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CHOICE Review

In 1988, nine Italian scholars teamed to write this anthology of European furniture design history, now in English. The authors focus on European furniture from the 18th century to the early 20th century; however, modern furniture is totally ignored. Instead they emphasize the stylistic movements of the decorative arts, occasionally referencing the fine arts. Furthermore, attention is centered on three countries, England, France, and Italy, with other European countries treated together. Stylistic movements are discussed both visually and philosophically, often converging on individual designers and specific pieces of furniture, and materials and production methods are discussed for further illumination. The text is divided first by century, then by country, and finally by individual designers. The more than 1,300 illustrations are of good quality and mostly in color, but are just short of the quality found in coffee-table books. An ideal resource for collectors and connoisseurs of fine furniture, it is essential reading for those studying decorative arts, interior design, and furniture designers and will also interest architects, industrial designers, art historians, and fine artists. All levels. S. Visser; Purdue University