THE ARTHUR NEGUS GUIDE TO ENGLISH FURNITURE

Robin Butler, Hamlyn 1978.

This handbook is for the amateur collector and discusses types of furniture that he is likely to find and be able to afford. It is not devoted to those fine pieces of furniture that are part of our national heritage, examples of perfection isolated beyond our reach and means in museums and stately homes.

The first part deals with topics essential for a true understanding of furniture; the woods used, the constituent parts, construction methods, how to check quality and condition, and the evolution of furniture design.

The second part describes individual pieces of furniture in chronological sequence, from 1680 to the Victorian era. Each description is illustrated, so visually complementing the text and providing a pictorial record of the evolution of English furniture. The author knows at first hand all the pieces he describes in this section and shares his knowledge with the reader, pointing out the fine craftsmanship, the bad mend, the worn drawer or the weakened corner.

Although this is an ex-library copy there is little sign of that other than for a small biro circle and slight label remains on the fep, a small rectangular stamp on the title page and a small, neatly written number in biro at the base of the text on the title verso. Apart from a slight, minimal slackness to the boards the book is in very good condition with nice clean pages.

An informative and essential reading copy for anyone interested in learning from a master, the late, great, Arthur Negus.