Treasure
Chests
The Legacy of Extraordinary Boxes
by
Lon Schleining
Softcover
220 x 275mm
200pp
Published by The Taunton Press, Connecticut, USA.
R.R.P.$39.90
ISBN 1-56158-651-X
As reviewed in The Australian Woodworker Issue 121
Few of the pieces in Lon Schleining's Treasure Chests look like anything that pirates would bury but the book does contain a wonderful variety of chests used for different purposes.
There are plenty of photographs, but no plans, so this is essentially a book for project ideas. While many of the designs could be reduced for box-making, the focus is on larger chest-size pieces.
The text discusses the history of the chest, from its appearance in ancient Egypt, to its use for transport and the first safes, to contemporary interpretations of the concept of a chest. Chests have been used for shipping tea, storing silver service, holding coins and valuables, collecting a young woman's trousseau, storing blankets and tapestry, organising a tradesman's tools, travelling, taking to war and storing children's toys. Some were plain and simple, others were carved, embellished or painted. The interiors could be open or well-organised with drawers and trays. The shape of the chest was often dictated by its purpose, but more decorative designs with curved lids and/or sides are included.
In addition to makiing interesting reading, Treasure Chests presents over 100 different chests, so there's plenty of project ideas to choose from.
About the author: Lon Schleining teaches seminars at The Woodworking Shows across the US. A frequent contributor to Fine Homebuilding and Fine Woodworking magazines, he lives in Long Beach, California.
Photos: Colour
Contents
Introduction
Chapter
1: The Legacy of Extraordinary Chests
Chapter
2: Treasure Chests
Protection for the priceless
Chapter
3: Bridal Chests
Where the Future Is Stored
Chapter
4: Tool Chests
The Craftsman's Calling Card
Chapter
5: Blanket Chests
Warmth in a Large Box
Chapter
6: Sea Chests
All a Sailor Had in the World
Chapter
7: Chests for Travel
Carrying the Vagabond's Possessions
Chapter
8: Chests for War
Furniture behind the Fighting
Chapter
9: Special-Purpose Chests
Where the Rules begin to Bend
Glossary
Credits