I fell under the spell of Shaker furniture while studying form, symmetry, and the golden rules of proportion as a design student. Shaker design ranks among the world’s finest examples of these timeless principles. During the 1960s, Danish cabinetmaker Ejner Handberg (pronounced Eye-ner, 1902-1985) repaired original Shaker pieces brought to his shop in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where he meticulously measured and sketched each item. After compiling drawings for most of the local Shaker community’s furniture collection, he published a three-volume set of drawings in 1977. These small books serve as the go-to resource for inspiration and lessons in proportion for cabinetmakers around the globe. Ian Ingersoll, a master cabinetmaker in Connecticut, first introduced me to these books when I visited his shop and sought advice about starting in furniture making. “Do you have the Handberg books?" was the first question he asked! I’ve owned my set for around 20 years now and refer to them frequently.