Exploring the history behind country furnishings, this authoritative handbook offers 50 of the most popular projects from the workshops of David T. Smith--a unique collection of craft shops that create reproductions of antique artifacts. Offering a short narrative explaining how each piece of furniture evolved and was used in the past, each project includes detailed drawings, a materials list, and comprehensive instructions for assembly. Informative and well-researched, this remarkable reference shares guidelines for constructing historic fixtures such as a trestle table, a pencil-post bed, a ladder-back chair, or a whale shelf. Helpful photographs are included to demonstrate specialized techniques and skills, such as routing dovetails and raising panels.