Dictionary of English Furniture Vol I, II, and III by Ralph Edwards

The Dictionary of English Furniture by Ralph Edwards (1954 Revised Edition) is the most authoritative general work on English antique furniture ever published. The first edition of this work was published 1924-27. It was instantly recognised as the primary reference on the evolution of English furniture from the Middle Ages to the Late Georgian period. It was consistently in demand and soon went out of print. The Second Edition, published in 1954, was entirely revised and enlargedby one of the two original collaborators, Ralph Edwards, who at that time was Keeper of the Department of Woodwork at the Victoria and Albert Museum. He was an outstanding authority, well placed to produce such a mammoth revision. The Dictionary is, within its chronological limits, a comprehensive survey of the whole wide field of English domestic furniture. Later research has added details but the basic body of knowledge remains unchallenged. It remains the standard book referred to in all sale catalogues. In thre

Reader Reviews
This is a very thorough overview of English furniture through the ages, however it is very, very expensive, the pictures are old, black and white and not the best quality, and I believe you can get better value by spending the money on several other newer volumes, especially if you focus on the area that interests you (e.g design, construction, a specific time period, or an overview of antiques). I wish it would be updated with better photos etc.. in which case it would be worthwhile even at this price (around $200) ... I am tempted to do one myself. I have seen more up to date works in other countries (e.g Portugal) at half the price, leather bound with fantastic colour photos. The way it is, you can put together a better collection from other works. However if you need an general and complete overview of English furniture this is quite good. Also I would recommend you look it over in a store (library?) before purchasing it. It really depends on what you are specifically looking for, and at this price it is a good idea to check it out beforehand.

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