Back in May, I served up some high praise for the “Atlas of Furniture Design,” published by the Vitra Design Museum in Germany. If you haven’t bought this book for yourself, please have your family buy it for you for the holidays.
The “Atlas of Furniture Design” is one of those books that is going to be discussed and referred to by many future generations. Primarily, it is a glimpse at furniture design of the 20th century, though it occasionally looks further afield.
It is part reference book – you can easily look up any piece by the name of its designer. And it is – apologies for the term – outstanding bathroom reading. You can open up this book to almost any page and read a bit about an outstanding design, the people who made these pieces or the social context in which they were made.
It also is a drop-dead gorgeous book. Crisply printed. Fantastic binding. As a publisher, I am jealous and somewhat amazed they could make this book (it was a 20-year project) and sell it for only about $180 U.S. The book is available in both English and German. You can buy it directly from the museum or from a variety of other sellers.
— Christopher Schwarz
Read other entries from The Anarchist’s Gift Guide here.
I bought the book after the previous recommendation back in May, and found it to be just as interesting (and stunning) a book as Chris says! Not that his word needs my corroboration; just thought I’d chime in with a “second that!”, is all.
Cheers,
Mattias
It’s a great book. And heavy enough to use as a clamp if you run out.
Please consider a video or photographic sequence of the Covington Mecanical Library. I get tired of trying to read all the titles piecemeal. And Fitz’s Cincinnati Branch of the CML across the river, too.
I also purchased it after Chris wrote about it in May. I had seen the documentary “Chair Times” on their huge chair collection, and was glad to learn they had published a book. I’m very glad I got it, fantastic work on furniture design.
Well if I ever get to Covington I’m going to have to remember that the book is flagged. (Seinfeld reference for those that are wondering.)
It would crush your legs if used in that manner.
‘bathroom reading’ … yes, that’s the term I didn’t know I was missing for all these years.
Thanks.