Collection of designs for household furniture and interior decoration;: With a new index to the 158 plates (Praeger reprints on arts, crafts, and trades)

ABOUT THIS EDITION -- Generally regarded as one of the best books produced by Praeger Publishers, this is a large-format facsimile reprint which gives us Smith's 1808 "A Collection of Designs" in a satisfying format: the full text with 258 full-page plates on heavy paper. Released with dustjacket; brown paper over boards with gold and red details; sewn binding. Just a bit under 4 pounds. ABOUT GEORGE SMITH'S "A COLLECTION OF DESIGNS..." -- Cabinet-makers and designers of interiors in Regency England and America could, of course look to France. Or they could look closer to home calling upon the influential books produced by Sheraton or of Chippendale. However, George Smith, a bit younger and certainly the superior draftsman, was the most influential figure when it came to furniture and interiors of the Regency Period. His book has it all: furniture of course, but also window-dressings, dressed beds, cornices, mirrors, and general interior decorations. He seamlessly manages to combine the English, the French, the Egyptian, the Greco-Roman for his vision of "household funiture." And since this is the very beginning of the 19th century, these "houses" appear much as palaces to our eyes.