Anarchist's Design Book: Expanded

Anarchist's Design Book: Expanded

Much of the American furniture we admire as the pinnacle of design is often overbearing, overly embellished, and a testament to waste and excess. These elaborate furniture styles gained prominence in North America during the 18th century and continue to be revered today, both as coveted collector's items and as milestones for artisans. These precious pieces are frequently auctioned, collected, reproduced, and discussed in great detail.

However, it’s important to ask a question that often goes unconsidered among amateur makers: Why would you want to emulate the taste of your boss’s boss’s boss, who likely owned massive farms, factories, or even entire towns? This is not a criticism of their wealth but rather an invitation to think critically about design choices.

The new, expanded edition of “The Anarchist’s Design Book” explores furniture forms that have persisted outside the dominant high styles celebrated in museums, scholarly texts, and woodworking magazines over the past two centuries.

There are historic furniture forms that have been around for almost 1,000 years, yet they remain underappreciated. These pieces are simple to make, feature clean lines, and can appear surprisingly modern. This book examines 18 of these forms—such as beds, dining tables, chairs, chests, desks, shelving, and stools—and delves into the two construction techniques used to create these often-forgotten or overlooked pieces.

With these two methods—referred to as "staked" and "boarded" furniture—you can build an entire houseful of furniture. These techniques are remarkably simple for beginners, require minimal tools, and produce durable objects that stand the test of time.

However, this is not merely a book of plans. “The Anarchist’s Design Book” reveals the overarching principles behind these 18 pieces and provides a roadmap for designing your own creations, much like people did before the era of detailed plans.

The new expanded edition contains 656 pages—200 more than the first edition—and is designed for long-term durability. It measures 8" x 10", is casebound, and features thick hardback boards covered in cotton cloth.