Duncan Phyfe and the English Regency, 1795-1830
by: Nancy McClelland, Edward Knoblock (Foreword)

Softcover. NY, Dover Publications, reprint, 1980, Book: Very Good, Dust Jacket: None, Softcover, 364 pages with 295 b&w plates. Originally published as a hardcover in 1939. In this, the definitive work on Duncan Phyfe, Nancy McClelland, noted authority on the history of American antiques, recounts with keen appreciation the story of his life and work. She identifies the English Regency style, tells how the style developed, shows how it influenced Phyfe, and then describes both the man himself and numerous examples of his furniture construction -- his tables, chairs, sofas, sideboards, beds, etc. Accompanying the text are many fine photographs of famous Regency homes and furniture, houses built during the Classical Revival in America, and scores of Phyfe's masterpieces. Succeeding chapters, also enriched with photographs of surviving pieces, describe work by Phyfe's competitors -- Lannuier, Michael Allison, John Gruez, John Seymour, Samuel McIntire, Nehemiah Adams, Henry Connelly, etc. -- and work by Phyfe known to have been bought by specific customers. Clean copy.