I'm designing a small book stand similar in construction to this one - https://www.stickley.com/furniture/e...s-low-etagere/ Mine will be taller, with 4 shelves holding heavy books. I'd love to hear some insights from someone who's seen or built a stand like this.
The only thing I'm a little perplexed about is how the top shelf is affixed. I'm assuming it's structural, the only thing keeping the stile / rail assemblies from splaying out at the top when the thing is under load with books leaning against the sides. I'll be gluing up some 3/4" x 12" deep panels for the shelves instead of using plywood, so wood movement is of course a consideration... I've looked at dozens of plans for bookcases, but nothing that quite solves this problem.