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.

2 comments about Treasure Hunting for Fun and Profit (Treasure Hunting Text).

1. In the hobby of metal detecting the changes come in use of better technology and understanding and interpreting how these technological advances impact the results in the field.
   With more than thirty years of practice in the hobby of metal detecting I have often read these basic princples as espoused by Charles Garrett and in truth they are always worth repeating. There is little advantage to investing in a top end metal detector or any metal detector for that matter if you do not understand and practice the techniques necessary to provide optimum results.
   This book repeats these fundamentals in relation to modern equipment. Nothing more and nothing less. The author does not pretend or imply that these topics have not been previously touched upon in other books.
   This book has tremendous value for the novice treasure hunter and provides updated reference to the seasoned metal detector user.



2. The reason for the low rating is because this book is a repeat of Mr Garrett's book,"Let's Talk Treasure Hunting" which was first printed in 1992. Chapters and wording of "Treasure Hunting for Fun and Profit is practically identical. If you buy either book, there is no need to buy the other. These books have some information on the technics of metal detecting, but is more focused in the end in describing the kind of metal detector to use which is the Garrett detector...which is a great metal detector!

5 comments about 20th Century Costume Jewelry 1900-1980: Identification & Value Guide (20th Century Costume Jewelry).

1. This book would have benefitted from a lot more research and from inclusion of pieces other than the personal collection of Ms. Aikins and her mother. There are numerous incorrect dates - the most glaring of which consist of labelling aurora borealis pieces as being from the 40's or even 30's when the process didn't exist until about 1953. The descriptions are too "cutesy" rather than factual - ex labelling yellow and black pieces "for Steelers fans" and elephants "for Republicans." Some necklaces are measured by hanging length, others apparently by total length. The list goes on and on. It certainly would be a bad choice for a beginner to rely on, and a more seasoned collector would find it maddening. Give this one a pass.



2. Jewelry can be an ideal addition to any outfit to add class, and "20th Century Costume Jewelry: Second Edition Identification & Value Guide" is a complete and comprehensive guidebook for anyone who is collecting these kinds of pieces for their own personal use or simply as a hobby. Filled cover to cover with full cover photos, descriptions of each piece, information on rarity, price, and so much more, "20th Century Costume Jewelry: Second Edition Identification & Value Guide" is a must for any hobbyist collector or community library collection catering to them.



3. I recieved this book today, and for the first time ever, I am returning a book to Amazon. I was expecting beautiful Jewelry from the 1900's onwards. What is in the book, is 15 pages of AB glass necklaces, umpteen pins/brooches necklaces etc that I would have bypassed at a yard sale, not to mention many pages pages of low quality pieces with HUGE unrealistic valuation prices. Very misleading for a novice collector, they will think that a cheesy 10 year old christmas bell brooch is really worth over $80! No war time sterling, no quality Trifari,Coro, Boucher, Mazer etc. I don't wish to sound mean but in this day and age of umpteen Jewelry books being published these ladies really need to up their game to a much higher standard. Save your money, DO NOT BUY.



4. I found this book to contain a beautiful collection of rare vintage pieces. To put down a book of this caliber displays an absolute absence of taste and appreciation of the collector, and the collected. Touche, touche! It seems there are many amateur collectors, with strong words and uneducated opinions.



5. Thank you Amazon for offering this wonderful book. I plan to spend a lot of time with it.
   It has been very helpful and the price is well worth it.
   Thank You,sanklo.

3 comments about Tools Rare and Ingenious: Celebrating the World's Most Amazing Tools.

1. If your Pop loves to tinker in the workshop and appreciates old things, he will love this book.



2. "Fine Tools" is a classic book and this second book of a similar nature is a fitting and excellent sequel. As a certified "tool nut", I found this book as interesting and informative as the earlier volume while expanding a bit from the earlier effort. Another treasure for my library. Highly recommended.



3. The Author does a fine job of artistically photographing and describing a wide variety of rare tools. A veritable smorgasboard for the senses. I only wish I could reach into the photos and hold and examine the tools.

2 comments about Indian Artifacts of the Midwest: Identification & Value Guide (Indian Artifacts of the Midwest).

1. The descriptions and price estimates were helpful. The complete lack of color photos, except for the cover, was an extreme disapointment. The photos ranged from average to poor quality and were of limited value in indentifying artifacts. I feel the book description should have clearly noted the lack of color photos.



2. One week ago I went to do some house hunting and found something I wasn't looking for. While going through the house I came upon a large collection of Indian Artifacts. I knew almost nothing about them but susspected they were highly valuable. The next day an estate auction was held and I purchased the collection. Upon searching the internet for some information it became obvious what the best source was for identification of my midwest collection, Lar Hothem's book "Indian Artifacts of the Midwest." I purchased the book and was able to quickly identify many of the pieces that I knew nothing about. The book was written so a "layman" like myself could easily understand and identify many of the the basic artifacts. The quality photographs added to the pleasure of my learning. I was very pleased to realize the age, almost 10,000 years, and value of my collection. Thanks to such a thorough and readable source I now find myself hooked on the collecting and identifying of very interesting artfacts left in my area so long ago.

1 comments about Zenith Trans-Oceanic: The Royalty of Radios.

1. Zenith TRANS-OCEANIC: The Royalty of Radios(Second Edition)and The Zenith Trans-Oceanic, the Royalty of Radios: The Royalty of Radios (Schiffer Book for Collectors)(First Edtion)
   If you own a Zenith Trans-Oceanic, you probably own the first edition of this book. If so, you'll love the second edition: not a word has been changed. You won't have any problem finding the new materials: it's all in a new section at the end of the book. As the authors point out, cost considerations precluded revising the text of the first edition.
   What's in the new material? A page or so of updated historical information, a discusssion of the second military model unknown when the first edition went to press, nice photos of Trans-Oceanic wannabe's from RCA, Hallicrafters, and others; photos of some of the Zenith companion radios, and some other items of interest.
   What's missing? Much has happened in the collector world since the publication of the first edition, and an expanded list of parts and suppliers would have been welcome. There's an ever-growing network of resources for Zenith collectors that should be included in the book. Additionally, these radios aren't getting any younger, and an expanded section on maintenance, repair, and restoration would be helpful. More detailed information on electrical restoration would be especially useful along with discussion on building and using battery packs as many collectors want to run their Trans-Oceanics on battery power.
   Should you buy the second edition? Should you buy another Zenith Trans-Oceanic? Of course! If your first edition is getting a little dog-eared, you'll get the same book plus some new material. As a Zenith collector, you'll want to add this book to your Zenith resources. Hopefully, when it's time for a third edition, the authors can do a true cover-to-cover revision.

5 comments about 59 Authentic Turn-of-the-Century Fashion Patterns.

1. As the book's name suggests, it has patterns from the "turn of the century". More specifically, from 1890 to 1896.
   
   The first three pages run over how to graph out a pattern, take your measurements, and adjust the pattern to fit. Basic knowledge of sewing, and a familiarity with patterns is a must. Or at the very least, you need to be a daring new sewer that isn't intimidated by challenges. The instructions are informative but brief.
   
   Each pattern has a fashion etching in black and white to illustrate the design it's based on. The etching shows trims and accessories. There is a diagram for each style that lays out all the pattern pieces needed to create it. All the measurements are listed in inches. They are clear and easy to read.
   
   There are 31 womens patterns : included are numerous sleeve layouts like two part coat, leg-o-mutton, 2 part leg-o-mutton, different fullnesses of sleeve. Several styles of skirt, one draped like the previous bustle decade, mostly three or five gore skirts, umbrella skirt. There are different collar styles, bodices cut in both princess and darted. A cape and coat pattern, etc. There is one nightgown pattern.
   
   There are 21 misses and girls costumes. They cover the same span of years. There are dresses appropriate to very small children up to teens. There is one evening dress pattern for a girl of about 5-9. There is also one pattern for drawers and one for a chemise.
   
   There are two patterns for boys. Mainly young boys. One is a pants suit, so i assume that would be for post diaper age. The other is a kilt costume.
   
   There are three mens patterns. One nightshirt, dressing gown and coat. There is no picture of the coat.
   
   My count brings me to 57 patterns, I must have missed a couple somewhere. But hopefully this will give you a good idea of the book contents. I have made some of the dresses from this book. The patterns work out well, however to create a truly period looking garment you need more information than what this book gives you. The construction techniques and trimming methods are quite different from how most basic sewing is done today. It would help the beginner to have some hands on exposure to actual period garments. Mostly to see how they are lined, interlined, stiffened, boned, etc. In my experience, it is the linings and foundations that give the finished product it's form. The outer image of the costume is merely floating on that foundation. This book does not cover foundations sewing techniques at all. But with some hands on antique garment experience, you could easily create an authentic looking dress from this book.



2. I liked this book because it showed many different styles of dress for women and children in the victorian age. I make victorian costumes and it now refer to it for ideas on how to make all my costumes a little different from each other. Also shows coats and many childrens clothes which are also helpful. Most of the dresses have leg of mutton sleeves but each is a variation.



3. It only covers a few years of fashion, but if what you're looking for are patterns for women's and girl's fashions from 1890-1896, this may help you. But do note, it doesn't actually have any patterns later than 1896.



4. Great book. Thank you!



5. I've been looking for a book with some illustrations of how women dressed in the 1800's. This book give its reader a number of illustrations and patterns where a crafty person, or a person with some seamstress knowledge, could create an outfit by enlarging the patterns and selecting materials that might have been used during those days. Takes a little doing, but can be done. Lots of puffy sleeved dresses and some beautiful coat patterns.

4 comments about All the Money in the World.

1. While some of the "reviews" here do not even really review the book, here is the real story. This is a beautiful collection of illustrations of coins and currency from all over the world. I obviously could not afford to include some of the items illustrated here in my own collection -- they are just too expensive. But owning this book is a great substitute.



2. This is a wonderful overview of the world's money, written in a concise, knowledgeable manner. The illustrations a magnificent and I would recommend it to anyone with any interest in the subject. But then isn't everyone interested in money? If you read this and remember half of it, you will be an expert of the highest order.



3. As a historian (former corporate historian for Grumman Aerospace) and an educator, I found Mr. Mudds book informative, insightful and entertaining! It is especially useful to educators as an introduction to the amazing world of money. The author has a wonderful way of presenting historial events and anecdotes that is compelling to all age groups. The illustrations and photographs are especially striking. My students are actually vying for the privelege of borrowing it. If you are a history or business teacher it is sure to become a classroom favorite!
   
   I noted in some previous reviews that the author, Mr. Mudd, has been misunderstood in regards to his comments on the introduction of new dollar coins. If one were to take the effort to review his original quote, it is clear that he was not saying the dollar coin has never been successful, but rather, for it to be successful, the existing paper notes must first be withdrawn. It is understandable for children to misread data but it is sad when adults do so.



4. "I don't know of any country that has successfully introduced the equivalent of a dollar coin without getting rid of the corresponding paper unit," said Douglas Mudd, author of a new book on the history of money, "All the Money in the World." Also quoted my local newspaper, Palm Beach Post.
   
   I lived in Germany 10 years and for most of those years used 5 DM coins and 5 DM notes. My wife is from Hong Kong and we visit frequently, using the 10 HK$ coin and the 10 HK$ bill among other matching HK$ coin and bills.

5 comments about Blueprints of Fashion: Home Sewing Patterns of the 1940s (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. this is one of the great fashion books. very well put together, interesting...unlike most fashion books (in terms of text) and classy and LOTS of images. Both of Laboissonniere's books are great.



2. As a dealer in vintage patterns, (...) Wade's book is an indispensable resource in accurate dating of my pattern inventory. This in turn helps me to better serve my customers. Wonderful color examples of all the catagories, styles and companies.



3. This book begins with a lot of information about sewing pattern companies, sewing in the beginning half of the century, and fashion changes during the forties that are worth the price of this book. The second half is all reproductions of the fronts of pattern envelopes which provide inspiration for design as well as pointing out how much more advanced the average sewer seemed to be in the forties compared to today.



4. This is a wondreful look at a time in fashion when looking your best when in public or private did matter. The fashions are an inspiration to those who love classic design. The only statement being made by these fasions are upbeat ones. Thanks for a great book that any sewer will treasure forever!!



5. I was amazed to receive this book. I learned about how rationing during WWII affected clothing and fashion. I saw how fashion evolved during a decade that began with war and ended with Paris reviving their Haute Couture.

   I think that the one aspect of Blueprints Of Fashion that caught me completely by surprise was the nostalgic feeling that looking at home sewing catalogue illustrations returned to me. I remember spending hours browsing through catalogues with my Mom during the 60's and 70's. I noticed the change of illustration styles, and the use of more photography, throughout those 2 decades of the big 3--Simplicity, Butterick/Vogue, and McCall's. In the 40's there were many more brands and that much more variation in illustration styles.

   Mr. Laboissoniere has done a great job of grouping the pattern face cards into a journey through the fashionable 40's. Even though he meant this as a guide for collectors, there are so many facets to his research that he has created something truly extraordinary.

1 comments about 2007 Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue including Countries of the World J-o (Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue Vol 4 Countries J-O).

1. It was very informative. I like the color photographs and the descriptions of the stamps. It make it easy to identify the country and stamps.