I just finished this book. A very detailed, well-written account of Stickley's life. It separates fact from fiction and deconstructs many of the myths surrounding the man. The chapter that recounts his later years is quite poignant. Perhaps the greatest irony was that Stickley's Craftsman building in New York--seemingly the antithesis of the Craftsman aesthetic--was his greatest downfall. This book is definitely worth the read.

If you liked Gustav Stickley, you might also like Cathers other books:

Stickley Style and Furniture of the American Arts and Crafts Movement: Furniture Made by Gustav Stickley, L. & J.G. Stickley, and the Roycroft Shop.

Someone from University Press of New England contacted me recently about reviewing a book about Stickley that the would be publishing this year, but I haven't gotten it yet. No mention about who their author is. I can't imagine how they could get a fresh angle on the subject - but we'll see, I suppose.

Lauren

I've read Stickley Style. I had to put it down out of sheer envy though...if you ever have any book reviews you don't want to do, let me know. My "day job" is teaching writing at the college level. I've published short fiction and poetry, etc.