The Shakers inventoried their communities in two-dimensional drawings. These were not the works of trained artists or draftsmen, but are examples of the works of the cultural tradition that brought us such useful items as the circular saw. In our world, where we hurry from one activity to the next, it is helpful to have an insight into another way of life, where hurry-sickness had not caught hold. The illustrations are beautiful. Mr. Emlen's commentary is scholarly and, at the same time, readable.

Insightful, clear, and well-structured analysis of Shaker Art. The author presents the information alongside beautiful Shaker images. A must-read for a good backround in Shaker art, and in my opinion, the definitive work on the subject.

This book delves inconsistently into shaker architecture, but the style is very pedantic and unfocused. By the way, Kucher, who wrote the first glowing review is Nicolleta's husband. So take that review with a grain of salt.

A thorough and discerning book. Nicoletta's matter-of-fact prose is a welcome antidote to the nostalgia and sentiment that creep into more reverential treatments of the Shakers. Like any other history, Shaker history turns out to be complex and messy, not simple and sweet. How interesting to see Shaker buildings of the Victorian era, with floral wallpapers, clunky furniture, and primitive telephones.

Nicoletta's book is intelligently and clearly written and boasts Bret Morgan's gorgeous photographs of Shaker buildings. The only book on Shaker Architecture you will ever need--and the best.

Michael Kucher