Book Rack (no. 74)

Craftsman Workshops

1904-15 (ca.)

31 x 29 ½ x 10 inches

Oak

1997.9

Shop mark (decal) on inside of side between shelves

Although an early version of this form with two troughs, no flat shelf, and flush through tenons appeared in the 1904 catalog "What is Wrought in The Craftsman Workshops," this configuration of the book rack first appeared in the catalog "Cabinet Work from the Craftsman Workshops: Catalogue D" later that year. Amongst the most successful and practical designs that Stickley produced, this remained in production up through at least 1915 when he introduced a line of Colonial Revival style furniture. Simple, and handsomely designed with the large keyed tenons and integrated handles to move the piece, the book rack exemplified the honest, straightforward approach to design and manufacture that Stickley and others in the Arts and Crafts movement were promoting.