Friday, March 22, 2013

MCM Bible

Are you ready to see one of my all-time coolest thrift store finds?




A book?!  Yes, a book, but this isn't just any book.  I'd describe it as the Holy Bible for MCM enthusiasts.




It quite literally contains everything anyone would ever want to know about anything related to furniture/cabinet making in the 1960's.  It's difficult to even begin to wrap my mind around the amount of information contained within.


This book goes into minute detail about EVERYTHING all the way from growing and harvesting lumber to interior design.  I've never seen a guidebook so absolutely chock-full of information and it goes on for over 1,000 pages.  With the right tools, one could take it and build an entire MCM home: exterior, interior, kitchen, bath, etc.





It doesn't stop there either.  The best part is that it even provides fully-illustrated, step-by-step guides (with descriptions of all materials, measurements, and tools used) on how to build dozens of different pieces of iconic 1960's furniture including a replica of the famed Eames lounge.


The shots of 1960's interiors are amazing...







... as are these wood species identification cards.  These are going to come in very handy.


It's a pity that I'm not particularly skilled at DIY, because there's no end to the things that could be done with this book in the proper hands.



13 comments:

  1. Wow! I'd probably sleep with it under my pillow for a while. I can spend hours looking at books like that. Great find!

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    1. One could really get lost in this book. It's got so much information that I just can't believe it.

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  2. What a great find! And what an unassuming cover for a book with all this MCM goodness! I'd love to hunt down a copy of this for myself. Let the hunt begin...

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  3. The hunt didn't take long. Seller on Ebay had a copy for $4.04 buy it now and $4.78 shipping. Not the deal you got I'm sure, but I happily paid $8.78 for this book of wonderful! Can't wait to crack it open!

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    1. Wow! That was quick. Hope you love it as much as I do. I can't believe how much they've crammed into this book.

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  4. Awesome find! I might have to be on the lookout for that...

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    1. Looks like there are a few left on Amazon if you are interested.

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  5. That really does sound like the coolest mid-century book ever! I just found that Amazon has a bunch of them in varying conditions. I'm going to have to buy oen.

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    1. I'd very much recommend it. Especially with the store and all of the refinishing work that you all do.

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  6. I have a few 50's - 60's DIY furniture books in my collection. This looks like a great addition. I'll have to keep an eye out for a copy!

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    1. I love those things. It's really interesting to see how people back then arranged their homes.

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  7. There are a ton of copies on abebooks.com as well. I just picked one up for $4 including shipping after seeing your post. Thanks!

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