New Book Unveils Additional Craftsman Homes
by Bruce Johnson
“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm,” wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson, the Massachusetts author whose essays on transcendentalism laid the foundation for the introduction of the Arts and Crafts movement to the American public.
The truth to his assertion has been born out in Ray Stubblebine, himself an Arts and Crafts author, whose enthusiasm for identifying, documenting, and cataloging Craftsman homes offered by Gustav Stickley has never wavered over his four decades as an Arts and Crafts collector, writer, and homeowner.
Author Ray Stubblebine.
In 2006, Ray completed his landmark book Stickley’s Craftsman Homes, but even its widespread recognition did not slow his pursuit for the still missing pieces in the sprawling Stickley puzzle.
This past year he teamed with Peter Copeland, publisher of Parchment Press and Turn of the Century Editions, to publish a companion volume aptly entitled More Stickley’s Craftsman Homes. The official release will take place at the 37th National Arts and Crafts Conference at the historic 1913 Grove Park Inn in Asheville on February 16-18, where Ray will present a seminar and do weekend book signings.
As Ray explained, “For those who want a stand-alone book that can tell Stickley’s story and introduce them to some of these fascinating homes, this new volume can do that. And readers of the first book will find more and newer material.”
Ray’s natural story-telling ability coupled with his clear, concise writing makes this an enjoyable book for anyone with an interest in the Arts and Crafts movement. As a professional photographer, Ray took painstaking care to ensure that every page features both contemporary and vintage photographs of interiors and exteriors to aptly illustrate his text.
While collectors have always focused on the furniture of Gustav Stickley, Ray has enabled collectors and historians to recognize that Stickley’s vision was not limited to furniture. Gustav Stickley sought to provide the American middle class with options for a home environment conducive not just to Arts and Crafts furniture, but to a cohesive and connected family.
For those interested in more than just Gustav Stickley’s furniture, Ray Stubblebine’s most recent book will be sure to educate and entertain you.
Additional information on the book is available at TurnoftheCenturyEditions.com.
Note: The non-profit Arts and Crafts Research Fund was proud to play a role in the publication of Ray Stubblebine and Peter Copeland’s new book. If you would like to support the ACRF, please consider donating an item for the silent auction to be held February 16th – 18th at the Grove Park Inn. Email founder Bruce Johnson at [email protected] for information on how you can ensure the publication of future Arts and Crafts books through the annual silent auction.