No comments about 2009 Collector Car Price Guide.

2 comments about American Locomotives in Historic Photographs: 1858 To 1949 (Trains).

1. In the early development of locomotives, few photographs exist prior to the 1860s. Ravages of time and the fragile nature of glass negatives eliminated many photographs and some only exist today as third generation copy negatives, devoid of most details. However, through the collection of Mr. William A. Rogers' builder photographs, we can witness the details of the original locomotives as they rolled of the production line. Historically, builder photographs are important because the photos documents the locomotive "as built" by the locomotive manufacturer. Because almost all locomotives were altered during their lifetimes with the addition of equipment or the repair of equipment with parts from other locomotives, these builder photos represent a snapshot of the original configuration of the manufacturer.
   
   The Rogers collection illustrated in "American Locomotives" are "builder portraits." Customarily, one engine from an order was selected as the "official portrait" and was usually a side view or a partial view of the front showing the driving rods in a lowered position and no escaping stream or smoke. According to the author, almost all official portraits were taken in low light or on cloudy days. "American Locomotives" presents both old and rare locomotive builder portraits from the Rogers collection as well as later versions of locomotives that ran in the 1940s and 1950s. The author has managed to research the locomotives illustrated in the book and add a short note describing each locomotive. The one short coming of this book is that the reader is often left begging for additional information about particular locomotives, but that is what the reference section of libraries are for. Overall, the book "American Locomotives" is an outstanding addition to any train buff's collection.



2. If you want to acquire a collection of photographs tracing the entire history of American steam locomotive development, this is the book. It is limited to builders' portraits, and has no photos of locomotives "in action". The book is chronologically organized, and photos are chosen to illustrate the different types of engines produced, with many pictures of rare and one-of-a-kind designs, like the 2-8-8-8-4T. Some engines built for foreign railroads are included, as are elevated-railway locomotives. A great picture book.

4 comments about Standard Catalog Of Schwinn Bicycles 1895-2004.

1. This review is for; Standard Catalog Of Schwinn Bicycles 1895-2004
   
   As pointed out by the other reviewers this is hardly an accurate "catalog" with the technical details that we usually associate with precise catalogs. Instead, this 160-page book is just a short pictorial and text reference for casual interest. As others pointed out this book does not have a complete catalog of all the Schwinn bikes produced (which would mean a much bigger book!), but just a random assortment of Schwinn bikes produce from 1895 to the present. Yes, unfortunately those but-ugly Schwinn choppers called "Stingray" (Stingray Imposters!) from a couple of years ago are also included. As a Schwinn enthusiast myself who proudly owns four Schwinn bikes that I refuse to let go of and I enjoyed the fact that my 1998 Schwinn Paramount was in the book.
   
   Don't expect detailed information for each bike such as specifications and frame measurements that you may have seen from actual Schwinn catalogs. The book only has a few photographs of the whole bike and a few close-ups of the bike and accessories. In terms of text, details of each bike described is limited to one paragraph at the most! If you are a Stingray or Krate enthusiast over 55 pages are dedicated to the Stingray & Krate (mostly original and a few pages of the later reproductions). I'm just a mild Schwinn enthusiast, so I was surprised to see some products that I never saw before such as the Stingray tandem bike called the "Mini Twin" (which was produced for only one year!) and the moto-cross bike called the "Hornet". The book shows all the odd yet unique accessories such as the Stingray "ram-horn" handle bars, windshield and baseball bat carrier. Some photographs of the Excelsior motorcycle and other motorcycles designed by Ignaz Schwinn (the 1895 founder) are included in the book. Other pictures included are some of the vintage Schwinn ads produced throughout the years.
   
   As far as the text, the book briefly explains the history of Schwinn, but most of the text is dedicated to explaining the various lines of Schwinn. I highly recommend the book "No Hands" by Judith Crown & Glenn Coleman if you want to get a better historical perspective on the history of Schwinn.
   
   My only mild complaint about the book is that since the 160 pages of roughly 8.5" X 11" pages (office size) are paper bound, the large center-fold pictures are somewhat difficult to see because the middle of the photo is "mashed" very tightly where separate pages are bound together. The "Schwinn Bicycle" book by Pridemore & Hurd was a slightly better book in terms of presentation because the pages were slightly larger 10.5"X 10.5" in a hardcover bound book. I think this "catalog" book would have been slightly better if the pages were wider.
   
   Despite the fact that this book isn't really a detailed "catalog" for the Schwinn die-hards, I still thinks it's still a pleasure for people with some casual interest to browse through and look at those wonderful Schwinn bikes that you have or use to have or wished you have!



2. This book was disappointing. It's title lead me to believe that it would be an extensive and thorough compilation of most, if not all of the bikes Schwinn produced; not so!
   
   I own a 1970 Schwinn Twinn Tandem bike, and was hoping I would read and see information on tandems. They picture one tandem, and have very little information about it. They also fail to depict several other models. If you look at an orignal Schwinn catalog, you'll find that they built dozens of models each year! Do a google search and you'll find it.
   
   One of Schwinn's more popular models was the "Typhoon", and I don't even see a mention of it! What a crock!
   
   I have a Standard Catalog of Corvette, and it's is much more thorough than this one for the bike.



3. The book is well written for the casual interest, yet it does not detail the financial woes that Schwinn had prior to its demise. The photos are good, not enough information that a "Catalog" should have. I was hoping for model names and production fiqures year by year, but such was not contained. I'm sure there are better histories out there.



4. After reviewing this book I was very disappointed. The title should have been "just another picture book of a few guys bikes". The title "standard catalog" is very deceiving. The content does not even scratch the surface of the vast array of of bicycles built by Schwinn down thru the years. There are no charts of models built, no production numbers, no serial numbers, really nothing in the way of valuable information to the collector. Nothing more than pictures of a select few bicycles and some cheesy history thrown in for copy. Even my untrained eye spotted several inaccuracies in the pictures of the restored bicycles shown.
   I will say that the photography is quite good and the paper quality is great. My "new" copy arrived with the binding separating and some pages coming out. This would make an excellant book to keep next to the commode in case of emergency!!!
   Perhaps the next time the author decides to tackle such an undertaking, some amount of research would be in order instead of relying on the Schwinn name to sell a book. I'm not into burning books but this on comes close.

3 comments about Traveling With the VW Bus and Camper.

1. I didn't realize that this book is the same text and pictures as a previous book titled Campervan Crazy by the same author, David Eccles



2. The same author has written the excellent VW Camper- The inside story. That book deals with specifications on the differnt campers, while his book are more about humans, culture and adventures.
   
   This is a nice book, well written and good layout. I somehow think that it could have been more on travelling tips.
   Nevertheless, a good buy!



3. This is a good general history of the VW Campervan. Released in the UK as Campervan Crazy (which is a much more accurate title). I would have hoped to see more on VW expiditions and actual camping but alas much of the book (over 70%) was focused on the hippie van culture. And the book is from a decidedly British point of view. On the up side there are some great pictures and anyone who grew up camping in a combi will bring back fond memories reading this book. For some reason Amazon is not shipping this book at this time but it is availible from the publisher.

No comments about Fill 'er Up!: The Great American Gas Station.

5 comments about The Ultimate Classic Car Book.

1. What is a classic car? And which of them should be featured in a book titled the ULTIMATE CLASSIC CAR BOOK?
   
   The book claims to have "gathered the most desirable of the world's great cars" but of the hundreds of makes and models that the Classic Car Club of America recognizes as a classic ("a fine or distinctive automobile, either American or foreign built, produced between 1925 and 1948") not one is featured in ULTIMATE CLASSIC CAR. Not even the universally acclaimed Cord 810 Phaeton that American Heritage magazine selected as "The Single Most Beautiful American Car" is included. If your interest is vintage--from highly sought marquees such as Auburn, Franklin, Packard, Pierce-Arrow and Stutz to Detroit's most familiar icons such as the Ford Model T and A--you are out of luck. In fact, except for the 1934 Citroen Avant, no cars manufactured prior to World War Two are to be found in the book.
   
   If classic for you means muscle the ULTIMATE CLASSIC CAR BOOK has the Barracuda, Charger and GTO but omits the Challenger, Coronet, Cougar and many others. In 1990 Car and Driver magazine selected the ten best muscle cars of all time, but of the ten, only the Pontiac GTO makes it into the ULTIMATE CLASSIC CAR BOOK.
   
   Regardless of the model year or type of vehicle you will not find any AMC, Chrysler, De Soto, Kaiser, Lincoln, Mercury, Nash, Oldsmobile, or Studebaker cars profiled in the book. Of the 90 cars featured in ULTIMATE CLASSIC CAR only 16 are American made. Plymouth gets two pages for one of its cars, while Citroen gets ten. In the book's 224 pages only European sport cars are reasonably represented.
   
   Dorling Kindersley (DK) publishes many beautiful photograph filled books and ULTIMATE CLASSIC CAR is no exception--but this classic car book is far from being the ultimate and will surely disappoint anyone fascinated in America's great venerable cars.



2. This book is very beautiful. It has great pictures of each car from different angles, a short description of each car and lots of comments about certain details.
   
   Although this is a very nice book, it doesn't quite live up to its title, for a couple of reasons. First of all, the descriptions for each car is quite short so if you're interested in some specific cars, you'll need to look elsewhere for more complete information.
   
   The other reason is the choice of cars included in the book, as well as excluded. It's obviously very difficult to choose among all the classic cars in history, but here, the term "classis car" seems to have a vague defenition. Here are some cars that are undoubtedly classics because they are of great historical importance, such as Mini Cooper, Citroen 2CV, some that are classics because they are among the most sought after exclusive cars in the world, such as Bentley, Rolls Royce Silver Cloud, Lamborghini Countach, Ferrari 365, etc. But there are also those that don't seem to be classics at all, that the writer himself says are bad, like Maserati Kyalami and Daimler Dart. How come these are included when certain other classics are excluded? I also wonder why there are no pictures of the early Lamborghini Countach but only the anniversary model, and why did they chose late convertible models of classics such as Morris Minor and Volkswagen?
   
   These are just minor flaws and this is a very good book that I'm glad I own. But don't buy it expecting an "ultimate classic car book".



3. I thoroughly enjoyed looking at everything contained in Quentin Wilson's "The Ultimate Classic Car Book," but what it contains doesn't even come close to earning it the title, "Ultimate."
   
   Don't get me wrong, it's a very good book and may well be worth your $18 (or whatever you can get it for "Used"). But as a person who owns a classic car and has been active in classic car circles for several years, a book doesn't earn the "Ultimate" designation when it doesn't include the bullet-nosed 1950 or '51 Studebaker, a 1913 Stutz, the Tucker, a '41 Lincoln Zephyr, a '55 Plymouth Belvedere, a '57 Chevy Nomad, or several others widely recognized as classics.
   
   Yes, I realize that my little list there is heavily skewed to American cars, but Wilson's book is VERY heavily skewed to include more models than necessary from Rolls-Royce/Bentley, BMW, Datsun, MG, and a couple of others. Again, don't misunderstand -- those are all great cars that he has included. I simply don't think you can include so many of those, ignore other obvious classics that many of us would like to learn and see more about, and still call your book "Ultimate".
   
   I know I'm obsessing a bit, but if I only had $20 to spend on such a book and bought it over the Internet, I would feel a little cheated upon seeing how much it leaves out. Just make sure you review it thoroughly above so that your expectations are on target.



4. STAR OF THE SCREEN
   ON PAGE 92 WHERE BULLITT AND THE CHARGER ARE MENTIONED, IT EXPLAINS HOW THE CHARGER ALSO HAD MAJOR ROLES IN THE 1970s CULT MOVIE >VANISHING POINT. AND THE AMERICAN TELEVISION SERIES>THE DUKES OF HAZZARD.
   
   THE CAR THAT PLAYED A MAJOR ROLE IN VANISHING POINT IS IN FACT A "CHALLENGER" NOT A CHARGER AS INDICATED.
   
   FOR SOMEONE WHO IS DOING RESEARCH OR LOOKING TO LEARN ABOUT CARS AND MOVIES, THAT BIT OF INFORMATION IS SPECIFICALLY INACCURATE.



5. It seems Quentin Willson has made the ideal coffee table book. The Ultimate Classic Car Book groups together all shapes and sizes of classic cars from DeLoreans to Datsuns and Vegas to Volkswagens, and all with original and beautiful photographs wrapped in concise and precise text equavalent to about a page of novel. Willson does a very consistent job of presenting each car with basic facts and statistics along side special traits or other interesting items that make each car unique. One example of an interesting fact is the mention of the "Autronic Eye" available as an option on the 1959 cadillac convertible that would dim the headlights when an oncoming car approached. Willson also gives us insight into the cars by adding his own commentary. Examples of this can be found in his reference to the "Autronic Eye" as a mere marketing gimmick that never took off and his accusal that the stainless steel of the delorean was a "cynical marketing ploy." Even if you aren't interested in reading about the many classic cars of the world, this book is worth a purchase just for the full color meticulously crafted photographs and trivia. I would recommend The Ultimate Classic Car book to anyone interested in learning about automobiles of the past

2 comments about American Gas Station: History and Folklore of Gas Stations in America.

1. We bought this book as a Christmas present for my husband's 85-year-old uncle who used to own a Texaco station in Iowa. We thought he'd like it, but he LOVED it! He started skimming through it immediately, pointing at photos and talking with his grand-nephew all about the old days, old gas prices and pumps, and his own experiences at his station. It was the best present we ever bought him and certainly the best received present this Christmas, 2007.



2. Do you know when and where the first oil well was found? Did you know that in the early 1900's any shopkeeper with a curb and an idea could have his own commercial gas pump? Do you know what a lubester is? If these answers interest you, as well as the history of the rise of the gas station as we know it, check out The American Gas Station. Michael Witzel takes readers on a hundred fifty year tour of the gas and oil business, from the first gush in Titusville, PA, to the breakup of Standard Oil Company to the advent of self-service stations. Lots of interesting information and great photos - a treat for any automotive enthusiast. - Leila Dunbar, writer, Mobilia.com

No comments about Transportation (Dover Pictorial Archive Series).

5 comments about Warman's Matchbox Field Guide: Values and Identification (Warmans Field Guide).

1. It's hard to believe that so much information is packed into such a little book. It's the big little book for Matchbook collectors. The photo quality in this book is second to none. Although the prices of these gems are always in flux, it is great to have an updated price guide. The history, collecting tips and listing of online resources contained in the book are treasures in and of themselves.



2. Most Matchbox guide books are encyclopedic in size. This is the first one I've found that is easy to take with you to toy shows, garage sales, and flea markets. The photos in the book are outstanding. The helpful collecting tips are well-written and are sound advice for collectors. All in all, I'm very pleased to recommend this book. Mine already has considerable wear, and I'll probably be needing another one by Christmas (hint to family)!



3. This book is very welcome as it will increase many people's enjoyment of collecting Matchbox models. Due to its easy availability and reasonable price it may even attract some more people to this wonderful hobby.
   
   With its compact size it is ideally suited for carrying around to toy shows and flea markets, where it can be used as an aid in identifying models one might come across.
   
   While experienced collectors may be slightly disappointed at the lack of detail and some embarrassing and sometimes misleading mistakes (which have no doubt been caused by the tight deadline pressure under which the book was written), this book is perfect as an introduction for beginners.
   
   The quality of the many pictures is first class, and the introductory pages in the front section of the book, including a well-written summary of Matchbox history and useful collecting tips, are a must read for anyone interested in the subject.
   
   Congratulations to Tom Larson on this fine achievement!



4. Upon reading this new book from Tom Larson,it has finally shown that there is room for a pocket guide amongst all the other "big" heavy Matchbox collector books. This book can be carried easily anywhere you want. Study up on your Matchbox hobby as you go about your travelling. Carry it to Toy Shows, diecast conventions, and even to the local antique auctions. It is small,light, full of brightly colored, well shot photos of all your favorite Matchbox cars and trucks. There is even some rare vehicles,sets, and other accessories shown. With accurate Price quotations for "Mint In Box" models,you are surely to enjoy this work for years to come.
   For the price, you can't beat it!
   Definitely worth every penny.
   Finally, a beautifully compiled Matchbox toy car collectors guide.
   It will be a hit, Just watch.
   Thanks Tom :)
   just another fine book in the Warman's series.
   Kudos to Krause Publications for jumping on this one.:)
   
   sincerely
   Burney Reid
   "Diecast Enthusiast"
   Coquitlam, B.C.
   Canada



5. This is one fine little book. The pictures are superb and the text is short and concise. This book would work well for the seasoned collector as well as a collector that is new to Matchbox.

5 comments about Sailors' Valentines.

1. A cleaverly package book. Nice pictures of old Valentines, however using one with a questionable picture spoils the entire book.



2. Very interesting, good history,and enjoyable reading. I reccomend for ages 9 on. One will want to travel to the beach and begin a hobby in shell collecting just to build a Sailors' Valentine.



3. A very beautiful, high-quality book. I first saw it at a kaleidoscope show and after a look at a few of the pictures, you will understand why. The photos are exquisite and it all comes in a unique presentation box. Well worth the price.



4. This is a beautiful and different book. But, be warned if you are giving it as a gift to someone. The book comes wrapped in plastic and I did not flip through the book before giving it. There is a VERY inappropriate picture of "naked people up to something" in it. Fortunately the gift recipient thought it funny as opposed to being offended.



5. I just gave this as a gift to my sister, who's thinking about designing and making a sailor's valentine. She's THRILLED! What a wonderful book for the collector, crafter, or antique fancier. Beautifully done. Fondas identifies many of the shells used in these examples. A breathtaking volume that's sure to become a collector's item in its own right.