Title
Now I Sit Me Down: From Klismos to Plastic Chair: A Natural History,New
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A grand tour of the chair through the ages by our foremost writer on designHave you ever wondered where rocking chairs came from, or why cheap plastic chairs are suddenly everywhere?In Now I Sit Me Down, the distinguished architect and writer Witold Rybczynski chronicles the history of the chair from the folding stools of pharaonic Egypt to the ubiquitous stackable monobloc chairs of today. He tells the stories of the inventor of the bentwood chair, Michael Thonet, and of the creators of the first moldedplywood chair, Charles and Ray Eames. He reveals the history of chairs to be a social historyof different ways of sitting, of changing manners and attitudes, and of varying tastes. The history of chairs is the history of who we are. We learn how the ancient Chinese switched from sitting on the floor to sitting in a chair, and how the iconic chair of Middle Americathe BarcaLoungertraces its roots back to the Bauhaus. Rybczynski weaves a rich tapestry that draws on art and design history, personal experience, and historical accounts. And he pairs these stories with his own delightful handdrawn illustrations: colonial rockers and English cabrioles, languorous chaise longues and nononsense ergonomic task chairstheyre all here.The famous Danish furniture designer Hans Wegner once remarked, A chair is only finished when someone sits in it. As Rybczynski tells it, the way we choose to sit and what we choose to sit on speak volumes about our values, our tastes, and the things we hold dear.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages are in 'Now I Sit Me Down'? A: This book contains two hundred fifty-six pages. It's a comprehensive exploration of the history of chairs.
- Q: What are the dimensions of this book? A: The dimensions are five point six three inches in length, zero point five seven inches in width, and eight point three one inches in height.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is a paperback binding. This makes it more flexible and lightweight for easy reading.
- Q: Is 'Now I Sit Me Down' suitable for children? A: Yes, this book is suitable for children with an interest in design and history. However, parental guidance is advised for younger readers.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Witold Rybczynski, a distinguished architect and writer known for his insights into design.
- Q: What genre does this book fall under? A: This book falls under the history genre, specifically focusing on design history related to chairs.
- Q: How should I care for this book? A: To care for this book, keep it in a dry, cool place and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Q: Can this book be stored on a bookshelf? A: Yes, this book can be easily stored on a bookshelf. Its dimensions make it a convenient fit for standard bookcases.
- Q: Is this book safe for young readers? A: Yes, the book is safe for young readers, but adult supervision may enhance their understanding of the content.
- Q: What can I do if my book arrives damaged? A: If your book arrives damaged, you should contact the seller for a return or replacement policy.
- Q: How do I read this book effectively? A: To read this book effectively, take your time to absorb the historical contexts and illustrations presented by the author.
- Q: Does this book include illustrations? A: Yes, the book includes delightful hand-drawn illustrations that complement the historical narratives.
- Q: How does this book compare to other design history books? A: This book offers a unique perspective on chairs, focusing on social history, which may differ from other design history books.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for design students? A: Yes, this book is appropriate for design students as it provides valuable insights into the history and evolution of chair design.
- Q: What themes are explored in this book? A: The book explores themes of social history, design evolution, and personal experiences related to chairs.