So you've always been that one freak in a bunch? The one who continually drives their friends off the deep end because of your knee-bending worship to antique toys, stoneware or blanket chests? Well if this is you, take heart! Now, with this book, the Keno twins have finally brought the enthralling world of Americana to a popular audience. They are sure to convert a whole new generation of antiquing freaks with their pulse-quickening stories of adventuring over land and across seas for that perfect piece of American furniture history. No longer will you feel a fool for dragging some uninterested friend or family member to a local museum or flea market only to hear them complain of the heat. Soon they will be joining you with entusiasm, as the dusty world of antiques is bound to take on a new brand of chic with the success of Hidden Treasures. If you're a seasoned professional with hunting stories of your own, you'll feel right at home with the descriptive images of the chase. But beginners are not excluded either, as each chapter is interwoven with priceless tips of the trade and heartening twists that make even a baffled amateur feel empowered to take up the hobby and run with it. Kudos to the Kenos!!!

Antiques Roadshow twins Leigh Keno and Leslie Keno take readers on a fascinating journey through their early childhood and adult life of antique collecting. From digging up old bottles in a creek and collecting rare bits of stoneware to the vast international world of high stakes antique collecting-this book will have you enthralled for hours-even if you don't care for smelly old furniture! By the time one is half way through their book one can feel the excitement starting to catch on. Who knows? Someone who reads this book might be motivated enough to become the next Sotheby's or Christie's president!

"Hidden Treasures" is a friend for anyone whose pulse has ever reacted to the sight of a grand piece of antique furniture. For those who have ever become breathless or teary-eyed over fruniture, it should be required reading. The most appreciated surprise of "Hidden Treasures" is how generous the Kenos are with their knowledge -- reading this book is almost like being enrolled in an advanced course in American furniture complete with field trips and historic background. There's even a textbook like glossary for quick reference to terms.

The world of the Keno brothers is one of extreme privilege and yet, as we travel from their modest and nurturing childhood to the decisive playgrounds of the wealthy -- Sotheby's, Christie's, and the Winter Antiques Show -- we feel welcome, if not at home. That is, perhaps, the most endearing charm of these identical gentlemen -- they are seemly unaffected by their palacial world -- driven primarily by their passion for historic masterpieces of American furniture and a childlike enthusiasm for the hunt. The honesty and power of their passion ignites every page of their book as it does everyday of their lives. And, it is so infectious that many will be inspired to begin plotting their first five, six, seven, or eight-figure purchase of Americana.

My only slight disappointment was with some of the writing. The masterful talent of Thatcher Freund, author of "Objects of Desire" could have been put to good use on this project. I only wish he would have been part of the team. Then, the book would have been perfect -- an American Masterpiece.

I recommended to buy the plans for the chair. I forgot to say the plans lack of simmetry, hence, use the left hand side for reference to make the templates otherwise you will end up with mismatched pieces!

I am presently building the chair explained in the book. The book is very well written an helpful if you have never built a chair before, but beware there are many (many although the author does not recognize the mistakes) mistakes in the measurements. MEASURE TWICE- READ ALL THE REFERENCES in the book which relate to each piece, or you will have to buy extra wood to recover from these mistakes. There is a set of plans for the chair which you MUST buy or from the tiny pictures from the book will not be able to accomplish the project.

The book itself has plenty of pictures (all black and white except for a gallery of chairs). The cover seems to deliver better quality pictures than it actually does.

The title should say "Building A classic chair" since it only explains how to build just one model. But remember, get the plans, and re-read the book back and forward before cutting any part and buying the wood.

When I got this book I couldn't believe what I'd found -- a time machine! Of the few craftsmen of this caliber remaining, few would share their secrets to the extent Ron has... Sure there are other books on 18th century furniture but not written in this much detail and loaded with as many pictures, tips and insights into building such a masterpiece. Everything is covered, all you do is follow the steps guided by the pictures and captions to make a treasured heirloom! All you need to succeed is the ability to follow step by step instructions and a bunch of chisels and gouges...