Upholstery A manual of techniques

An experienced woodworker as well as a fine writer, O'Neill here introduces the art of upholstery. Structured around the restoration of smaller pieces, the text is comprehensive if thoroughly BritishDthat is, prices are in pound sterling and weights and measures are rendered in metric units first. Translation is possible, but the process takes some getting used to. The volume is also printed on heavy gloss paper, a delight to hold but difficult to read in certain light. The effort is worth it, though, as O'Neill's gentle, humor-filled prose is a joyous romp through a slow but important craft. In 15 chapters and two appendixes (with a short but adequate index), he covers the basics of the process of upholstery, divided by type of piece being recovered or restored. He also provides guidance on how to select pieces for refurbishing. Terms are explained and illustrated, as necessary, and processes are displayed in both color photographs and line drawings. The first appendix covers the steps in a given process and serves as touchpoint or review. Unfortunately, the second appendix, which lists sources for help and materials, is restricted to English books and supply sources, limiting its usefulness to an American audience. Still, this book is worth the hefty price of admission.DAlex Hartmann, INFOPHILE, Skokie, IL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.