The exhibit for which this catalog was prepared consists of fine examples of the useful work of Shaker hands: all were made with care, used with care, and preserved with care. In addition, for the purpose of a cohesive approach to the subject of Shaker utility, all of these objects have handles (or knobs).

Shaker craftspeople adhered to standards of design, construction, and quality of materials that exceeded the intrinsic worth of the object being manufactured. This fact speaks to the consecrated nature of their work, as well as the absence of profit-driven production methods -- a circumstance made possible by the Shakers' communal economy.

By Hancock Shaker Village Curator Christian Goodwillie and M. Stephen Miller. Paperback.