1 comments about Postcards From the Nursery: The Illustrators of Children's Books and Postcards (Scrapbook).

1. Many people think that postcards are either views of some hotel or museum reproduction of an old master, or an ad for the local politician or car dealership. As a result, most of them are literally astounded when they see the wealth of photography and art which has adorned the picture postcard since the late 19th century and which is still going strong into the 21st.
   
   There have, in fact, been hundreds of books about postcards, including studies of one artist, studies of one subject such as cats and teddy bears, to name but two, historical events, most notably wars, views of urban or rural areas, and of course books on the art of postcards themselves. Most of these can be purchased from the chain bookstores and from Amazon.com.
   
   However, in my opinion, of all of the available (and no longer available) books, there are only three major works (i.e. a full length 250+ page book) which reflect the full splendor of the postcard and which, if placed on a coffee table or central in-home setting, will continue to delight both occupants and guests. Two of them I have reviewed in their listings on Amazon.com. They are "Art Nouveau Postcards" by Fanelli and Godoli and "Postcards of Nursing: A Worldwide Tribute" by Zwerdling. Both of these books have superb graphics, a surprising range of topic and subject (although if one of them purports to be about nursing, it encompasses much, much more), and the production values are as good as any art book.
   
   The book being reviewed here, "Postcards from the Nursery," is no exception. This book is special. The layout combines the works of the artists with their biographies, and the biographies themselves include photographs which show the artist in his or her heyday as well as later pictures.
   
   The book is more than a book of illustrated fairy tales. It is a book of wonder. Children, will, of course, be delighted in it. Adults will be transported into realms of their own childhood or perhaps an ideal childhood. What may be surprising is that the artists themselves ranged in their own childhoods from privileged happy ones to sad, almost tragic ones....but they all transcended their personal experiences to create images which are universally appealing.
   
   Do yourself, your family and friends a favor. Buy this book and put it in a place where it can be seen.

No comments about South Beach Postcards.

No comments about A Box of Kisses: 40 Collectible Postcards.

No comments about Six Van Gogh Cards (Small-Format Card Books).

No comments about Memories of Memphis: A History in Postcards (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1 comments about Fantasy Postcards With Price Guide: A Comprehensive Reference.

1. Mashburn writes great books, no question about it. This particular postcard guide focuses on fantasy postcards, which are a particular favorite of mine. He coveres all the basics: fairies, nursery rhymes, dressed animals, mermaids, teddy bears, Santas, Krampus, nudes, death fantasies, Halloween, Hold-To-Light, and a whole host of other types of weird and wonderful subjects.

   As well, Mashburn gives us a comprehensive history of postcards and collecting, covering the seven eras of postcards. He discusses the various types, how to date them, grade them, and value them. Since the book was written in '96, his prices do not always reflect current online auction prices, but that's understandable. My only real quibble with this book is that after reading through it and looking at the many black and white illustrations I only wanted to go out and buy more cards! A wonderful book, don't hesitate.

No comments about St. Tammany Parish Postcards: A Glimpse Back in Time.

No comments about Snow People: 30 Oversized Postcards.

5 comments about The Postcard Century.

1. Excellant book in every way. Great pictures, and descriptions. Do not buy this book if you are looking for a price guide, as it is not set up for that purpose. A great book for the postcard historian. Divided into years, it can be a great asset to a collector who is trying to date cards in his or her collection.



2. I was disapointed in this book because I was looking for one that included more detailed information about postcards. The problem of buying online I guess.



3. This is my third pass through this lengthy and thoroughly engaging book. While I'm not a normal fan of postcards, reading this book makes me want to rush out to the nearest flea market and see what I can find.
   
   The best aspect of this book is that the author presents each postcard in terms of the publishing history, the story on the card, and the general scene on the card. The wonderfuly dry, British humor really makes me laugh out loud at time. His commentary on the postcards meant to woo a significant other are quite amusing.
   
   This book will truly engage you in ways you would never imagine. It also is a great way to learn odd facts from history that have largely passed from our collective memories. These postcards bring them back for our consideration.
   
   This is a fabulous book that you will find hard to put back down.



4. Tom Phillips has captured the quest for collecting postcards with an eclectic mix of cards from the last century. We may view old postcards as nostalgic (for a history that never was), but when printed the card often pictured the latest thing. Being English, there are many Winston Churchill cards (as early as 1908), Prince Charles, the Queen, and Margaret Thatcher. There are plenty of cards for Americans, and a 1960 Nixon card is a favorite, as well as the original Kentucky Fried Chicken in 1947. In each year, a card from Piccadilly Circus and the New York skyline are included, as well as 10-15 other subjects. The cards reflect the changes of the time but also constancy, and many of the old jokes and statuesque women are recycled in each decade.
   
   Tom Phillip's artist eye is really used. Phillips commentary of each card is informative, sometimes humorous, sometimes irreverent, but always interesting and range from comments on punk fashion to statement about Kierkegaard liking a joke on a cow card. His pairing of cards is also enlightening: e.g. the King's head dress in 1935 is printed next to a Fiji headhunter head dress. A person's cards selection may be a Rorschach test, and I don't know what the fascination with camels (4 cards) tells us about this author. No matter what your interest or home, there are certainly cards to delight you here. A 1996 card of spaceships over St. Louis was a personal favorite.
   
   This book goes a long way in making the case that this was the golden century of postcards. I can't imagine a book in 2099 with a similar collection, or a printing of emails. Phillips includes the writing on the cards also, and these also reflect the times and a certain concise but revealing formula. Those who enjoyed the messages of these cards would also enjoy Robert Butler's book " Had a Good Time: Stories from American Postcards



5. Thank goodness for Tom Phillips. This postcard-filled volume is packed with images and texts created by countless sets of hands and eyes. There are few artist/thinkers today who could create order out of this chaos, and Phillips has done so delightfully. Featuring a multitude of stories within its overarching theme, The Postcard Century reveals its numerous histories with insight and charm.

2 comments about Postcards from Santa Claus: Sights and Sentiments from the Last Century.

1. The author has put together a wonderful book that gives the reader a Santa Claus history & how events of the times were seen in Santa postcards through the years. Santa trade cards, Santa holiday cards, even Santa cards from Elvis, it covers the periods from the late 1800s to the present. Descriptions accompanying all the beautiful illustrations are really interesting, very informative. I really loved this book. Makes a great gift too.



2. This is a great Christmas edition and stocking stuffer. The selection of postcards is superb and the photography captures the range of holiday examples excellently. The written narrative is a perfect accompaniment to the delightful collection.