A fascinating exploration of the use of wood in human history: half a million years of tools, devices, construction, art and architecture, from wedges, planes, screws and pulleys to stave ch... read more
Another wonderful illustrated volume of tangential history from Yale (see the book on guitars, below, in 'Music'). This is an exploration of how the rose has inspired fashion over hundreds o... read more
Artisan trades of Paris - a ribbon maker, the boiseries of Feau et Cie, pastel crayons still rolled as they were in the time of Degas, etc., presented by a designer, artist and shopkeeper. M... read more
Looks at Jane's contribution too in this extraordinary personal and creative partnership. SFC's earlier book To See Clearly: Why Ruskin Matters was excellent.
The 'green fingers' behind JamJar Flowers chronicles the botanical history of flower pressing, from foxgloves to fritillaries, through lampshades, lilies, oshibana, jasmine, and many more de... read more
Architect Arthur Heygate Mackmurdo and his 18-year-old assistant Herbert Percy Horne answered Ruskin's call for the regeneration of art and society. This is a handsome book about their work... read more