This book is the Victorian furniture collector's Vade Mecum, his bible for constant, on-the-spot reference in the field -- providing quick, positive identification of any Victorian piece produced in this country between 1840 and 1880, telling what it is, what its distinguishing characteristics are, what its approximate value is today -- and including hundreds of fascinating, little-known details about the creations of one of America's favorite furniture periods. - Jacket.