5 comments about The Seasons of America Past.

1. All of the Sloane books are worth reading and owning. As a boy in the 1960s I was very impressed with the pen and ink drawings, more impressed than with the color paintings. (I still am.) I even built models of some of the buildings for grammar school dioramas. In the 1980s, I bought all the titles that were still in print (or remaindered). Buy the Dover reprints and any other editions you can find before they disappear again. Abebooks.com is a good source for OOP books.



2. Another one of Eric Sloane's great historical narratives on the development of America with this book focusing on the seasonal nature of farming.
   
   Thankfully most of Sloane's books are available as reprints as anyone interested in learning about the American way of life, from 1650 to 1900, will find these books real treasures. The text is straight forward, very informative and shows a reverence for all aspects of American farming, craftsmanship, invention and "common sense". The book is illustrated with great sketches and shows the modern urbanite how the rural Americans survived, thrived and prospered.
   
   Any Sloane book is an essential part of a library for those individuals who are feed-up with the urban ratrace and are seeking a simpler, self-supporting, rewarding experience.



3. This is the second Sloane book I've had the unique pleasure to read and I liked it every bit as well as the first. Mr. Sloane is as learned in his subject matter---daily life in the rural American past---as any professor. I love the illustrations and the attention to tiny detail. Truly these books are treasures that preserve information about our past that is so in danger of being lost in the hectic pace of twenty-first-century life. To read this book is to place one's mindset in another era and circumstance. Yes, existence in the past was more physically difficult compared to today but in their own way our forebears lived richly in a world that was every bit as complex and rewarding as our own. This is a book for children, for adults, for anyone open-minded enough to look backward without condescension. I think any thinking person will be greatly impressed.



4. "Possibly as a result of long dependence upon strong electric lighting, we seem to have much poorer night vision today than the average man had a century or two ago."
   It's this sort of historical information that brings the past to life. As a social historian (not accredited, mind you, but I'll go against most any so-called history major), I spend much time and money searching out tid-bits of this type to help give me the understanding of the ways and lives of times past. Seasons of America Past by Eric Sloane is an excellent source of American life in the late 18th and 19th centuries. Taking the reader through a full year of everyday life - month by month - Mr. Sloane shows through his many sketches and fluid writing so many aspects of the lives of our ancestors (including what was most likely considered mundane by those who lived it!) that most supposed historians do not even touch upon. Put into a seasonal order, one will see how each of our four seasons affected the lives of our long past relatives.
   Here are a few more bits of information strewn throughout this book:
   "May was once the season for sending May baskets, now a forgotten custom. The first spring flowers were gathered by young girls and left in baskets on the doorsteps for their parents..."
   "The American farmer...drank cider daily at his table instead of water or milk..."
   "Plow Monday was the first day after the end of Christmas festivities, when the back-to-work spirit started with getting all farm equipment in shape."
   "Stump pulling was one of the few cash businesses, and at twenty five cents a stump - the standard price in 1850 - a man could pull twenty to fifty stumps a day and make a most exceptional living."
   "Independence Day...was first ushered in by bell-ringing and shooting. When Chinese firecrackers entered the scene of Independence Day (in the early 1800's), bell-ringing vanished."
   "Today the word PICKLE brings to mind a prepared cucumber, but pickle in the old days was a verb that referred to the...process and not to the actual product."
   149 pages filled with everyday life of times gone by. Winter clothing, ice houses, broom making, sugaring time, seasonal cooking, wells, farm sleds and sleighs, spinning wheels, gathering of splint wood for baskets, herb dyes and the colors they made, and so much more packed into an easy to read format.
   With this and other books by Eric Sloane, as well as the wonderful 'Everyday Life' books (such as 'Expansion of Everyday Life') one can almost feel as if they can live in a different time.



5. No truer words were ever spoken when it comes to summarizing the content of this magnificent book. Eric Sloane describes the seasons of the early American way of life in a most revealing and splendid fashion. Beginning with the month of March: spring - the New Year according to the seasons; Sloane takes the reader through a year full of the sowing and reaping of the harvest in its season.

5 comments about The Disney Treasures.

1. Being big disney fans, my son really enjoyed receiving this as a Christmas gift. It comes beautifully packaged and is a great addition to his collection. Playing the cd's brings fond memories of the rides and attractions at Disneyland Park and makes you wish you were there.



2. These books are like a pop up book on steroids...They are FULL of interesting little pieces that you can take out and look at, like letters from Walt to Lillian, ride tickets from the early days and all sorts of other things...These 2 books are worth every penny!!!



3. You must be a Disney fan for truly appreciate this book. If that is your case, you'll love it!!. The "pockets" where some of the "souvenirs" are located are a little tight, and can tear with ease. Other than that, it is a nice idea.



4. I absolutely love this book! I love seeing replicas of letters, stories, pamphlets, early drawings, etc. When people come to visit they pick it up and are as fascinated as we are. It's one of the coolest books we own.



5. This book is a timeless classic, an absolute gem. For anyone wishing to get a real glimpse into the magic that is Disney this is the book.It offers historical insight and hands on replica memorabilia. I found this book full of information and fun.Beautifully presented.

5 comments about Peacemakers: Arms And Adventure In The American West.

1. As with all the author's books, this one has far too much emphasis on the fancy, special, engraved firearms.



2. This book was one of the best purchases I have ever made! Already it has given me hours of entertainment, new knowledge of the west, and new insights in areas I had not before looked into.
   
   The photography, and the items pictured, are worth the price of the book alone.
   
   Overall an excellent book!!! And worth every penny!
   
   FDL



3. The book is full of color pictures of the guns used in the west and has exhibits from many of the western museums. It is not just a study of the Colt Single Action Army but covers rifles and shotguns. It displays the guns that are documented as being used by the lawmen and gunfighters of the time.



4. Another great book from R.L. Wilson. Every bit as entertaining and informative as the others he's wrote. Fun to read about the old west and the guns used to tame it.



5. My gun loving son, cried when his teacher would not let him bring this book to school to show his friends. It's absolutely gorgeous with an interesting text and glorious photos. We love the section showing the actors and their screen guns.

5 comments about The American Roller Coaster.

1. very good book about rollercoasters with lots of information and good pictures



2. This is a very good book if you want a look back to the predecessors of today's coasters. The coverage is very thorough and informative. The coasters covered range from early 1900's to many of today. The photos are simply great -- they made the book wonderful (though the text could easily support itself). If you like coasters, this is the book for you.



3. Perfect book on rollercoasters. Great photos, great history. If you were only to buy one book about roller coasters- make it this one!



4. Other reviewers have given a good overview of this book. I will go into some detail on Chapter 3:Nuts and Bolts -- How Coasters Work. Rutherford begins by talking about materials used in the basic structure. His section on the evolution of tracking is excellent. Most readers will be surprised to learn about the side-friction coaster. This is a rare beast, and to my knowledge, this is the only easily available documentation available about it.

   The wood track structure is well explained along with cross sectional diagrams of how the carriages (trains) are attached to the track/structure. Rutherford finishes this part with a discussion on standard bent construction for the structure.

   In the next part of this chapter, the discussion continues with steelie coasters, track fabrication and wheel assemblies. Propulsion, lift chain, anti-rollback devices, other safety devices, brakes, zone blocking, restraints, etc. are wonderful background information for the teacher who wants to take their class to the amusement park for a science field trip.

   The chapter ends with the nature of teh ride and what is involved in creating one of these machines. The difference between an track plan and profile are clearly illustrated.

   Good addition to the library.




5. An excellent and unusual title providing insights into American pastimes and interests, Scott Rutherford's American Roller Coaster covers the ups and downs of roller coaster history, pairing a clear text history with color photos and illustrations of coasters from 1900 to modern times. The history and evolution covers construction as well as roller coaster styles and development.

1 comments about Western Shirts.

1. Western shirts have been around enough decades to become collectible: but what distinguishes brands, makes them collectible, or makes them special? Western Shirts: A Classic American Fashion follows both the history and collectible points of the Western shirt, offering a complete listing of Western shirt labels, covering everyday wear to costume wear, and adding plenty of photos, illustrations, and sidebars of information. A 'must' for any who either collect or love the Western shirt style.

No comments about Shaker Design: Out of this World (Published in Association with the Bard Graduate Centre for Studies in the Decorative Arts, Design and Culture).

3 comments about Fostoria American Line 2056 (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. Book was in pristine condition and helped me find what I was missing from this pattern



2. Fostoria AAmerican Line 2056 is a real neat book and I have really enjoyed looking it over for the idea of finding the pieces that I have and looking for additional pieces and the price listed for the pieces is a real help.
   The pictures are fantastic and the descriptions are good. I only wish that I knew how to measure the pieces of glass to match their measurements.It's great to have the individuals to share by allowing photographs of their collections to help us beginners. Such treasures!Thanks for a job well done to the author, Leslie Pina, Ohio.



3. This book is wonderful to look at and browse through! It has a great deal of information and MANY full color pictures. It is a delight to be able to see so many well photographed pieces in one volume. The price ranges are listed right with the picture and descriptions, so it is a quick and easy reference. This is a good book for those that are in search of a moderately priced volume for their personal reference, as well as for the dealer.

   Note: the author, Leslie Pina, has many other volumes on glass that may be of interest to you.

3 comments about History Of The United States Mint and Its Coinage (History of the U. S. Mint and Its Coinage).

1. Hard to say anything bad about this--a great work with lots of engaging information about the history of how our coins are made at the various mints. Numerous side-bars add value, although do tend to be a little confusing somethings. Very comprehensive, belongs on every serious numistmatist's bookshelf. Great book, nice binding, great information!



2. The "History Of The United States Mint and Its Coinage" ia an excellent coffee table book. Good information, easy reading, and beautiful illustrations for an unbeatable price.
   Recommended for kids & adults interested in learning about the US history through coinage.
   Enjoy!



3. The book takes you through a tour of US mint & coin history. The information is more broad than deep. It provides lots of interesting information in small chunks. Each writeup is 1-6 pages in length centered around a particular mint, person, coin, or event. I really enjoyed this book.

1 comments about Indian Artifacts the Best of the Midwest: Identification and Value Guide (Indian Artifacts of the Midwest).

1. If this is the best that Mr. Hotham can find, he needs to look a little harder.

5 comments about Encyclopedia of American Farm Implements & Antiques.

1. This is a great read for anyone interested in old farm equipment. The only problem was that I recognized too many of the pieces from my childhood and started realizing how old I am.



2. C. H. Wendel's Encyclopedia of American Farm Implements & Antiques is a first-rate work. The illustrations are exceptional, and the scope impressive. Wendel documents the machinery of manufacturing giants and the lesser-known manufacturers from the middle nineteenth century to the middle twentieth century. If you need to identify a machine or manufacturer Wendel's book ought to be your first source.



3. I bought this book as a gift for my father, who collects antique farm tools and tractors, has done his own restorations, and goes to antique shows all the time. I have no higher praise than this: when he settles in for the night, he gets in his favorite chair and opens that book. He may read it for hours, or browse a few pages, but it's his favorite reading material.



4. Once again, Charles Wendel shows that he is the undisputed master author of obscure antique farm implements and tractors.Wendel shows old sales brochure engravings of everything from hog oilers to corn shellers and hay loft pulleys. From feed grinders to hay tedders, and EVERYTHING in between.A MUST READ if you want a guide to antique farm implements from the 1800's through the 1950's.



5. It's hard to find info on old farm machinery. I especially liked the close-up illustrations of wooden windmills