1 comments about Instant Expert: Collecting American Folk Art (Instant Expert (Random House)).

1. This book tries to cover a lot of ground on a very broad and subtle topic. Unfortunately, no one can really become an expert on American Folk Art by simply reading this or any other book. The book does provide a good overview of the various collecting areas of American Folk Art and might be a good place to start for someone new to the field.

5 comments about The History of Beads: From 30,000 B.C. to the Present.

1. A beader was looking for the history of beads, their origins and the processes used to produce beads. Specifically, those topics for modern day beads. Too little detail on modern beads for the purpose the book was purchased.



2. Highly detailed, technical and descriptive ... outstanding for the "advanced", but over-whelming and a bit complex for the novice (as I am).
   
   Overall, a book that one can acclimate to and find valuable and well worth the investment in time and practical use.



3. This book was fine if you wanted information regarding beads up until the 1940's, but the information on beads after that period is very very slim. The words "to the present" is very misleading.



4. This book covered all about beads. I bought it for a presentation my daughter was doing for her 6th grade class. It was very helpful.



5. I was expecting a huge book full of pictures and information, and while there are pictures and good information, it's rather sparse. I'm surprised at how few books are available on the subject of jewelry in history, considering it's nearly the only thing we have left of many cultures. If you are desperate for any information on beads in history, this is a good starting place, but I was left wanting more.

3 comments about The Collectible Barbie Doll: An Illustrated Guide to Her Dreamy World.

1. I have looked through this book and also bought another in the series.It is fantastic,and anyone who is still interested in Barbie at all should not hesitate-buy it today!!!! It reveals hundreds of Barbies from the beginning of her existence,and is so fascinating and you might even see one that you once owned.



2. And illustrated it certainly is! This is the first Barbie doll book I had read and now I am hooked on her world. It tells her story from the beginning and brings it to the present day, all the while illustrating it with dolls from all eras. Although the 2nd edition (which is the one I read) is expanded, I would like to have seen a little more of the late 1980's-present. Overall, if you don't know much about Barbie and would like to find a place to start this book is it!



3. "The Collectible Barbie Doll" is a fascinating read about the world's most-loved doll. From her early beginnings in 1959, through the sixties, right up to now, Barbie has been everything from Ken's girlfriend right through to an astronaut, covers every race from Caucasian to Japanese, and the hair to match. Fennick's book captures all of this, whether the reader wants an unabridged history of the world's most famous doll or just wants to see the wardrobe! This is THE book for the Barbie fan, and it is definitely one for the collector.

No comments about American Spoons: Souvenir and Historical.

1 comments about Black Americana: Price Guide (Antique Trader's Black Americana Price Guide).

1. 178 pages of over 300 great black and white and full color photos. Includes a thought provoking introduction by Julian Bond. Covers items from advertising, banks, cookie jars and dolls, to political memorabilia, sports, tobacciana and toys. Estimated values are shown. Clearly demonstrates the role of collectibles in documenting the history of a nation and the culture of its people. A well done, fascinating book.

2 comments about Winchester Rarities.

1. This book has some great images of Winchester collector items but the actual narrative is quite limited. The book also includes prices of the pictured items but I would suggest that you take them with a grain of salt. In fact, as many of the images are from the author's own collection it appears that he is simply attempting to raise the value of his collection by inflating the suggested prices.



2. This is a brand new, year 2000 library volume that would be a treat to any Winchester collector. The 208 page book contains more than 800 very large, full color, sharp photos of the rare and one-of-a-kind Winchester advertising items, hardly ever seen. Topics range from rare calendars, posters, banners, signs, case inserts, window displays, counter signs, booklets and various paper items, counter pads, The Winchester Junior Rifle Corps, Winchester Store Era, Cartridge Boards, Medals, Magazine Ads, and more. There is a nice introduction to the collectible and sufficient text for many of the items pictured. Many of the products can't be found in any other book. A really beautiful book that collectors will treasure.

No comments about Kentucky Derby Glasses Price Guide, 2004-2005 (Kentucky Derby Glasses Price Guide).

5 comments about The Complete Chicken: An Entertaining History of Chickens (Country Life).

1. This book describes, in at times overwhelming detail, the role of the chicken in the development of psychoanalytic thought and practice, and by extension, the history of twentieth century Western culture. I sincerely hope that the author plans a follow-up to this definitive text, outlining the chicken's equally-influential role in Eastern thought (most notably Zen Buddhism).

   I am certain that Auden's observation that Freud was no longer an individual, but rather a "climate of opinion," had everything to do with the "Flock Dialectic," detailed in this remarkable book (and leave it to Lacan, of course, to take this statement to its inevitable conclusion, in his work on "poulets picotant pour la graine," particularly in as it pertains to his "Romantic Construction of the Unconscious").

   One does not have to be an academic to comprehend the manner in which the chicken's flightless, songless state morphed, via a Bahktinian (by way of Rabelais) inversion of norms, into the "cri de couer" of our strange and troubled century.

   If you are interested in psychoanalytical praxis, I heartily recommend this book. That said, the lay reader or analysand will find it enlightening, as well.




2. The Complete Chicken: An Entertaining History Of Chickens by Pam Percy (who has been raising chickens as a hobby since 1986 on her five-acre property near Milwaukee, Wisconsin) is a fascinating and detailed history of chickens in recorded human history, ranging from their domestication and use as egg layers and a source of food, to popular culture features such as the animated movie "Chicken Run." Full-color illustrations and photographs, famous chicken-themed quotes, and a solid body of fascinating information mark The Complete Chicken as a fascinating, bird-themed history which is a "must read" for chicken fanciers and fans.



3. I picked up a copy of Pam Percy's "The Complete Chicken" and couldn't put it down. It's a great blend of humor and history--great for chicken aficionados and chicken newbies alike. I particularly like its collection of chicken paintings and other artwork throughout history. I plan to give this book to all of the hobby farmers on my Christmas list this year.



4. I was excited when I saw this book, I was hoping for a comprehensive guide to the history of the chicken, my favorite land animal. Don't get me wrong, it is a nice book great pictures, great vintage art but in no way complete. Great for someone who has a slight interest in chickens, or loves country.



5. I have really been enjoying this book. It's one that I can pick up any time, and as I read, I frequently find myself saying to whoever is near, "Listen to this...."
   Interesting, funny, well-written, even useful -- thoroughly charming.

3 comments about American Amusement Park.

1. Loved this book! Great info on amusement park history and behind the scenes secrets. I'm ready to go ride!



2. In the thrill seekers genre of books and videos, this fits right in. Although most of it is indeed a rehash, the layout is fabulous. No one can have enough photos of carousel horses or stories about old parks. The nostalgia factor in this book raises the bar. Unlike a few of the other books, this one is more rounded in that it covers the whole park instead of just the coasters. Be advised that these kinds of books are historical in nature and don't necessarily point to what's coming next at the World's of thrills.



3. This book is packed full of beautiful photographs and nostaligic postcards. Various chapters showcase the origin of amusement parks, and the different styles and hybrids from the "traditional" and "theme" to the Storybook Lands and Santa Villages. There's even a chapter on flat rides. The graphics and layout are great. The author also knows his material. This is a great companion to that other great BMI book, "The American Roller Coaster".

1 comments about Antique Advertising: Country Store Signs And Products (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. I know, I know, this book is made for collectors and these things are usually expensive but i was expecting something much better. It's just a nice book with some examples of old-time advertising, but, where are the descriptions?? You can hardly see any. I'm disappointed cos it's definitely too expensive for what it shows...