From Library Journal
This large-format volume by cultural writer Lessard (art history, Univ. of Quebec) is lavishly produced, with many full-color photographs, detailed charts, and line drawings. Chock-full of both utilitarian furniture and prime examples of period pieces, the book is divided into six chapters covering various time periods from 1640 through 2000. The text and captions play second string to the profusion of pictures, whose sensitive presentation propels the reader into the available narrative. While the focus is somewhat parochial, this book has much of interest; it is not generally for the beginner, whether historian, artist, or woodworker. An important addition to collections on Canada, classical furniture styles, and, obviously, Quebec. Alexander Hartmann, Infophile, Williamsport, PA Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Book Description
Antique Furniture of Québec brings together hundreds of sumptuous full-colour photographs illustrating every phase in the history of Québec furniture and an authoritative text written by Michel Lessard describing and analysing that history. The result is a book that is both a beautiful object and an unparalleled resource.

Lessard emphasizes the cosmopolitan and eclectic nature of Québec society and its openness to outside influences. He draws upon both textual and photographic sources to demonstrate that Quebeckers, from the first years of settlement to the present time, have adopted craft and design ideas from abroad. The three cultures that have historically shaped Québec society, that of France, Great Britain, and the United States, have naturally been the most powerful influences. Lessard traces their effect while, at the same time, demonstrating the often original and creative response to these influences by Québec designers, artists, and craftspeople.

It’s all in these pages: from the ornate and often heavy furniture of eighteenth century France to the primitive, Shaker-influenced pine furniture of rural Québec, to William Morris and Art Deco and, finally, the Modern era.

Of particular interest is the series of homes that the author has tracked down, each typical of a particular era and each preserved with furnishings appropriate to the era in place. By this and other means, Michel Lessard masterfully combines an appreciation of the historical and social context in which furniture is made and used with a thorough understanding of the craft and business of furniture-making.

“Furniture,” writes Michel Lessard, “is an open book containing a multitude of stories.” This lavish and authoritative book is certain to continue telling its stories for years to come.

From the Inside Flap
Antique Furniture of Québec brings together hundreds of sumptuous full-colour photographs illustrating every phase in the history of Québec furniture and an authoritative text written by Michel Lessard describing and analysing that history. The result is a book that is both a beautiful object and an unparalleled resource.

Lessard emphasizes the cosmopolitan and eclectic nature of Québec society and its openness to outside influences. He draws upon both textual and photographic sources to demonstrate that Quebeckers, from the first years of settlement to the present time, have adopted craft and design ideas from abroad. The three cultures that have historically shaped Québec society, that of France, Great Britain, and the United States, have naturally been the most powerful influences. Lessard traces their effect while, at the same time, demonstrating the often original and creative response to these influences by Québec designers, artists, and craftspeople.

It’s all in these pages: from the ornate and often heavy furniture of eighteenth century France to the primitive, Shaker-influenced pine furniture of rural Québec, to William Morris and Art Deco and, finally, the Modern era.

Of particular interest is the series of homes that the author has tracked down, each typical of a particular era and each preserved with furnishings appropriate to the era in place. By this and other means, Michel Lessard masterfully combines an appreciation of the historical and social context in which furniture is made and used with a thorough understanding of the craft and business of furniture-making.

“Furniture,” writes Michel Lessard, “is an open book containing a multitude of stories.” This lavish and authoritative book is certain to continue telling its stories for years to come.

About the Author
Michel Lessard, Ph.D., is a professor of art history at the University of Québec in Montréal. For more than 30 years he has put his name to important works concerning the culture of Québec. His work as a cultural commentator has been recognized by a number of awards, including the prestigious Prix Gérard-Morisset, the highest distinction bestowed by the government of Québec in the realm of heritage studies.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Antique Furniture of Québec brings together hundreds of sumptuous full-colour photographs illustrating every phase in the history of Québec furniture and an authoritative text written by Michel Lessard describing and analysing that history. The result is a book that is both a beautiful object and an unparalleled resource.

Lessard emphasizes the cosmopolitan and eclectic nature of Québec society and its openness to outside influences. He draws upon both textual and photographic sources to demonstrate that Quebeckers, from the first years of settlement to the present time, have adopted craft and design ideas from abroad. The three cultures that have historically shaped Québec society, that of France, Great Britain, and the United States, have naturally been the most powerful influences. Lessard traces their effect while, at the same time, demonstrating the often original and creative response to these influences by Québec designers, artists, and craftspeople.

It's all in these pages: from the ornate and often heavy furniture of eighteenth century France to the primitive, Shaker-influenced pine furniture of rural Québec, to William Morris and Art Deco and, finally, the Modern era.

Of particular interest is the series of homes that the author has tracked down, each typical of a particular era and each preserved with furnishings appropriate to the era in place. By this and other means, Michel Lessard masterfully combines an appreciation of the historical and social context in which furniture is made and used with a thorough understanding of the craft and business of furniture-making.

"Furniture," writes Michel Lessard, "isan open book containing a multitude of stories." This lavish and authoritative book is certain to continue telling its stories for years to come.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal