No comments about Jensen Silver: The American Designs.

1 comments about Kremlin Gold: 1000 Years of Russian Gems and Jewels.

1. The book deals nicely with pieces that are mostly Russian enamels, silver, or icons. Very little jewelry is in the Kremlin collection. A couple Faberge imperial eggs that are seldom discussed elsewhere, but, they are not the most superb eggs (in my opinion).

1 comments about Antique Hunter's Guide to American Silver & Pewter.

1. Fantastic reference book with over 300 high quality, full color pictures with descriptions and what to look for. Nice range of silver and silver-plate items listed. The last 50 entries are pewter items (yuck). Handy size too.

1 comments about American Art Deco: An Illustrated Survey.

1. This book is an unabridged re-publication of a Depression era book titled, "Annual of American Design 1931 by the American Union of Decorative Artists and Craftsmen".
   
   Right off the bat, the most negative thing about this book is that it is a Dover Publication Reprint. This means the quality of the publication is mediocre. Both the paper and binding are cheap. The photo quality is decent. This is no museum quality monograph on American Modernism. If you have the money and interest, try to find the original publication. I am sure that it is highly collectible.
   
   The book is divided into nine chapters dealing with such fundamental decorative building blocks as, "The Shop", "Halls, Walls and Fittings" and "Graphic Arts in Advertising". The text for these chapters were written by some great American Modernists of the 1930's. There are short manifestos by such important artists as Kem Weber, Paul Frankl, Frank Lloyd Wright and Edward Steichen. These short texts give the reader great insights into the American modernist mind of the 1930's.
   
   The second strength of this book is the large number of black and white photos that illustrate the text. The creations of such modernists as Von Nessen, Deskey, Rhode, Bel Geddes and Karasz are lovingly photographed.
   
   This is a valuable book for anybody trying to gain a deeper understanding of American modernist thought in the 1920-30's. This is a great second tier book for people who have read most of the contemporary books on the American take on Modernism such as "Depression Modern" and "American Modernism". If you are not sure, at $14 a copy, you cannot go wrong by purchasing this book.

2 comments about Four Centuries of Silver.

1. As a Chinese studying in US, I collect old Chinese silvers for years. Before buying this one, I have several reference books from China and Taiwan. This is the best one in terms of the quality of writing. The collection shown by the photos is also very comprehensive, although I expect the photos to be larger. Overall, a great book for silverware collecors and those who love Chinese folk culture.
   By the way, does any one know how to contact the author?



2. I used this book to train myself in judging the quality and authenticity of Chinese silver last year in markets throughout China (especially in Beijing). The book really teaches you what you need to know to understand the symbolism contained in the objects you encounter and it is really a book rooted in Anthropology. The examples in the book range from typical examples of things up to museum pieces . The photography is first rate and far better than that in Chinese books on the subject. The time and effort which went into writing this book as well as the collecting of these objects is clearly a labor of love . If you want to understand Chinese Silver this book has no equal . And even if you don't collect silver this book may be the best available analysis of typical Chinese Symbolism regardless of its focus on silver .

No comments about Chinese Coins: Money in History and Society (Arts of China).

1 comments about Silver: Made In Scotland: Made in Scotland.

1. A most worthwhile effort on the part of the Scottish National Museum.
   It brings together so much information from various sources and allows us amateurs much research benefits and effort.
   It will become a "bible" for all silver collectors.
   Hugh Davies of Manor House Antiques, Shropshire.

2 comments about American Silverplate.

1. Some useful information, but really poor organization. When I found Middletown Plate company it was one page from where the index said it was. This turned out to be the case when I looked up several other companies. Once the error was two pages.
   According to the table of contents the preface was on page 12. Page 12 was blank. Instruction in how to use the book would have been helpful.
   Rainwater, Rainwater and Felger seem to know their field, but I found the book thinner on detail than I would have preferred.
   Lastly, the language is at times intrusively mannered and cultured. It is irritating and breaks good communication.
   The book gets a three. The authors know what they're talking about, but it's a slog finding their knowledge in this book.
   DM, Syracuse, NY.



2. If you buy or sell silverplate, this is one of the must have reference books. This is a complete history of silverplate in America, with the companies and the lines they produced. Contains many photos taken from catalogs. Figural napkin rings or holders, butter dishes, mechanical jewelry boxes, candlesticks, many different holloware forms and the companies who made them. It is additionally a cultural history that reflects the lifestyle of Americans through their silverplated products. Carefully researched, this is the third edition, an indication that it is a useful book that has remained in print. A chapter on care and restoration. Five stars!

5 comments about Bringing It Home: England: The Ultimate Guide to Creating the Feeling of England in Your Home (Bringing It Home).

1. This is a very TRADITIONAL (and Classical) English decorating book. It is not an "how-to" book at all, but rather, a visual journey throughout homes that are all decorated in the "Traditional" and/or "Classic" English style (in other words: this book is not about "modern" English decorating at all).
   
   I own two other books by this outstanding author (Cheryl MacLachlan) and she always does such a nice job at taking readers into the world of European decorating, by showing a variety of homes in the various styles... as stated in the book's title.
   
   If you own any of the Henrietta Churchill's books (ie: her books on decorating a 'la "English classical style") then you are probably familiar with Classical/Traditional English decorating. If not, browse through this book and/or Henrietta's many decorating books, and you will understand the English "classical" style a bit better.
   
   One difference: The homes in this MacLachlan book are homes that are probably owned by middle-class English families, and are NOT owned by upper-class English families , --- such as all of Henrietta's books show. Therefore, if you want to decorate your home in English style, then this MacLachlan book is more doable & relavent to you. Personally, I like both author's books (MacLachlan's and Churchill's books) because together they show all the possibilities when incorporating Classical English decorating in your current home(s).



2. A warm and wonderful volume for any hopeless Anglophile. Great gift.



3. Author Cheryl MacLachlan writes "...'English style' refers to the unique constellation of elements - homegrown and foreign - that the English have taken as their own". This book shows you how to create a beautiful, charming English atmosphere in your home, and in your life.

   My bedtime ritual now includes sitting down with a steaming cup of tea while browsing through every page of this book. After collecting and borrowing dozens of books on this topic, I find this one to be the most comprehensive and inspiring resource for the lover of anything English.

   "Like a house, Bringing It Home - England is divided into rooms"...The book's chapters cover the following topics:

   (1) The Substance of the English Style: common threads that unite all English homes, walls, motifs, graphics and everything out of the ordinary

   (2) The Living Room: how to arrange furniture, select fabrics, and my favorite topic: how to create the look of a traditional English drawing room

   (3) The Bedroom: creating a "cozy sanctuary", creating the romantic look (I can attest to the fact that her advice in this section works beautifully!), how to create the English look in your bath, and there is even a section on creating the look in a nursery!

   (4) The Dining Room: special emphasis on creating a "tailored, handsome" look. Includes information on English china, porcelain and crystal. There is even a guide to selecting tables and chairs.

   (5) The Garden: No book about English style would be complete without information on creating a traditional English garden. Includes a primer on the art of flower arrangement.

   )6) The Kitchen: The floors, cabines, furnishings and "cooker" are all covered in this section as well as my very favorite subject on the pleasure of "taking tea". Oh, life is grand!!!!

   (7) A Resource section which includes information on all the "English-style" essentials and where to find them. Includes a reading list and travel ideas.

   The information is practical and inspiring, as are the beautiful photographs. I feel this is the best book on this topic anywhere.

   5 Stars. Enjoy.




4. Being a lover of all things English, I have several books and this is the very best of all. This book is chock full of information on how to achieve the style, what makes it "English" and the photographs are fabulous. I have never read a book of this style that had so much research that went into it. I also enjoyed several receipes that were included and the section that dealt with the meaning of words and how Americans and British differ in their usage.



5. I like this book because it addresses a diverse range of topics on how to achieve the English style. It describes the origin of each decorating tradition, offering an explanation or rationale for why something is characterized as "English," rather than just laying out a blueprint to follow. I also liked that cooking was incorporated into the book, and several appealing photos of food and recipes are provided.

No comments about Creative Variations in Jewelry Design (Schiffer Design Book).