Furniture Design & Construction

Graham Blackburn was born and educated in London, England, then lived for several years in Cologne and Madrid before moving to New York to continue his studies at the Juilliard School. While pursuing a career as a professional musician that saw him play in numerous bands, including Van Morrison, he built his own home and several others -- in Woodstock, NY. His first book, Illustrated Housebuilding, was published in 1974. Since then, in addition to operating a custom furnituremaking shop in California and New York, and lecturing and teaching at major craft and art schools and woodworking shows across the US, he has been a long-time columnist for Popular Woodworking and a contributing editor to Fine Woodworking. He has also served as editor-in-chief of Woodwork magazine.

• PrefaceIntroductionPart One: The MysteriesThree Pillars of Design: Function, Construction, & FormThe Golden Mean: Pleasing ProportionsFunctional & Stylistic Aptness: Including a Short History of StylesDetails of Styles: A Close Look at Arts & CraftsPart Two: The ArtEntertainment Cabinet: The Importance of DesignA Thinking Man's Chest: Working with What is AvailableJewelry Box: Making the Most of Exotic MaterialLegless Coffee Table: Minimal Production, Maximum ResultParson's Table: The Essence of SimplicitySound Shelving: Designing to a Need: What's Old is New AgainTraveling Trestle Table: Designing for ConvenienceDining Table: Unusual RequirementsStanding Cabinet: Contemporary DesignGlazed Credenza: New Uses for Old Furniture TypesPepysian Bookcase: Working Previous StylesGothic Armchair: Build Your Own Throne