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“Furniture in the Southern Style: 27 Shop Drawings of Furniture from the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts,” by Robert W. Lang and Glen D. Huey (with an introduction from Mack S. Headley, Jr.), is now available for pre-order at ShopWoodworking.com. Plus, we’re offering a combo pack of the book and a CD of the detailed SketchUp models built to produce the book’s illustrations – and both are on special offer right now.

This book has been one of the most interesting projects I’ve worked on this year. While I didn’t write it, I had the privilege of editing it – and that was a difficult task because instead of concentrating on the grammar, spelling and whatnot, I found myself caught up in the story of the South that Bob and Glen told in their introduction. It was fascinating to learn more about the many immigrant influences on Southern furniture, and discover period craftsman practices.

And, when it came to the measured drawings, I found myself thinking about how to build each piece (several of which, including this five-drawer chest with fetching trifid feet, immediately made my to-do list).

The hardcover book, which was beautifully designed by Linda Watts, was printed and bound in the U.S.A., and has a full-color dust jacket. In other words, it will look great on your coffee table when you’re not using it the shop.

Inside the book:

• Measured drawings of 27 pieces of furniture built between 1710 and 1860 – You’ll see the inside story of how these pieces were made, including the important details that set them apart.

• Each piece is presented with a photograph of the antique, and an introduction to its features, history and construction techniques. An exploded drawing shows how all the parts work together. You’ll also find all the information you need to build this furniture in your own shop: section, top, front and side views, all with measurements, as well as detail views and patterns.

• An historical overview from the authors gives the history of furniture building in the South, and explains the many immigrant influences that contributed to the design and construction of these important pieces.

With the CD, you can:

• Closely examine every furniture part and every joint

• Develop and print detail drawings and cutlists

• Explore construction details

• Use the provided models as a starting point to develop your own designs

Place your order now for “Furniture in the Southern Style” or the book and CD combo – both will ship in time for the holidays.

— Megan Fitzpatrick


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