Furniture of the Olden Time

Step into a world where oak chests, lacquered desks, and elegant sideboards whisper the lives of centuries past. This guide walks listeners through more than a hundred distinct pieces, from early 17th‑century olive‑wood cabinets to the refined Hepplewhite sideboards of the late 1700s. Each entry not only describes the form and function but also places the furniture within the social and artistic currents of its era, revealing why a simple looking‑glass could feel like a portal to another time.

Richly illustrated throughout, the new edition adds fresh drawings that bring the grain, carving, and brass hardware to life, letting you picture the tactile details as you hear them described. A newly added chapter explores the cultural meaning of keeping heirloom pieces, echoing Thoreau’s reverence for the lingering tick of an old clock. Listeners will come away with a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and stories hidden in the rooms of our ancestors.