The Furniture of Sam Maloof

by Jeremy Adamson
Photographs by Jonathan Pollock

Praise for The Furniture of Sam Maloof:

“[T]he first thorough look at Maloof's extraordinary life and work, providing insights into the materials and techniques of woodworking, as well as the artisan lifestyle.”—Art Ltd.: West Coast Art and Design

“The text is wonderfully brought to life with 200 illustrations, including never-before-published photographs. . . . [A]n insightful, interesting read for anyone interested in the great man, or in woodworking in general.”—Furniture & Cabinet Making

“Jeremy Adamson’s authoritative study of Maloof is as good a point of entry…as any book ever written on the subject of modern furniture.”
—Glenn Adamson, Chipstone Foundation, American Furniture 2002

“Peppered with interesting revelations that arise from close examination of the Maloof oeuvre...academic rigor balanced with a writing style that is well crafted with the integration of contextual material...a source of much new information on Maloof and an oppourtnity to see his work in the wider context of the changing American crafts scene.”
—Journal of Design History

“Sam Maloof is probably the best-known maker in the movement today—his excellent reputation has been fostered by the high and long-sustained quality of his work and also through his abilities as a teacher, marketer, and record keeper.his standing in the field has been enhanced by Jeremy Adamson's magisterial and exhaustive study of his work.”
—Prof. Edward S. Cooke, Jr., Yale University, author of The Maker's Hand: American Studio Furnture, 1940-1990

“...a pure visual treat...as a study of one of this nation's great furniture innovators...you'll want to share it with your woodworking friends.”
—Wood Magazine

"I recommend you read this wonderful book." [Five stars] —Good Woodworking

Overview

An exploration of the life and work of America’s most distinguished craftsman.

Sam Maloof (1916–) is a consummate furniture designer and maker, recognized worldwide as a craftsperson’s craftsman. This book examines Maloof’s lifetime of production. Documented in 200 illustrations, over 90 in color, Adamson traces Maloof’s career from his earliest efforts to the masterworks he produces today. Set in the context of the development of Southern California modernism and the contemporary American craft movement, this volume offers the first thorough look at Maloof’s extraordinary life and work, providing insights into the materials and techniques of woodworking, as well as the artisan lifestyle.

Published in association with the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

About the Author

Jeremy Adamson is curator of the Renwick Gallery at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

About the Photographer

Jonathan Pollock is a freelance architectural photographer.

ISBN 10: 0-393-73214-2
ISBN 13: 978-0-393-73214-6
2006 / 95 color & 105 black & white illustrations / 272 pages / paperback