartment, and a Washington, D.C. townhouse. The homes are located in various regions of the country, and the story behind each captures the owners' passions.
A chapter on color and pattern instructs readers on the use of specific elements to enliven a room's dicor -- stenciling, floor painting, faux finishes, and wallpaper. The fabrics chapter covers slipcovers, window treatments, bed coverings, and rugs. The home furnishings chapter illustrates how homeowners have incorporated antiques and reproductions. Finally, a chapter on collectibles and finishing touches discusses how everything from artwork to candlesticks contributes to a classic American decor.
For a fresh look at home decorating -- and a new perspective on what constitutes classic Colonial Homes Classic American Decorating is thebook of choice!
Customer Reviews:
A sumptuous collection from the pages of COLONIAL HOME.......2002-07-26
Poor "Colonial Home" magazine. After decades as the premiere magazine of antique American homes, it changed its name to "Classic American Home" and then was out of business in the ad-pages slump that followed September 11th, 2001. It was a great loss to those who love viewing and learning about historical American homes.
Fortunately, even if you were never a "Colonial Homes" subscriber, you can still indulge your love for classic American style via Rosemary Rennicke's lovely "Classic American Decorating." The homes features herein are all taken from the pages of the magazine, and they amply show the magazine's high quality and standards. There is no country-kitschy stuff here--everything is distilled to its purest essence, whether it is a keeping room in an 18th century Connecticut home or the bedroom in a high-rise Manhattan apartment building.
The book is divided into chapters covering architecture, furniture, accessories, and so on. The photography is handsome, and the book design is pleasing to the eye. Rennicke's text is admirable not only for its insight, but for its restraint. She leads the reader gently along, pointing out what is of interest without being intrusive or overly pedantic. This is a coffee table book home-lovers will turn to again and again for a sweet indulgence in domestic day-dreaming.
Book Description
From colonial fashions and trades to biographies on key historical figures such as Captain John Smith and Thomas Jefferson, this interactive guide blends engaging activities with facts and trivia about early America. Encouraging readers to explore the daily lives of early colonists, common household items are used for such activities as rug braiding, candle making, weather forecasting, and various Native American games. A colonial time line, common terms used in early American life, and a directory of famous historic sites is also included.
Customer Reviews:
Social Studies Teacher's Dream Book.......2007-09-30
Hungry
Great Colonial American Projects is the dream book for teachers to help their students understand what real life was like in Colonial America. The author not only provides an array of inexpensive models for kids to build to "recreate" objects colonists used in their daily lives, she has also manages to write about history and historical figures in a way that will connect with kids and have them asking questions. I love to read history, and I enjoyed the spirited and informative style with which Bordessa writes.
Much more than I expected!.......2007-05-06
I bought this book the other day to suppliment our homeschooling curriculum. I was SO impressed. It was so much more than I was expecting. I thought it would just be a few projects and crafts that you could do with your kids to give them some impressions of Colonial life. I had no idea it would be so well thought out, with so many great historical facts. I really got the feeling that I had learned SO much more about how the Colonists had lived, in an everyday-type of perspective, after reading this book. My son and I are getting ready to start a Colonial History Unit and I am so excited. We are going to start reading the book together and do the projects as we go. And because there are so many interesting things in this one book, I'm sure it will take us a bit longer than I had originally thought. I can't wait to get started!
Great all-in-one resource!.......2007-02-14
I purchased this book expecting "great colonial projects" for my homeschooled kids, and it delivered. A friendly tone draws young readers in, while drawings and graphics make the text visually appealing.
However, this author has created a far more powerful resource than that. Ms. Bordessa includes bonus features: a timeline of the Colonial period (divided by both colony and year), background of voyages, maps, a glossary, and text boxes with interesting facts and charts. "Spotlight on Famous Colonists" provides a biographical reference. "Colonial Words to Know" are helpfully placed near the passages where they're used and are also highlighted in the text. Facts are in a frame of reference children can identify with. (For example, the colonists traveled 2,700 miles across the ocean at 2 m.p.h., about the speed of a skateboard!) In this way, the projects link to the larger colonial world.
Even adults who flip through the book will learning something new. I only wish this book had been available the first ten years I homeschooled my children! But what a treat for those mothers with young children who want to bring the colonial period to life for them.
Connie Lapallo
Author, Dark Enough to See the Stars in a Jamestown Sky
A great resource.......2006-08-19
This is a really great resource! I wish it had been in print when I was a teacher. Most books on colonial America tend to be a bit dry. This one is visually appealing, lively and would be very useful if your child had to do a report or was just interested in this time period. It covers all the usual things like who the colonists were, what they ate, wore, did for fun and so forth, but it also covers unusual stuff like crime and punishment and fire fighting. In addition, there are directions for dozens of easy projects such as making your Liberty Bell puzzler, marigold dye, dipped candles and a tin lantern. None of the projects take a lot of time and use easy-to-find materials - both big pluses.
An index and glossary help add to the book's usefulness. Overall, a definite pick if you're studying American history.
Customer Reviews:
A book with great info.......2001-04-24
This book is really great. I am doing a 5th grade project in school, and without this book I would not have been able to complete my homework assignments on time.
The book is very nicely written with very easy to understand vocabulary and beautiful illustrations.
Amazon.com
Here's an unusual approach to traditional woodwork styles written specifically with new construction in mind. Current building techniques and budgets seldom allow for the kind of lovely and appealing detail found in older homes, so much new construction today is rather bland, unadorned, and visually boring compared to some of the elaborate and beautiful interior detail of older homes.
Rodriguez offers a number of step-by-step projects to bring some visual interest and style to an otherwise uninteresting newer home, including a board and batten door, wide plank flooring, chair rails, fireplace mantles, door and window casings, corner cupboards, window seats, and even a charming and elegant mailbox post! Tools, materials, and detailed techniques are included for every project, making some of the simpler projects workable for even a beginning woodworker. --Mark A. Hetts
Customer Reviews:
Excellent for restoring old homes.......2003-01-19
My wife and I are restoring a home built in 1908. It is a little past the time period this book refers to, but many of the items like the trim work and mantel pieces are not at all out of place for later homes. As other readers have stressed, the only complaint you will have is when you get through the book and find yourself wanting more projects and tips for traditional woodwork in older homes.
Traditional woodwork for the 21century woodworkers.......2002-05-06
Traditional Woodwork provides weekend woodworkers with projects and ideas that will produce results that are found in 17th and 18th century homes. Mario Rodriguez approach to building these projects makes what would seem to be difficult, very easy to understand and follow. Using clear photographs and easy to read text, projects move along smoothly using inexpensive tools. With a little weekend time, authentic period details can be added to any home new or old. The only thing wrong with this book is it is to short and you will want more.
Outstanding reference.......2001-09-29
This is a great reference book if you want to add traditional details to a modern home. I especially liked the chapters on adding built up baseboards and window molding. I first saw the book at my local library and found myself checking it out so often that I decided to buy my own copy. Chapters include adding wide plank flooring, a corner cabinet and building your own mantel.
Outstanding woodworker's resource worth twice the price!.......1998-12-31
I own a small woodworking business and when I ordered this book, I expected to learn how to construct a period fireplace mantel, and maybe some base board trim. What I got was a clearly written and reader friendly tribute to yesterday's woodworkers. Mr. Rodriguez is excellent at taking the reader through the above projects and many others, giving him (her) the background and traditional tools and methods used to create the finished product while also offering modern time saving alternatives.What I found particularly useful was a mindful chapter on the laying of wide plank floors. I have searched high and low and never have I learned as much useful information on this topic as Mr.Rodriguez provided me in 15 minutes. I found the other chapters to be helpful as well. The federal style mantel project is outstanding. This is a book I would've paid twice the price for.
Customer Reviews:
A Colonial Christmas.......2002-10-26
With the loss of Colonial Homes magazine, Christmas ideas with a American colonial theme are becoming rare. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation along with Libby Hodges Oliver and Mary Miley Theobald have created not only a historical account of early American celebrations, but a beautifully designed and photographed book. Decorating starts outside with simple wreaths and pine roping to more elaborate fruited creations. Inside the greenery continues along with ideas on table decorations,the Christmas feast and best way to spoil Christmas guests. Chapters cover candles to Christmas trees along with colonial revival and twenty first century interpretations. This book will be a welcome inspiration for anyone looking for Christmas ideas and traditions.
Have yourself a Williamsburg Christmas.......1999-12-28
Informative (and occasionally surprising!) text accompanied by exquisite photographs of the holiday decorating style known as Colonial Williamsburg.
The text is coordinated effectively with the photographs to which it refers, making this a helpful guide for those interested in recreating or adapting the patterns for their own decorations. Lists of fruits and greenery that are or are not historically valid as well as diagrams for constructing bases for fan-style and pyramid decorations are both practical and helpful. For those preferring merely to look rather than do, it's still a lovely holiday visit to Williamsburg.
Christmas in Williamsburg is beautiful.......1999-12-21
With its lively, readable text and beautiful photography, Williamsburg Christmas is a must have book for anyone who enjoys Colonial history and Williamsburg. It makes you want to make that visit to Williamsburg during the Christmas holidays.
Great Christmas Book for Decoration Ideas.......1999-12-04
You don't have to like Williamsburg to like this book. Decorations can be used in contemporary homes, colonial or traditional homes. Good thoughts on how traditions such as the first Christmas tree began. I am giving the book to family and friends. It makes a great Christmas present.
Book Description
It's 1776, and the Revolutionary War is raging. Fourteen-year-old Nathan Wade is a patriot, but he's too young to join the fight. Then his cousin David Bushnell comes to town with a secret. David has designed a water machine that can explode bombs underwater. And his mission is to launch it against the British warships in New York harbor.
Nate reluctantly agrees to help David build the weapon of war -- dubbed the American Turtle. Although he's terrified of water and worried about getting caught, when unlikely circumstances put Nate at the center of the action, he must face the murky waters of his fears head-on.
Based on actual historical events, this adventure story captures the drama of the first submarine used in naval warfare and the struggles of a teenager overcoming self-doubt.
Customer Reviews:
Attack of the Turtle: A Great Read and Much More!.......2007-04-12
I am an adult who happens to love children's literature and also history. Consequently, I read Attack of the Turtle. It is similar to the American Girls historical novels but for boys of the same age group, something that has not been available thus far. (Girls will also enjoy the book, however!) Turtle is well written, interesting, and engaging. When I had finished the book, I found myself wanting to know more--both about the characters the author created so well and about the historical events represented. I have a young niece who also read the book, and she agreed that, afterward, she wanted to know more. An author who encourages people of all ages to want MORE has created something magical, in my opinion. I hope Mr. Carlson has many more stories in mind!
Customer Reviews:
Positively stunning!.......2007-02-11
This book is absolutely wonderful. It's really amazing. Everything you could ever think would exist in a basic 18th century wardrobe is here, and the ease of use is stunning. It goes into great detail on several pieces, including several sewing techniqes. And hey, if a teen can figure it out, anybody can do it. Although some parts are a bit tricky, it is overall a wonderful book, and belongs in every costumer's library.
I Need This Book...........2004-12-08
Fortunately, I was able to get it from our library. I guess I'll have to be patient about actually owning it, but anyway....
This book contains excellent information, not only on pattern, but on the textiles used and construction methods on actual garments. I am fascinated with how these period items were put together and amazed at the detail the researchers were able to identify - so much better than iffy descriptions of fashion plates and contemporary paintings. It is also interesting to learn how patterns would've been used with particular textiles, given cost of fabric at the time. (Interesting to me, anyway, I'm a little obsessed.)
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is serious about re-enactment costume, or who just wants to learn more history about how things were made.
Great details.......2002-11-26
Does the "DNA" analysis of the clothing so you can get a true picture of each garment as it marched through time. Answers questions I have always wondered. Beautiful pictures.
A new classic in costume.......2002-03-29
Like Janet Arnold's now-classic "Patterns of Fashion" books, this book takes existing museum garments and offers basic scaled patterns for them. It also offers great details about how the garments were original made, tips for using period techniques, and even a few short histories (like the history of pockets). I can't recommend the book highly enough.
The patterns are not, however, for beginning sewers; they must be scaled up to size and then made up in muslin for the best accuracy. However, even beginners can enjoy drooling over these wonderful garments (shown in color and b/w) and learning about period construction.
If you can only have one book...........2002-03-19
This book is geared for readers with sewing experience, although the front portion of the book has an excellent section on 18th Century sewing techniques that may help non-sewers. I successfully made the man's cloak (pictured on the cover)in an afternoon, a non-sewer may struggle with the diagrams.
Perhaps the most helpful aspect of this book is the garment measurements - knowing the bust and waist size of the garment you're looking at gives you a much better idea of the actual size.
Next to Fashion in Detail by Avril Hart, and Janet Arnold's excellent Patterns of Fashion series, this book is a must have.
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- Differential Equations: Computing and Modeling, Third Edition
- Eastern Armenian: Armenian-English, English-Armenian Dictionary & Phrasebook
- Emily Post's The Etiquette Advantage in Business: Personal Skills for Professional Success, Second Edition
- Esoteric Mind Power
- Essentials of Business Communication
- Essentials of Business Communication
Books Index
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