English founder Ann Lee and a small group of followers brought the Shaker faith to New England in 1774. Dedicated to a simple, communal lifestyle outside of society, this movement spread throughout New England and the Midwest during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The furniture produced by Shakers for their own use was beautiful in its simplicity and functionality. 300 historical and modern photos provide a visual tour of masterpieces of Shaker furniture and an introduction to the faithful artisans who produced them. Among the items displayed are benches, blanket chests, cases of drawers, chairs, counters, cupboards, desks, rockers, stands, tables, wall clocks, workbenches, and work tables. This book will be a treasure for all who enjoy, own, and create handmade furniture.

This is the perfect introduction to Shaker furniture design.This concise book surveys distinctive furniture styles produced during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in Shaker communities of New England, Kentucky, and Ohio, with over 130 beautiful full color images. Free-standing tables, chairs, boxes, desks, built-in cupboards, and cases of drawers are shown. \nThe text provides an introduction to nearly twenty Shaker communities, their known cabinetmakers, identifiable traits of furniture designs unique to specific Shaker communites, and the characteristic colorful paints and stains used to finish them.