On the Table

The evolution of design in America reflects regular shifts between heavily ornamented and more abstract, simple forms. Economics and technology, as well as style and taste, have influenced these formal vocabularies. This book surveys table design and place settings From the modern era -- representing such designers as Charles Eames, Gilbert Rohde, George Nelson, Robert Venturi, Maya Lin, Isamu Noguchi, Eva Ziesel, and others. With examples From both high and popular markets, this book includes a section in which artists (Martin Scorcese, Tony Kushner, and Tina Barney, among others) present a memorable table of their choosing, as well as informative text by design specialists.