2 comments about Backroads of Northern California (Pictorial Discovery Guide).

1. This book was a disapointment for me. I am going to vacation on the northern California coast this Fall and was hoping to learn something from this book, but it is mostly just the well worn mainstream information that doesn't need retelling. It completely omits the area I'll be and the areas it does cover are handled more effectivly in other books. The pictures are great, though.



2. Famous for it's glitzy tourist meccas such as Hollywood, San Francisco and Venice Beach, many visitors - and not a few residents - are unaware that California offers breathtaking vistas and surprising varieties of experience only miles from the more popular tourist destinations.

   Wyman's excellent guidebook sections out chunks of Northern California (as far south as Fresno, near Yosemite, and as far north as Eureka, near the Oregon border.) and guides you through these areas to genuine delights.

   Some travel books are narratives of the author's adventures in some locale and are interesting reads mostly for the story they have to tell. This is not such a book. This book's value is in it's informative and clear descriptions of (and directions to) the treats in store for the traveller with a taste for the beautiful but unheraled, a sense of adventure and an independent mode of transportation.

   Wyman starts his descriptions of each area with a brief and surprisingly interesting recounting of the geological and historical background to the current condition of the environ, then describes routes to particularly memorable attractions therein - goldminer ghost towns, forrested valleys, mountaintop overlooks and the like.

   Mention must be made of the many photographs in the book. They are of museum quality and bring an element of visual delight to the read one associates more with a travel magazine than with a book. In fact, they are so numerous as to comprise as much of the volume of the book as does the text and the maps.

   So if a California vacation is in your future, and the crowded and expensive tourist spots are not your scene, get a copy of this fine book and be inspired to travel off the beaten path and onto some glorious experiences. And don't forget to take your camera!

3 comments about Antique Santa Claus Collectibles: Identification & Value Guide.

1. This book is great. The background text is very informative, yet keeps Santa fun. The book contains a wide variety of items covering many years. I found both the pictures and prices helpful. I'm always very happy with Mr. Longest's books.



2. As the author of this book, I wanted to explain to readers its purpose.
   This book is filled with photographs from many personal collections around the Midwest and also includes background information as to the history of Santa Claus and Santa Collecting. This is my NINTH published price guide for Collector Books, and I have been an author with the same publisher for 25 years. I have never written a response for any of my other books on AMAZON but have been a loyal customer since its inception. Since the very FIRST review was from a purchaser who gave this product a very low rating but did compliment the pictures...I wanted to respond. This book is a general overview to Santa collecting and was intended to be a reference for new collectors, general antique dealers, and people just interested in Santa antique collecting. It is not the ULTIMATE guide to Santa antiques...I am not sure any guide could ever be that. Just know that I spent many months on this project and gave it my best, including personally doing all the photography. Readers who know my work also know that I don't produce "one star" efforts. Thank you for reading this review!



3. Photo's in book are very good, however the description of the individual Santa's are poor and the values presented are very inflated. Would not recommend the book.

1 comments about A Century of Crayola: Collectibles a Price Guide.

1. With illustrations as brightly colorful as the crayons themselves Bonnie Rushlow presents a comprehensive guide for collector's of this school days' staple.

   Many will be amazed at the current market value of items held in the familiar green and yellow box, as well as the boxes and other containers themselves.

   Beginning with an Introduction that covers determining the grade and value of the collectible, author Rushlow follows with a brief history of the crayons' early years when it was known as An-Du-Septic Dustless Crayon.

   Succeeding chapters cover advertisements, art, books, dolls, animals, plush toys, such as a set of Burger King promotional bears, and a variety of other Crayola collectibles - even night lights and clocks. Don't be surprised to find Christmas tree ornaments and jig saw puzzles.

   A price list completes the handy guide. Who knows, you may have a colorful treasure or two in your attic.

   - Gail Cooke

1 comments about Silver of the Americas, 1600-2000: American Silver in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Volume 3.

1. Jeannine Falino and Gerald W.R. Ward edit SILVER OF THE AMERICAS, 1600-2000: AMERICAN SILVER IN THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, BOSTON, packing in over 1,000 reproductions in a catalog which updates Kathryn Buhler's 1972 tome. All the American silver to enter the MFA's collection after 1972 are included, making for a powerful presentation packing in nearly 700 objects in over 400 entries. Perfect for dedicated art libraries strong in American jewelry history.

1 comments about Lancaster County (Pictorial Discovery Guide).

1. This book is a great reminder of Lancaster County. It is a nice addition to the Pennsylvania book by the same company. This book shows a broad range of cultures and landmarks in Lancaster.

4 comments about Miniature Rooms: The Thorne Rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago.

1. This is a great book to have. Wonderful pictures. Great detail. A must have for anyone interested in miniatures.



2. I had not heard anything about the Thorne rooms before, so when I received this book as a gift, I became completely enthralled with the images that were captured. As an avid lover of historic preservation and the decorative arts, I really appreciate how Mrs. Thorne captured the different historical eras in the fashion and furnishings of each room. It is truly amazing how detailed each room is. If you love historic preservation and/or miniatures, then this book is a must see and read!



3. This is certainly the definitive book on the sixty-eight miniature rooms in the Chicago Art Institute. Each room is given two photographs along with a description of the room pictured. The book also contains information on Mrs. Thorne and how the rooms came into being. Her artistry in creating miniature rooms which seem more like full sized interiors was amazing and her sense of taste and style impeccable.
   I have visited The Thorne Rooms many times over the years and they never fail to enchant me. This book allows me to call them to mind easily and aids me in my own building of miniature rooms. The one thing that the book cannot show is the great attention to detail Mrs. Thorne gave to the rooms off the main rooms and the outside scenery created for each room. However, the book does give an excellent idea of the nature of the rooms and the reason why they are so famous and loved.



4. If you've ever visited the Art Institute and wished that you could spend more time enjoying the Thorne Rooms, this book is a way for you to visit them as often as you would like.

   "Miniature Rooms" begins with a brief history of Mrs. Thorne and how the rooms came to be. The rest of the book is a complete catalog of the Rooms, divided into two sections - the European rooms and the American rooms. Every room is beautifully photographed from at least two angles, using the existing lighting in the rooms so that each has the same realistic quality enjoyed in the Institute. Along with each photograph is a description of the room and its furnishings. I would recommend "Miniature Rooms" to anyone who enjoys the Art of Miniatures.

1 comments about Country Store Advertising, Medicines, And More (Schiffer Military History).

1. A must for any serious collector of Worldwide Antique Advertising. Extra Sharp Photos and as it's on amazon.com, the Price is ALWAYS Right!

No comments about Little by Little: Six Decades of Collecting American Decorative Arts.

1 comments about The Gibson Flying V.

1. I just received this book in the mail yesterday and I love it.From design beginnings to a complete model listing with production dates and factories to headstock designs, it's all in here.Theres even a section on the cases! My first lasting impression from the Flying V was as an 8 year old kid in '65 watching "Shindig" and The Kinks came on.They played "Tired Of Waiting" and there was Dave Davies with his Korina V,playing it with his arm in the fork of the body.Well,this book mentions not only when and where Dave bought his V but how much he paid for it(you won't believe it).I've been a V fan ever since from Andy Powell to the Schenker Brothers to Dave Meniketti(the first Yesterday and Today album)and Albert King and beyond.I wish the color section was a bit longer but everything else about this book is outstanding.Great detail about the Hendrix "Flying Angels" as he called them with photos of Jimi in action as well.The "Flying V Wanna-Bees" section is great also with coverage on Epiphone,Dean,Hamer and Ibanez models.This book is awesome and will give me hours of enjoyment.Now if I could just find that used Epi '67 style I've been looking for.

2 comments about Home Sweet Home: The House in American Folk Art.

1. If you love your home, you will love this book~ full of homes & houses in the Folk Art way. It is very enjoyable! If you love folk art, this is a must. Enjoy!



2. I recently bought Home Sweet Home because I am interested in American art and crafts, and it is full of beautiful pieces of art. More importantly, though, I really felt like I was learning about the lives and history of early Americans, through their artwork. Especially in an uncertain time like this, it was somehow touching to get such an intimate view into how early Americans depicted their homes and communities. I'm planning to buy several copies for Christmas presents!