In the late 1940s, Mario Dal Fabbro—an Italian-born woodworker of a high order who’d garnered accolades in his home country, like inclusion in the Milan art and design Triennale, before immigrating to the United States—did a very cool thing: he published a series of what were essentially “do it yourself” books on modern furniture.

 

 

A devoted explainer, Dal Fabbro took apart the then-contemporary pieces he found interesting and provided schematic drawings and tips as well as highlighting details that set these pieces apart. Almost unbelievably, he was able to get the cooperation of companies like Knoll to help provide drawings. The introduction to his classic title Modern Furniture: Its Design and Construction (first printing 1949) explains his intelligent everyman approach:

“Mr. Dal Fabbro gives us, in drawings and photos, a unique bird’s-eye view of current design trends in furniture and equipment. His book should prove a useful tool to every professional concerned with today’s architecture. As well, he has taken care of the needs of the amateur craftsman with 'exploded' drawings that act as a guide to those interested in furniture building as a hobby.”

 

His titles were widely printed and reprinted so, get thee to eBay or your favorite antiquarian site for your own copy.
In the meantime, grab your hammers: Here’s a modern magazine rack you can whip up this weekend: