The sheer complexity of the subject of European furniture, ranging through an enormous variety of styles with often only small regional differences, makes it unrealistic to cover it adequately in anything less than the detailed and lavishly illustrated work we have here. France dominated the European furniture scene as her extraordinary cultural influences were much encouraged, if not created, by the aspirations of the two Napoleons who wished to recreate that country's earlier grandeur. This is not to underestimate, however, other influences such as Turkish, Moorish, African, Far and Mid-Eastern, which filtered in through neighbouring European countries and were often incorporated into furniture designs throughout the Continent. It was inevitable that such a vast area, with its strong external and internal influences, and at the same time undergoing great political and industrial change, should be responsible for a confused mixture of styles with much of the furniture frankly bizarre or mass-produced. Yet the period also saw the manufacture of the excellently crafted and beautifully designed pieces, which are so sought after and appreciated today. This pioneering reference work discusses the period 1830-1910 in great depth, and with great clarity. AUTHOR: Christopher Payne is the son of a Leicestershire antique dealer, brought up on traditional English furniture of the 18th and 19th centuries. The family business started by his grandfather in 1901, made and restored furniture and Christopher spent as much time as be could in the workshops. After University, he joined Sotheby's as a porter, subsequently becoming the director responsible for furniture from 1830 to 1930. His 25-year career at Sotheby's gave him an unprecedented grounding in what was, at the time, the largely uncharted territory of later European furniture and he has become one of the world's leading experts in his field. A freelance consultant to private clients since 1994, he also contributes regularly to BBC Antiques Roadshow. SELLING POINTS: Detailed assessment of a complex subject, updated to include 300 new colour illustrations While French furniture dominates, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Flemish, Dutch, Russian and Scandinavian examples are also included 300 colour and 1400 b/w illustrations