"Ken Ames has always 'heard a different drummer.' Death in the Diningroom explores his unique ideas of how our home furnishings give visitors a message about our status and concerns. Why don't we own a hall tree? Why are dead birds carved on the sideboard? And why are some Victorian chairs so uncomfortable? These and other strange thoughts pop up ... Read moreas you read his latest, well-illustrated book." —Ralph and Terry Kovel, authors of Kovels' Antiques and Collectables Price List "[E]ffectively explores and articulates 'the varied tasks and roles' performed by ordinary goods in the everyday life of Victorian America, as well as the complex, contradicted elements of culture they often reveal." —American Quarterly "An eminently engaging and entertaining work by one of the pre-eminent interpreters of Victorian culture." —Antique Review Show Less