Classic English Design and Antiques: Period Styles and Furniture

My hopes were dashed again when I received this book, but I guess its my fault this time. I assumed (from the beautiful cover) that I would be getting a book showcasing traditional interiors, but what I got instead was something that resembled a Sothebys auction catalogue -- that is, a book featuring tasteful English furniture & gewgaws from the inventory of Hyde Park Antiques. There were a few shots of interiors scattered here & there, but they weren't that interesting. (Where's the sagging couch with the half-finished needlepoint, hello?) I wish the people who write blurbs for these books would stop name-dropping my favourite designers (Bunny Williams, you are a goddess!) so I won't keep wasting my money on these expensive doorstoppers. [Maximum Toile weeps in disappointment.] Sniffles.

There are some exquisite images in this book of classic English interiors and the antiques which fill them. It begins with the International Court Style from 1689-1714 with the William & Mary and Queen Anne styles. Next is the Palladian style from 1715-1740, followed by Rococo Fantasies from 1745-1765, The Neoclassical Style 1765-1790, and The Regency style 1790-1830 with a pictorial history of furniture styles focusing on chairs, chests and commodes, side tables, mirrors and bureaus and bookcases.There are full page images of rooms, and half page images. Interspersed are more contemporary rooms with antiques in them by current designers. If you want an accessible overview of English style and antiques from the l7th century to the Regency period, you should enjoy this book

In the United States we tend to think of antiques as something our grandmother had, or perhaps something that goes back as far as the Civil War. In English history, in English antiques, that isn't old at all. And the quintessential source for as new condition, museum quality English antique furniture in the United States for the past forty years has been Hyde Park Antiques in New York City.As Mr. Buatta says: 'The gallery is like a living museum, with the important difference being that you not only get to touch the objects, you have the unparalleled pleasure of being able to take them home with you.'This book is a beautifully photographed, exquisitely printed collection of some 150 items from the gallery. It is organized by date, beginning with William and Mary & Queen Anne style dating from their reign (1689-1714).These photographs are accompanied by drawings and photographs of rooms from English (and a few imitation) homes that illustrate how this furniture was combined with other items, perhaps English, Indian or oriental to create English rooms.

On Wednesday December 6, 2006 on her TV show, Martha Stewart featured a small number of coffee table books for the holiday season. One of her favorites was this book: Classic English Design and Antiques by Emily Eerdmans. She said - and I quote - "This is a fantastic, fantastic book."After reading it myself, I must agree Martha had it right. Visually stunning, thoroughly researched and beautifully written - an aesthetic, scholarly and literary tour de force. In short, as Martha said, a fantastic, fantastic book.Andrew J McKeon

This Book was purchased as a Christmas Gift for a long-time antique collector and enthusiast. She was delighted with the quality of the photographs and information presented, and the beautiful binding and overall presentation.

Ich habe dieses Buch gesehen und ich mußte es besitzen. Seit langer Zeit nicht durch den Beruf gezwungen, sondern aus Schönheit, persönlichem Interesse und purer Zuneigung.Und welche Pracht, wieviele Anregungen ich mir geholt habe und hole. Für mich ist es wie Weihnachten. Uneingeschränkt empfehle ich diese BuchIhrGraf Mondfall