1 comments about American Pottery & Porcelain (Antique Hunter's Guides).

1. Fold your standard sheet of paper in half and that's about the size of this book. -So, when I first saw it I thought I'd be disappointed... BUT I was pleasantly surprised! -It starts off with a brief intro to the different types of pottery (redware, stoneware, yellowware, ironstone,) and porcelain and a history of how they were/are made. It goes on to a visual key which has silhouette figures of items and is helpful to identify what item it is that you have. ...was that a coffeepot or a teapot? :o) After you've id'd your object, you can find the section in the book that corresponds and there you will find a color photo of one example and all sorts of helpful info. on your item. -A short description of what the typical physical size and shape would be, areas where the items were made, comments on typical uses, and hints on what you should avoid/look for. The price guide in the back gives you a ballpark figure of value.
   this book does not focus on any specific brands, rather highlights some of the big name makers and brands that you may want to watch for. For being a general guide, I think this is as good as it gets. I found it superior to any of the Millers, Kovels series. -It actually teaches you what to look for, as opposed to other books which just inform you of what you already have. It is a great reference for collectors and resellers. Small enough to take with you to every auction and yard sale!

No comments about English China: Patterns & Pieces: Identification & Values (Identification & Values (Collector Books)).

1 comments about Anasazi Pottery.

1. I live in Arizona and there are old indian dwellings on my property. There is a lot of pottery pieces everywhere. I bought this book in hope of identifying what they were but the book although good, is only from specific digs and it is in black and white which makes it very hard to match my pottery pieces to the book. It is a good book if you are interested in reading about Anasazi pottery in general but not good for reference purposes.

3 comments about Wood-Fired Stoneware and Porcelain.

1. After doing much searching and researching, I've found that this book, along with F. Olsen's "Kilns", is an excellent resouce for those of us who have spent much time working with kilns from a pedestrian level, but little time investigating the construction of them. Jack Troy's writing is clear and enjoyable and his knowledge obviously exhaustive. The first place to go if you are considering the merits of woodfired work.



2. "Wood-Fired Stoneware & Porcelain" is a great resource for potters interested in this alternative style of firing. The book contains substantial information on kiln design, clays, glazes, stacking, and firing wood kilns. Troy adds in details from his own considerable experience, and the photos and illustrations will make you anxious to get to the studio (or your local brick supplier...) The only drawback is that the majority of the photos are in b&w; however, the color plates that are included are great. A nice historical section, and lots of work by and info on contemporary potters. Most likely a good book to have on the shelf, and a great companion to his book on Salt-Glaze.



3. Jack Troy is a very good and entusiastic writer. This new book is very much worth it's price and if you can get your hands at the old one, Salt Glazed Ceramics, that is a trofee.

4 comments about Imari, Satsuma and Other Japanese Export Ceramics.

1. Many collectors appreciate the extra knowledge on our favorite subjects and this book provides that and more. The exquisite photos of different and varied pieces of porcelain and pottery give the reader not only an appreciation of what he has but also information on items he loves but has no idea what they are. That said, after looking through the book I discovered I had a valuable pitcher that I had always treasured but didn't know if it was old, valuable, or special. I wish the book had given more on the difference between valuable and fake. I still find it hard to discern between the two.



2. The pictures are wonderful and plentiful as well as history of the styles. What's painfully lacking are examples and explanations of marks. Two and a half pages representing 27 marks with minimum information on any of them. I felt like it was a pretty book to look through, but a poor reference for those looking for information on how to buy Imari or Satsuma. I found no information at all about reproductions or modern pieces that have flooded the market and make it difficult for less than well informed buyers to get genuine pieces of antique Imari or Satsuma.



3. Outstanding book for amateur and serious collectors to enjoy - pieces are identified with text and superb coloured photos.



4. Of great interest to dealers and collectors of Japanese export ceramics, this book contains full color photographs of a large number of fine specimans of Imari, Satsuma, Banko and Sumida. Significant number of pieces from the Arts and Crafts period. Sections on markings, bibliography and valuations. I think the valuations are on the low side of current retail prices.

3 comments about New Handbook of British Pottery and Porcelain Marks.

1. This is the essential book if you collect English pottery. I have found it useful as both a collector and dealer. In fact, my old hardbound copy is falling to pieces from use. I am so glad to have this paperback edition for day to day reference. Dr. Godden has tapped sources for mark information that no one else has used. Everyone copies from him.



2. I have several books on pottery. This is the worst. I almost never find the marks I need to find, while the other reference books I have DO have them. I do not recommend this book!



3. Geoffrey A. Godden did it again! A book highly recommended for collectors of pottery. Very informative & from a legend of marks. Plus its in a handy paperback form. If you collect, own your own shop, or write collector's books this is a must have for you! Thank you for writing this wonderful book!

2 comments about Twentieth Century Lefton China Dinnerware & Accessories (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. This book is probably one of the most helpful books out of all the Lefton books! (For dinnerware) It has listed most of the patterns, what they look like, a listing of what is available and their prices. It is awesome! Another great book by Karen Barton!



2. Book was adequate but I had hoped for it to be a more extensive coverage. Overall, a good reference book.

No comments about The Official Price Guide to Pottery and Porcelain, 9th Edition (Official Price Guide to Pottery and Porcelain).

3 comments about Zanesville Stoneware Company: Identification & Value Guide.

1. I am pleased to be associated with this Zanesville book. We are all indebted to Jon Rans that his hard work overcame some unforseen challenges. So, I trust Rans will follow up with a further encylopedic sequel to this real heartland story of history, people, commerce, art and industry during periods of massive cultural changes in America.



2. Great publication that reflects the brilliance of Jon Rans and his collaborators.
   One of the best pottery chronologies ever written considering that most of the records of this company were lost in a couple of trajic fires.

   Some of the pictures could be of higher quality and the layouts of the pictures vs. discriptions is a little confusing.




3. It was with pleasure that I received and read the first pass on the history of this long misunderstood pottery company. Although the author makes a good attempt to document the history he falls a bit short. Many followers of this pottery know the confusion regarding the business relationship between Zanesville Stoneware and Francis Duggan of The Old Pot Shop in Norwalk, Connecticut. Rans had the chance to set the record straight that Zanesville made all the Old Pot Shop marked pots but either chose not to or did not fully understand the relationship. Although this is perhaps the most important aspect of the history for the collector it received a mere short paragraph. The pictures are sufficient and good if one considers that this is the only resource other than original catalogs, but more time spent with lighting would have gone a long way. Good book for the pottery lovers shelf but one that will undoubtedly be improved upon some day.

2 comments about The Saturday Evening Girls: Paul Revere Pottery.

1. I truly enjoyed this book. This is the most detailed account of the Saturday Evening Girls that I have found. The pictures are marvelous...



2. I bought this for my wife who is a potter as a hobby. She likes the book a great deal and continues to use it extensively as she does her pottery design work. It seems to be a very good reference document with great pictures.