Fine Woodworking Design Book Seven: 360 Photographs of the Best Work in Wood

As a woodworker it is always good to see what some of the leading edge furniture designers and builders make. Some are conservative, to see how the profession has reached it's height throughout furniture building history, others are way out there trying out the new possibilities, all awesome work! It truly is fascinating what these books inspire in furniture designer/builders and interior designers. The photography, in most cases is truly spectacular and very detailed there where it is supposed to be detailed. The only, slightly negative, comment I have is that information is cheap at best. Don't expect any information of why a piece was designed / built the way it was, or some of the woodworking difficulties that were overcome in building a particular piece. I am sure that there would be some very interesting captions and explanations to be written about the furniture and other items displayed in this, otherwise, wonderful coffee table book.

There is a considerable difference between the following plans part of woodworking and the artistic design part. Like anyone else who enjoys the thrumming sounds of a happy workshop, following plans is a soothing process with a satisfying result. But getting an idea into my head (and then trying to make it real) is more frustrating - my life lacks the spare 'dream time' needed. As a substitute, I like to look at the work of others. And Taunton Press's series of design books is a fine place to start. Each book is like a juried shop with some 10,000 original entries. There are sections on cabinets, chairs and benches, tables, boxes & chests, desks, beds & furnishings, sculpture & carvings, turnings, and accessories & musical instruments. Some 266 individual pieces are presented. While the pieces will appeal differently to different individuals, they all remarkable in some fashion and invited serious thought on possibilities and techniques. The range of style and approach presented is wide. There is everything from the ultra-modern to the ultra-traditional, from traditional furniture to sculpture and toy. One of my favorites is the clean lines of Jay Bonaventura's dining chair, that seem echo Arts & Crafts without ever becoming that style. Another is a deceptively simple sideboard by Michael Hoffer. And then there is the jaunty enthusiasm of a Randy Morris clock. I hope one day that a piece of my work merits appearance in a publication like this. Not likely, but with such good sources of inspiration, you never know.

Another fantastic collection of woodworking masterpieces. Anyone can appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of these pieces. To have this many excellent works in one book is awesome. One of the best woodworking books I have ever seen.

This book contains a compilation of photos of great masterpieces. This book really shows the diversity of design with an wide variety of beautiful hardwoods. This is one of the books I use for inspiration when designing a piece of my own. I recommend it to anyone with an eye for the arts and the confidence to push his/her own limits.