The Old Furniture Book, with a Sketch of Past Days and Ways

"The Old Furniture Book, with a Sketch of Past Days and Ways" by N. Hudson Moore is a journey through time, exploring the history of furniture from England, the Netherlands, and Spain, and how these antique treasures became prized possessions in American homes. The book examines the skills of the people who made these pieces, the stuff they were made of, and why they matter in history, inviting readers, especially collectors and those who love history, to truly see the beauty and skill found in old furniture. The book starts by noting the growing interest in antiques when it was written, especially in the U.S., where European furniture was becoming more and more common. It talks about what makes oak furniture special, how styles changed over hundreds of years, and the importance of craftmanship in different eras, like how Queen Elizabeth influenced wall designs and the growth of complex furniture designs. The scene is set for a complete review of furniture that used to be, with people being encouraged to see furniture as more than just useful stuff, but as stories reflecting how people lived and what they thought was beautiful.