At the end of the 19th Century, the age of industrialization had replaced craftsmanship with factory assembly. Lots of highly ornamental and poorly made furniture flooded the market. A reaction to this, known as the "Arts and Crafts Movement," emphasized simplicity of design and integrity of structure over ornamentation simply for ornamentation's sake. Gustav Stickley and Harvey Ellis were among the leaders of this movement. And the Vorhees Craftsman company collected and sold antique Arts and Crafts pieces from them and others. The demand for these antiques - as well as contemporary pieces such as coffee tables and king-sized beds that mimic that look - inspired the company to start making fine quality reproductions. Their Gustav Stickley/Harvey Ellis bookcase is made of hand-selected, quarter-sawn white oak. The two doors feature inlaid pewter and curly maple. And the hardware is handsome hand-hammered copper. It's available in custom sizes and a choice of stains. This "Best Of" choice will make a fine home for your finest reads.

www.voorheescraftsman.com