This book stand was made for a client who does a lot of reading but has severe neck problems. I did some research and found that I could solve his problem by canting the stand at 22 degrees which seems to be an ergonomic standard.

As seen at the Providence, RI Fine Furnishings show.
The front of … the shelf is attached with brass knurled knobs that ride in a track. This allows the customer to firmly hold any size book at any given page. The shelf can be placed in any of the slots, allowing for differing book heights and even envelopes. It can also be used as a desk mounted music stand. The shelf is held in place by two pivoting clock-hand-like devices. There is even a slot at the front of the stand for writing instruments.

I made the book stand in quartered white oak with an Arts and Crafts stain that resembles ammonia fuming. I finished it off with several coats of Liberon finishing oil. A hard finish that is becoming my favorite.

The stand is covered in black felt on the bottom to prevent table finish marring.

The book stand can be made in the wood of your choosing and stained to your specifications (or not).