Furniture with Soul: Master Woodworkers and Their Craft

This book was a gift for my son who's absolutely mad about furniture design and quality. This book surpassed all expectations. The photography was amazing, clear and beautifully done. The text was clear and concise and not too arty farty. This book is far more than "coffee table" decoration, it's a wonderful reference book and guide to all that is quality in the world of furniture, especially in this day and age of quick blown together self-assembly furniture. Highly recommended.

I bought this for my brothers birthday, as he has just started furniture making. However, everyone loved the book: Girlfriend, mother, father, grandpa, and friends, it seemed to have universal appeal.

This book cannot be compared to George Nakashima's beautiful book.. a book with soul by a man who was one with nature. This is a book written by a marketing guy who had sold his soul !I spent 12 months at Mr Savages Atelier, which was an incredibly poor educational experience. In that time I did not witness him pick up a tool or do a furniture commission once. Unfortunately I think this book is another attempt at shameless self promotion for a man who has an insider reputation of being very difficult and contrary.I find it strange that this book has so many 5 star gushing reviews - when some of the other weighty wood classics (like Maloof and Nakashima) don't have one ....

The author begins by saying language can't deal with the issues that the book addresses. He then demonstrates that his writing skills certainly aren't up to the challenge, as he drags us through 231 dreary pages of pretentious philosophies and worn out cliches.Still, it's not a complete disaster. There's a section at the end on rising young talent which is sparky and refreshing.However, all in all you'd be better off buying "Speaking Of Furniture", which covers many of the same makers but has more and better photographs of their work...plus it's witty and readable rather than turgid and pompous.

This is a super book to read if you are interested in furniture but also if you love interiors. It's useful to understand what goes on in the minds of these very talented craftspeople. I am passionate about supporting designer-makers and enjoyed it so much I wrote a review on my blog: http://www.selectamaker.com/a-passion-for-furniture-making/

I am really very impressed with it having read it all cover to cover. He's really got under the skin of each of them and asked questions which no-one has before about the birth of a design and what does it feel like while doing it, and the answers are really frank from Judy and Tom and Rupert; I really appreciated that as it is something I can relate to, as will many I'm sure. So it was that openness from them and then his rendering of their character that was very skilfull too; I felt like I was in the room with them both, eavesdropping on the conversation. He's a skilled writer anyway but interviewing is a completely different kettle of fish, and I think he's delivered a very important book.He included all my favourites and surprised me with others, which is what you are supposed to do, and made me look and appreciate them where I had passed them over before. Its because of him and his experience and background will make people sit up and take note of what he's written here that makes it all the more acceptable.

This is a truly wonderful book, by one of the most acclaimed and accomplished English master craftsmen working today. The book is a beautiful dive into the incredible creative minds which make this artisan industry one of the most important art forms today IMHO. David is a wonderful curator of his fellow woodworkers, and handles each and every one of their works of art with a deep reverence for the unique talents and vision of its creator. Truly a feast for the senses, and a delight to spend time with this book.

An excellent book. Very inspirational. For me, all the work shown in the book had the 'wow' factor. Well done David