History of Furniture in Europe. Volume I: From Antiquity to the Gothic Age In this first volume of the History of Furniture in Europe series, we invite you on a fascinating journey through time to discover the birth and evolution of furniture from ancient civilisations to the Gothic style of the late Middle Ages. This journey not only reveals the functionality of furniture, but also delves into the symbolism, aesthetics and cultural value that each piece has acquired over the centuries. With a detailed focus on craft techniques, this book explores how the cultures of Egypt, Greece and Rome introduced the art of cabinetmaking, employing materials such as stone, wood and glass, and embellished with mosaics, precious metals and goldsmithing. As we progress, we delve into the influence of Byzantine art and the remarkable contribution of the Arab world in Spain, whose rich styles and techniques transformed the history of European furniture. Throughout these chapters, you will discover how medieval furniture, in both the High and Late Middle Ages, evolved in step with the Romanesque and Gothic styles, and how it adapted to the new social and aesthetic demands of the time. Each page invites you to explore iconic pieces, from ornate thrones and chests to tapestries and carpets, revealing the exquisite craftsmanship that embellished palaces, churches and homes. Featured content: The roots of cabinetmaking and the earliest techniques of furniture craftsmanship. - Egyptian, Greek and Roman furniture , symbols of functionality and aesthetic power. - Byzantine and Arabic influence in Spain , a fusion that redefined furniture in Europe. - Transformation of furniture in the High Middle Ages , from the Romanesque style to monastic works. - Gothic splendour and its impact on decoration, with increasingly elaborate and symbolic ornamentation. This volume is an essential work for art and design lovers, students of history, interior architects and all those who wish to understand how furniture reflects the essence of each period. Immerse yourself in this first volume, and let yourself be taken on a journey where every piece of furniture, every detail and every style tells a unique story, passed down from generation to generation.