Rather Elegant Than Showy: The Classical Furniture of Isaac Vose

Originally purchased this book to add to my library of American Neo-classical furniture and fine arts. I (sort of) expected the usual examples with rehashed information.What I received was THE FINEST - MOST ENGAGING and BRILLIANTLY WRITTEN documentary of a specific period in American history outlining the life and work of one of the MOST AMAZING cabinet makers America has ever produced! Mussey and Pearce have collaborated to present an exceptional - and exhaustive chronicle of the people and life styles of the period - down to the most minute details of social etiquette, entertaining, area tastes - and life among the "elite" of Boston.Literally NOTHING is left to question concerning the manufacture of Vose's furniture, his techniques and materials, relative costs of the period, how and from where styles emigrated, etc..I cannot imagine any book surpassing this masterwork on any level. The research involved in the preparation is beyond exhaustive, and the writing is such that I only reluctantly put the book down; I purposely read only a certain amount daily in order to absorb and retain as much of the information as possible, and "trust me" ... there's a lot to retain!The amount of new information is fantastic, the accompanying photos are as satisfying as the writing, and - in my estimation - this book is as good as it gets. I don't know your tastes, but if you are a student of this period and style - I think you'll love the book!

Mussey and Pearce have themselves created a classic. This will be in the library of every American furniture dealer, every serious American furniture collector, and every decorative arts library.We acquired the book to accompany a Boston sofa recently acquired at Whitehall Antiques (pictured here). The internet cannot hold a candle to the scholarship and photos found in this outstanding book.

Rather Elegant Than Showy must rank as one of the most successful material culture studies of the decade!

Bulges with fascinating information, copiously illustrated, and well-written.

Covers the subject in full detail, great well researched informative text, and beautiful pictures. This will be a wonderful addition to your library.