Product Description
The Shakers mastered the art of wooden storage systems like nobody else, ever. In large part, this mastery was the inevitable result of a philosophical approach to life that mandated cleanliness and organization. Storage systems that could keep clutter out of sight--and easily accessible - were the subject of a good deal of imaginative Shaker thought. Now, with this helpful guide, you can achieve you own simple and beautiful storage solutions in the Shaker style. This guide provides step-by-step instructions along with helpful hand-drawn illustrations, allowing you to create your own amazing Shaker shelving and furniture. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This book rocks.
1.If you would like detailed plans and pictures for a project this book is great.I highly recommend this book for beginning furniture makers and woodworkers alike.
2.Must have for shaker furniture builders and lovers. ... Read more

Product Description

Shaker Ghost Stories is a collection of true experiences from the visitors to and employees at Shakertown, Pleasant Hill, Kentucky.Pleasant Hill has been 200 years in existence, and is one of the restored Shaker villages in the Eastern United States.The Shakers, or United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, worked diligently to create a Zion, or heaven on earth.Their founder, Mother Ann, encouraged them to put their "hands to work and hearts to God".While the Pleasant Hill Shakers have passed on, their legacy of spiritual devotion and material prosperity remains.The Shaker village is a peaceful place to visit and learn about Shaker life, to enjoy singing and overnight stays.Those who come find a spiritual touchstone in walking the land, hearing Shaker music, and marveling at their craftsmanship.

Some of those who work or visit there have discovered that some Shaker spirits have perhaps returned to Pleasant Hill.The collection of odd occurrences reported in Shaker Ghost Stories include mysterious singing, phantom footsteps, appearances and disappearances of Shaker-looking people, invisible helping hands, and the sights and sounds of work and worship continuing at odd hours.The Shaker spirits seem to act much in character with their original dispositions—demonstrating faith, fervor, and a guardianship of their homes and land.

Traveling East in 1990, Thomas Freese visited friends, looking to relocate from New Mexico.Thomas was intrigued by Shakertown and the lives and accomplishments of the Shakers.He moved to Lexington the following year, and in 1996 became one of the Pleasant Hill Singers.While learning and performing Shaker music, he heard his new friends often speak of their "Shaker experiences", occasional and unusual happenings.Boosted by their encouragement, he spent the summer of 1998 taking notes and collecting accounts of the Shaker Ghost Stories. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

A Must Read
A Kentucky tradition, historic in content, well written -- all that and creepy too. Freese has done it again!

Ghosts and History
In addition to contemporary accounts of ghostly encounters, Freese's book includes a brief, readable history of the Shakers, an interesting and mystical 19th-century religious sect, as well as a tour of the restored Shaker colony at Pleasant Hill, KY.

This book takes you there
I remember going to Shaker Village for a school field trip decades ago -- and this book brought it back to me.Having a background in Anthropology & Religious Studies, I am continually fascinated by cultures, wanting to understand not just how they lived, but what they thought and felt.This book allowed me to "see" how Shakers felt by what apparently remains important to them even in death.The ghostly experiences shared in this book are entrancing, and they make you want to visit Pleasant Hill in the hopes of experiencing something otherworldly yourself.Thomas Freese has a charming writing style that draws you in and makes you feel like you are right there.I highly recommend this book.

A must for any library
Thomas Freese brings to life the beautiful village of Pleasant Hill with the always present ghost that haunt there.He has an excellent style of writing that introduces you to some fine people who have worked there and visited there.He tells of their experiences and makes you want to go experience those same ghost as well.This book is a thrill for all ages.

A book for everybody's "must read" list
This is an excellent, entertaining, accurate of the "Shaker Experience" told by the people who actually experienced them. When I read this book, I immediately wanted to go to Pleasant Hill to experience these things for myself. Once you start this book, you will not put it down until you finish it!

---Roberta Simpson Brown
Author, Storyteller ... Read more

Product Description
Since the late eighteenth century, Shakers have exerted an influence on our nation wholly disproportionate to the size of their communities.Their approach has helped shape everything from craftsmanship and ingenuity to concepts of communal living and work ethic. And while much of our modern-day fascination with the United Society of Shakers centers upon their unique attention to craftsmanship, the innovative spirit they brought to simple, Godly living is indeed the most timeless aspect of their legacy.

From their earliest days, the Shakers have depended on innovations of every sort to secure their place in a world that was, initially, hostile to their so-called "peculiar" beliefs: community, celibacy, and primitive Christianity. These innovations included improvements, adaptations, refinements, and inventions. Inspired Innovations is the first book devoted to this widely acknowledged but long neglected aspect of Shakerism.

A group of thirteen distinguished Shaker scholars, led by M. Stephen Miller, presents in this lavishly illustrated volume their research on the many "zones" of innovation that are considered here. Historians Scott T. Swank, Glendyne R. Wergland, and Stephen J. Paterwic "set the table" for a feast of words and images. The book features 350 full-color images, complete with descriptive captions and technical data. ... Read more

Product Description
Thoroughly analyzes, explains and illustrates the criteria and techniques used by the Shakers to design, construct and finish the furniture and crafts for which they have long been admired—in authoritative text, over 250 photographs and measured drawings for over 80 classic designs, ranging from a sugar scoop to a peg-leg footstool to a Harvard trestle table. 262 halftones. 140 black-and-white line illustrations. Index.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Shakin' And Makin'
Book was very informative. Covered the history of the Shakers and provided excellent pictures of antique furniture constructed by them. The measured drawings will be helpful when building some of the furniture in the book. Book arrived in a timely manner and was all I expected.

Shaker furniture
Useful in some ways, but not for the project I had in mind. I made a Welsh style dresser, but used info from the book to panel the doors and sides, dowelled the Mortice and tenon joints on the doors, and bought Shaker style door knobs from the USA. I left the shelves open ,as this is more the style in the UK, also did not have the time. Regulations in the UK state thatany glass used in doors must be toughened, which is too expensive for this project.The item was very well received by my youngest daughter in her new kitchen

Shakers & Their Furniture Described By An Informed Author!
John Shea's "Measured Drawings of Museum Classics" is itself a classic. It is not just a book about furniture; he carefully includes enough information on the Shakers, their history and their religion to give the reader an appreciation and understanding of the people and their passion for piety, humility, industry and kindness.It was these virtues that gave birth to their beautiful classical simple and elegant furniture -- which has been admired by "the world's people" for two hundred years.

During his preparation to write his book, John visited several Shaker communities and museums.At Sabbathday Lake and Canterbury, he was fortunate to meet the surviving members of the Shakers including Mildred Barker and Gertrude Soule, both of whom have now passed away.Written in 1971, it includes pictures of Shaker buildings, woodenware and furniture from five of the Shaker communities and ten museums.

I have owned my copy for several years. I recently bought copies to give to two friends for Christmas, both experienced woodworkers, who indicated a desire to build furniture.It is inexpensive and completely in black and white but it contains pictures and measured drawings of 87 Shaker furniture and woodenware.In addition, it has pictures of hundreds of other shaker items and a wealth of information about the people and their communities.

He includes adequate step-by-step instructions of the assembly and finishing of three simple projects - a candle stand, a step stool and a bench.The instructions for cutting dovetails for the step stool is particularly helpful to a new furniture student.

Of all the books about the Shakers and their furniture, this is probably the best low cost, balanced introduction to the Shakers, their way of life and their furniture.

Impressed
I was impressed by the detail of the Shaker way of life. I was looking for ideas and drawings,andI found out that the Shakers were very resourceful and inventive. This is a must read if you want to make Shaker furniture. ... Read more

Product Description
Collecting salt and pepper shakers is a hobby with a little something for everyone. Whether you fancy figurals, go-togethers, hangers, kissers, nesters, stackers or long-boys, you'll quickly discover the pricing and identifying details you need in Antique Trader Salt and Pepper Shaker Price Guide. This go-to guide will help you easily assess your favorite collectible condiment containers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Save your money
I bought one of these for my Mother who has collected for years. My recommendation is to save your money, as this is one of the worst.Very poorly done, appears to have been tossed together in a hurry to beat a deadline or something.

I beg to differ ...
Contrary to the two reviews here, the S&P guide has met with overwhelming positive comments directed to me and Krause Publications. An incredibly detailed table of contents is found on page 4 of the book ... there's no excuse for lazy reading by an inattentive buyer.

Did they contact the two main collector resources found on page 7?

Plus, there's contact info for the main contributor if readers have more questions. Did they bother to call? Or did they flip through the book, and, not finding an exact match, decide it was no good?

The book is also clearly divided into shakers identified by form and by maker.

There have been billions of pairs of shakers made over the last 100+ years, and the fact that these two couldn't fine their exact shakers is not surprising. This is a tool, one of many that collectors should use. Buy the book and find out for yourself.

Worst guide published for any collectible
I waited over 6 months for this lazy excuse for a guide, listing only 1000 shakers. I have about 70 from the 1940's-70's in my collection, and only found 4 in this book. By the authors own admission, he owns over 3000. Why aren't they listed? The pics are nice but the book is very poorly done. Save your money.

Poorly done
I am extremely disappointed. Following my mother's recent death, I came across her old collection of over 80 sets - at least 90% of which are over 50 years old. I thought this book would be of help in learning about them. NOT EVEN CLOSE!

While it says it lists "More than 1,000 salt & pepper shakers...." there is no index & no table of contents.Only 1 set that I have was in this book. While there are great color pictures, and similar types are together (sort of), you have to thumb through the entire book to try to find a particular item. Then do it again... and again.

This is a total waste of money and a poor attempt to "Get the Shakedown on Your Collection"! I am the one who got Shook Down.

I recommend trying to find a copy to look through before buying this.I wish I had. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
A comprehensive book on the kinds of textiles the Shakers used, how they were produced, and their cultural and economic importance to the communities. ... Read more

Product Description
During the nineteenth century, the Shakers conducted America's first successful experiment in utopian living. From Maine to Kentucky, they built communal villages whose unique buildings were designed to accommodate hundreds of inhabitants unified in the common purpose of work and worship. Julie Nicoletta's perceptive text and Bret Morgan's striking photographs illuminate the austere beauty, regional variations, and functional and stylistic evolution of Shaker buildings over the course of two centuries, evoking a visual and literary survey of Shaker design and its impact on our culture at large. Despite the fact that Shaker communities are almost extinct, an appreciation for their legacy continues to grow. Architects, designers, curators, collectors, and an ever-widening public have sought inspiration in Shaker art and architecture. The Architecture of the Shakers is a book for all those who wish to learn more about these remarkable buildings and how the rich cultural legacy of the Shakers continues to resonate within them. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

i wont buy it.
i like and use the "look inside" feature all the time. if a publisher cant give me more than one page or two to get a feeling of what is on the inside,,then they dont want to sell them all that badly.
i guess they use the "look inside" thing as a ploy that they dont take seriously,to bad for the writer, because i do.



and another thing,i wish i knew if what the other guy said about the first reviewer being the writers husband was true.. if it is true,and what he wrote,a glowing review,, being biased and saying anything to sell a book dont cut it with me.i cant stand dishonesty.
if its true,,, i dont care how good it is,i wouldnt buy it. i hate being thought of as a sucker.
that said,i think i have bought nearly every other book on the shakers that is sold on this site.

Thorough and discerning
A thorough and discerning book. Nicoletta's matter-of-fact prose is a welcome antidote to the nostalgia and sentiment that creep into more reverential treatments of the Shakers. Like any other history, Shaker history turns out to be complex and messy, not simple and sweet. How interesting to see Shaker buildings of the Victorian era, with floral wallpapers, clunky furniture, and primitive telephones.

Not bad, not great
This book delves inconsistently into shaker architecture, but the style is very pedantic and unfocused. By the way, Kucher, who wrote the first glowing review is Nicolleta's husband. So take that review with a grain of salt.

The definitive work on Shaker Architecture
Nicoletta's book is intelligently and clearly written and boasts Bret Morgan's gorgeous photographs of Shaker buildings.The only book on Shaker Architecture you will ever need--and the best.

Michael Kucher ... Read more

Product Description
Subtitle: Being a Description of the Manners and Customs of That People, the Nature and Policy of Their Government, Their Marvellous Intercourse With the Spiritual World, the Object and Uses of Confession, Their Inquisition, in Short, a Condensed View of Shakerism as It IsGeneral Books publication date: 2009Original publication date: 1848Original Publisher: The authorSubjects: ShakersReligion / Christianity / HistoryReligion / Christianity / ShakerNotes: This is a black and white OCR reprint of the original. It has no illustrations and there may be typos or missing text.When you buy the General Books edition of this book you get free trial access to Million-Books.com where you can select from more than a million books for free.Excerpt: When one ceases turning, she frequently embraces with her arms, another sister, and continues crouching, and bowing, for some time, and seems to have a special gift for that sister. One who has had the gift of turning in a high degree, assured us they did this because they were too dizzy to stand up alone. Others who have been gifted, have assured me, that this is the reason why they fall down. They cannot stand for dizziness. And that all their skill in turning is acquired by practice.All their meetings are not carried to the same excess as the one which I have described above. And never have I known them to have a meeting which made any comparison with this, when any spectators are present from the worlds ; a these are sometimes allowed to attend our meetings at home in the gathering family. None are permitted to attend our meetings at the meeting-house, since 1837, when this revival commenced. Some who have been here since that time, assure me, that the meeting I witnessed to-day, would not begin to compare with the meetings they had in the commencement of the revival. In the commencement of the revival, many went into the turning who were unaccustomed to turning; consequently they would frequently fall down ; be... ... Read more

Product Description
This new volume focuses on nodder salt and pepper shakers with over 300 nodders as well as hundreds of early/discontinued Fitz and Floyd sets and Parkcraft sets, many of which have never before been shown in a book. All are shown in clear color photographs. This comprehensive guide includes for each set its identification, color, size, and design variations. A price guide is provided. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

a terrible book
this book is really nonsens ... Read more

Product Description
Inspired by living and cooking at Canterbury Shaker Village in Canterbury, New Hampshire, Chef James Haller has created more than 150 simple, elegant recipes in the Shaker spirit of simple and authentic elegance. Along with co-author Jeffery Paige they have created step-by-step recipes for what Haller calls "The oldest New American cooking" including:

Sherried Pumpkin Apple SoupBreast of Chicken with Sage Dressing and Cranberry Maple GlazeSea Scallops in a Cider Sour Cream SauceFruit Salad with a Lavender Honey Mayonnaise

With a Preface by Scott T. Swank former President of Canterbury Shaker Village ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Shaker Spirit
This is a beautiful book which captures both the spirit and essence of Shaker Cooking. Too bad it is no longer in print. I cannot wait for James Haller's second edition. ... Read more

Product Description
Describes the culture and daily way of life of the Shakers and the religious motives inspiring them. ... Read more

Product Description
For well over a century, the world has noted the distinctive chairs made by Shaker communities throughout the eastern United States. A writer for House Beautiful suggested at the beginning of the twentieth century that "If you own a Shaker chair, preserve it with great care, for it will soon be considered an antique, and a rare one at that." In this definitive book, that statement is verified as the authors examine in depth the styles and production techniques of chairs made at ten Shaker communities during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Historical and contemporary photographs, extensive journal and account book references, diaries, postcards, catalog advertisements, and detailed line drawings are all used to document the chairs' history. Readers will find valuable information on identification of chair types and origins as well as an analysis of design and construction. An essential resource for collectors, historians, designers, and devotees of antique furniture. ... Read more

Product Description
Calling all salt and pepper shaker enthusiasts! Containing almost 700 pictures, this captivating book features over 1,000 salt and pepper shaker sets comprising more than 225 series. The author illustrates a wide variety of series with three sets or more. Separate chapters highlight the World of Nature, Flowers, Fruit and Vegetables, People, and more. Included are many well-known manufacturers and importers such as Holt Howard, Napco, Norcrest, Lefton, Enesco, Vandor, and Clay Art. Measurements and current values are given. If you are looking for a wonderful collectible, this book will show you where to begin. ... Read more

Product Description
Ranging from Drucker to Peters, Hefner to Hughes, these colourful and accessible digests detail the core thinking, contributions and key works of management thinkers and explain the challenges faced and successes achieved by business pioneers.Movers and Shakers profiles innovators in traditional, expanding, and emerging business sectors, reflecting the global nature of business and management today. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Shaker Baskets
Great book. I am learning the history of the shaker baskets & who wove them.

What Makes a Basket a Shaker?
Includes 360 detailed photos & captions to show what makes a basket Shaker and explain the range of shaker work. Focuses on the Church Family Shakers at Mt. Lebanon, NY and their system of making baskets ... Read more

Product Description
This fascinating biography looks at the life of Nelson Mandela, placing his
awe-inspiring accomplishments in historical context for a new generation
to admire. On a February day in 1994, Mandela visited Robben Island,
a desolate rock where he had been held during his twenty-seven years as
a prisoner. Days later, he triumphed in an election that rescued South
Africa from the climate of oppression that had held sway for so long. By
New York Times executive editor, Bill Keller, this inspiring biography looks
at the events that led Mandela from his tribal homeland to the center of the
struggle for racial equality in South Africa. From early acts of protest to
the leadership of an apartheid-free nation, this is an honest portrayal of a
modern political and social icon. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Courtesy of Teens Read Too
TREE SHAKER is a very informative and colorful book written by Bill Keller, the Executive Editor of The New York Times. The entire book is written like one long article, broken up by chapters and festive with many colorful pictures.

It tells the story of Nelson Mandela's life -- from childhood to becoming the first black South African president -- and his impact on South Africa and the world.

This book was very informative; somewhat like a history textbook but with many colorful pictures and interesting story and dialogues in between the factual parts.

This book is highly recommended for anyone who wants to learn about the life of a man who impacted the world with his brilliance and determination for black equality among a white supremacist country.

Reviewed by:Steph ... Read more

Product Description
80 color and 20 b&w illus. 10 1/4 x 14 1/4. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

shaker wood
I love all things shaker... This book has great info on what the Shakers made & how they lived.

Incredible Photography in Bowman's Shaker Style
Bowman's "Shaker Style" is one of the more beautiful samplers of Shakerism that I have seen. The extra large pages, 10 by 14 inches, contains many photos by knowledgeable Shaker scholars and photographers: Paul Rocheleau and James Archambeault.

Bowman has included a good sampling of buildings from Shaker villages at Hancock MA, Canterbury NH, Sabbathday Lake, Pleasant Hill KY and South Union KY.

Some of perennial favorites shown are the nearly identical meeting houses built by Moses Johnson in the late 1700's at Hancock, Canterbury and Sabbathday Lake. Also included are the great round barn at Hancock and several family residences at the five featured villages.

The furniture includes many items from private collections as well as items in the Shaker museums. Again, the photography is beautiful.

If you are interested in the Shaker's ingenious devices, Bowman devotes 25 pages of outstanding photographs of tools, looms, spinning wheels and other Shaker items.

The history of the Shakers is about average but interesting. Bowman obviously has done a good job of research.He identified where all pictures were taken but most descriptions of the items do not include the community or date of origin. ... Read more

Product Description
Four of America's most acclaimed designers contribute 30 examples of their Shaker-style woodwork for you to make yourself. Each project comes with pattern drawings, detailed directions, and inspiring photography. Decorate your home with a coatrack, drop-leaf table, corner cupboard, oval boxes, and a traditional rocking chair with ladder back and finials. These items all exemplify the harmonious spirit of Shaker furniture. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Pretty pictures, AWFUL directions and specifications
The projects are beautiful, and if you just want to look at pretty pictures of furniture this book will deliver.Also, if you are sufficiently skilled--sufficient skill meaning that you are a lifelong professional woodworker--to duplicate a piece based solely on sight, this book might give you a few ideas for your next project.However, if you are anywhere in between--if you are a casual or hobbyist woodworker hoping to build these pieces, be forwarned:

1.) The book explicitly assumes ownership or access to an array of woodworking tools and equipment that would cost tens of thousands of dollars and fill a three-car garage.

2.) The descriptions and scant mechanical drawings misstate or, more often, simply omit critical dimensions.

3.) Directions for fabrication and assembly are jargon-filled and casually gloss over details that can be accurately inferred only by a furniture maker with sufficient experience as not to need the book at all.

Anyone who has ever been given driving directions which would only make sense to someone who already knew the route will instantly recognize the style of this book.

Well they look good.
I bought this book a while ago and thought it was wonderful - beautiful pieces!But then I actually tried to build one.MANY of the measurements were just plain wrong - to the point that the shelves wouldnt have been wide enough to reach the sides and the molding wasn't long enough to fit the sides and front.This may explain why they took it off the market so quickly - but disappointing nonetheless.Don't buy a copy unless you plan to redo the plans yourself!

A modern rendition of traditional Shaker style furniture.
It is unusual for me to find a furniture design book where I like one of the designs offered.Out of the 30 designs offered in this book, I can easily see myself building 12 of them.While not exact reproductions ofany work, they are modern tasteful designs true to Shaker functionalsimplicity.Clearly the best of any Shaker book I've seen. ... Read more

Product Description
Capture the charm of classic American furniture!

Nothing embodies timeless elegance like handcrafted furniture. Now you can bring the classic grace of the Shaker style to your furniture projects with Authentic Shaker Furniture. Whether you’re a beginning woodworker or more advanced, you’ll find success building these gorgeous furniture projects.

Master craftsman Kerry Piece provides clear instruction and step-by-step photos for creating ten unique Shaker projects, including:

* Sewing desk
* Mount Lebanon side chair
* Union Village rocker
* Transitional rocker
* Bentwood boxes and carriers
* Tripod table
* Hanging cupboard
* Wall clock
* Peg rail
* Clothes hangers

You'll also find technical illustrations, cutting and hardware lists as well as the history behind each piece. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Four chairs?
The projects in the book are well detailed with both photographs and excellent writing, but there is not much variety in the projects.I found the chairs repetitive (and largely unnecessary, once you built one, the others were modest modifications).It would have been great to see this talented author expand the breadth of Shaker projects.

GREAT BOOK
I own this book and it is really a good one.I like it so much that I signed up for a class at Marc Adams School of Woodworking with Kerry Pierce where we will build the candle stand shown in the book.

A Satisfying Challenge
As a rather novice level woodworker, I bought this book primarily because of the subtitle, "10 projects you can build." "No big deal," I thought.A quick trip to the lumber yard and a few casual hours in the shop and I'd be napping in my new rocker. Actually starting on the projects, however, has been like being sucked into an unexpectedly rewarding and demanding contest with large pieces of wood.What the title doesn't mention (and probably wisely so) is that the most desirable pieces in the book require you to make a variety of jigs and tooling - from scratch - in order to decently build the projects.A fair sample of these jigs and tooling (e.g.,post bending form, side rung mortise jig, front rung mortise jig, box molds, lid molds, slat bender, etc.) now hang from the rafters of my rather small shop and threaten the safety of my skull on a regular basis.However, I don't think that the process of building these pieces would havebeen as pleasurable, or even possible, without acquiring the skills learned in the process of building the tooling.Kerry is a great teacher and his style is easy and encouraging.He helps you to believe that you really can build these projects.I now own four or five of his books (if my shop were less "crowded" I'd be sure of the number) and enjoy both the prose and the projects in each.I believe that this guy is top rate and would strongly recommend his work to anyone looking to learn and/or improve on their skills.I hope that you all enjoy his work as much as I do. ... Read more