Book titled "American Mantelpieces" by Gary M. Katz, with four images of different architectural mantelpieces on the cover, published by This Is a Carpenter.

American Mantelpieces

A Carpenter’s Journey Through Architectural Styles

By Gary M. Katz
with Wm. Todd Murdock

Published by THISisCarpentry

COMING SUMMER 2026

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A photography studio in a antique-style living room with portraits on the walls, furniture, and a fireplace. There are bright lights, a photographer, and a mannequin."

A BOOK FORGED IN PASSION, STUDY& PRESENCE

What began with a single question—"Can you build me a mantelpiece with wings?"—evolved into a decades-long journey through American architecture. In American Mantelpieces, author and finish carpenter Gary M. Katz, with illustrator and author Wm. Todd Murdock, uncover the story behind one of the most enduring and expressive architectural features in our homes: the mantelpiece.

Spanning over three centuries of design, this richly illustrated volume is a tribute to craftsmanship, architectural style, and a visual archive of domestic history.

historical design

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present-day practice

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historical design

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present-day practice

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historical design · present-day practice · historical design · present-day practice ·

Inside the Book

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines.

    Visual Reference

    Full-color photos and vivid illustrations of mantelpieces from across major American architectural periods

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and half circle lines.

    Design Insights

    Commentary on proportion, joinery, and ornament—what makes a mantel “fit” a space

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and circle lines.

    Accessible Expertise

    Clear, accessible insights for carpenters, designers, and history lovers alike

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines.

    Style Education

    A timeless introduction to architectural styles, built for today's practitioners

  • A black line symbol.

    Cultural Commentary

    Reflections on the mantel as a hearth, memory-holder, and cultural signifier

Black and white photo of an ornate wooden mantelpiece with decorative carvings and a floral motif, next to a marble fire surround with a framed opening.
Black and white image of a decorative urn on a classical fireplace mantel with intricate patterns, columns, and a textured wall background.
Black and white photo of a fireplace mantel with a decorative vessel on top, a candlestick holder with a floral design and candles on a table nearby, and a feather duster with a face on it leaning against the fireplace.

WHAT READERS WILL LEARN

  • How to recognize and fluently recreate historical architectural styles

  • The deeper story of the mantelpiece as a site of ritual, memory, and expression

  • How design principles have evolved—and how they endure

  • What makes a well-crafted mantel look and feel right

Whether you’re a seasoned finish carpenter, a student of architecture, a designer sourcing period-appropriate details, or simply a lover of craftsmanship and American history—American Mantelpieces will speak to your passion and sharpen your eye.

American Mantelpieces

A Carpenter’s Journey Through Architectural Styles

By Gary M. Katz, with Wm. Todd Murdock

Full-color hardcover, ~380 pages, coming summer 2026

FOLLOW THE JOURNEY

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