Conceived as an expression of spiritual dedication, the nearly faultless furniture of the Shakers -- uniquely beautiful, quietly refined and striking in its simplicity -- is on display here in 83 photographs of chairs, rockers, dining tables, chests, storage cabinets, wash stands and sinks, desks, a wrought-iron latch, shoemaker's candlestand, swivel chair, and other domestic pieces. Two articles by Mr. and Mrs. Andrews and one by Alan Gowans present fascinating discussions of Shaker orighins, their communal villages, religious faith and other aspects of Shaker life.

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