Medieval & Renaissance Furniture: Plans & Instructions for Historical Reproductions

For anyone who wants to try their hand at medieval furniture.

Basically it is in the same vein as the first two books, which I have written quite positively about in the past. My beef with this volume is that it only features nine new projects, and rehashes most (but not all) of the projects in the first two books. Well, I don't *need* to see the projects from the previous books, since I *have* those books already. But I can't simply get rid of the previous volumes, because there are a few projects that did not get included in this present volume under review. So now I have one additional volume, that only adds nine new projects but is equal to the size of the previous two volumes combined and is now taking up that much more space on my shelves. ARRGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!WHAT. POSSESSED. THEM. TO. DO. THIS?I do not know. It is a grave disappointment - it is even a regression in quality as it lacks the colour plates of the second book in the series. I would much, much, much, MUCH rather had one of the following:A) Simply a new volume like the previous two with 9 (or, preferably more) projects ORB) A second edition with 9 new projects plus ALL of the previous projects from the first two books, preferably with additional notes, pictures of the originals, background material, etc.This book as released is quite simply the worst of both worlds, and thus disappointing.Yes, it is still worth getting for the new projects (though, really, there is so much more that could be covered. Renaissance strong boxes, the kind of iron construction, frequently etched and elaborately decorated, with the complex locking mechanisms built into the lid, are one of many examples of projects I wish they had included) but it is irritating to those who already have the first two books to have so much repeated material.For those who do not have the first two books, I suppose it is an easier choice: just get this volume and be done with it. Only track down the first two books if there are particular must have projects within that you can't get otherwise.

I purchased the first two books Deihl wrote when they were published in the 90s, and have made several pieces out of each book. This book is as well written as those, and as useful to anyone keen on building furniture of the era. There is a good balance of projects for different purposes. If you don't own the other two books, buy this one.If you do own the other two books, I'd give this one a pass unless there is a really compelling project which isn't available in the others. I don't think the additional nine projects are worth adding this book to your collection as well.I'd also warn against the Kindle version of this book. The included images are horrible. They are low resolution, and difficult to make out details. I'm reading it on a retina iPad, and many of the dimensions are difficult to make out (particularly the fractional portion of a dimension). If the authors or publisher read this, please issue an update with useable images in it. Until such a time as an update is made, do not buy the kindle version if you care about making the projects.A note about two of the projects: The Glastonbury chair is excellent and very comfortable. Worth the effort to make. They are always the first chairs return visitors grab. The 15th century bench looks good, but is totally impractical. The design has a few serious flaws in it (not the author's fault). The primary one being that the straight legs make it unstable, and easy to tip over. The new bench has splayed legs, and will probably be a significant improvement in terms of usability.

Good project book for the boyfriend.

I chose this book over the other medieval furniture making books because it was reviewed better and seemed to contain all of the medieval wood working projects. I made the right choice. I love this book!

Very informitive

i like a lot this book, nice projects with historical references i w;ill be building several of the projects, i wish for a volumen 2.

In addition to the furniture plans, this book contains interesting descriptions of the furniture and how it was used in period. I don't plan on making most of these items, but I did enjoy reading about them.

What a fantastic book on the subject of furniture. There are lots and I mean lots of pictures and information on how to make this type of furniture for your home or to make and sale to future customers.I brought this book so I could scale down the sizes for dolls house furniture. It works a treat.Like I said it has a lot of information inside this book about this subject.You will not be disappointed.

I like this book because it contains informative plans for the construction of great pieces of history. The furniture that was chosen for this book is practical very "old world". There is not a whole lot of larger furniture pieces in this book, but it is still very interesting and useful right down to the carving patterns.

Not all projects are based on originals. Making copies of reproductions isn't the best.

Some really good explanations and plans in this book. Ideal reference for those wanting to create their own period style furniture.

Really pleased with the book and the fast delivery of it. Many thanks.