author
Thomas H. (Thomas Hamilton) Ormsbee
1890–1969
Best known for bringing antique furniture and decorative arts to a wide audience, this American writer turned deep research into practical, readable guides for collectors and curious readers alike. His books helped generations learn how to recognize, understand, and care for early American furnishings.
1 Audiobook
If You're Going to Live in the Country
by Thomas H. (Thomas Hamilton) Ormsbee, Renee Richmond Huntley Ormsbee
About the author
Born in Brooklyn in 1890, Thomas H. Ormsbee built a career that mixed journalism, editing, and historical research. Records of his work show that he wrote extensively about antiques and American furniture, and he is associated with the magazine American Collector, which he founded and edited for a number of years.
Ormsbee wrote a long list of books on antiques, collecting, and furniture history, including The Story of American Furniture, Care and Repair of Antiques, Field Guide to Early American Furniture, and Early American Furniture Makers. His writing stands out for making specialized subjects approachable, giving readers both background history and practical help.
He died in 1969, but his books remain part of the standard shelf of mid-20th-century antiques writing. For listeners interested in old houses, heirlooms, and the stories behind everyday objects, his work offers a clear window into the craftsmanship and collecting culture of earlier America.