5 comments about A Guide to Collecting Christian and Judaic Religious Artifacts (Collecting Religious Artifacts).

1. This book contains NO useful information, offers only grainy black & white photos. The information with each photo is nothing more than a description of the color of each item, very little info on the ages of the pieces. Nothing that would help you identify, date or value a piece.



2. Its about time we religious art collectors get a book on collectibles. I was disappointed it was in black and white, but it was GREAT to finally see such a book exist.



3. I've collected rosary beads for years; it is the most commonly asked-for religious collectible in antique stores, as well as holy water fonts & bottles, religious medals/jewelry & church interior items--none of which are properly addressed in this travesty of a collector's book.



4. As a collector of religious items, I was eager to find a book dealing with them. Then I opened this book. It was useless. It appeared to be nothing more than a personal collection display in drab black and white photos with no worthwile information on condition, value, and so on. Religious collecting is often overlooked and needs a good price guide...this one just isn't it!



5. I really expected more. I was disappointed that the pictures were in black and white, items were really old or fairly new looking. The subject is so deep, I feel the author just skimed the surface.

1 comments about Louis C. Tiffany: The Collected Works of Robert Koch (Schiffer Classic Reference Book).

1. By the time Louis Comfort Tiffany died in 1933, the once world renouned artist was well on his way to obscurity. In 1954, Robert Koch, then a graduate student studying architecture at Yale University came across Tiffany's work. This introduction spawned a life long immersion in the artistry of Louis C. Tiffany. As a university professor of art history, Robert Koch's influence can be found in the revival of interest in the turn of the 20th century movements known as Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau. His most important contribution, however, has been in repopularizing Tiffany for later generations. Today, many volumes of uneven quality on Tiffany have been published. Most are simply picture books that dazzle the eye. All, however, owe much to the 1964 publication of Robert Koch's original "Rebel in Glass" that stirred the renewal of interest in Louis Tiffany by presenting not only important photographs but original scholarship that still is unsurpassed. The new "Collected Works of Robert Koch" brings together in one volume his three previously published books on Tiffany. As an added bonus, the reader will find new, luscious photographs that further cement Tiffany's place as one of America's most important artists. This book is a must, not only for Tiffany collectors but for anyone interested in the history of American art, Art Nouveau and Arts & Crafts.

1 comments about Black Americana: Price Guide (Antique Trader's Black Americana Price Guide).

1. 178 pages of over 300 great black and white and full color photos. Includes a thought provoking introduction by Julian Bond. Covers items from advertising, banks, cookie jars and dolls, to political memorabilia, sports, tobacciana and toys. Estimated values are shown. Clearly demonstrates the role of collectibles in documenting the history of a nation and the culture of its people. A well done, fascinating book.

No comments about By Native Hands: Woven Treasures From The Lauren Rogers Museum Of Art.

3 comments about The Vietnam Zippo: 1933-1975 (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. i've read just about everything on Viet Nam, and this book really is fun! Sort of like Michael Herr's "Dispatches" (with photos). Written in realistic prose and accompanied by hundreds of photo's of Vietnam Zippos, and great in-country shots. Lots of non-boring Vietnam War reference material. i couldn't put it down.



2. The most comprehensive work that I have seen to date on the subject of the ubiquitous war-time cigarette lighter. Mr. Fiorella concentrates on the most popular brand to be carried in Viet Nam, or any war for that matter, the Zippo. Who would think that a niche area of militaria collecting could be so broad with so many variations? From the slim Zippo to the cut-down variety, to Barcroft table models; those engraved in English, or in Vietnamese, carried by Americans, ARVN's, Cambodians, Koreans; Army, Navy varieties and Marines, this author breezes through all of these areas in clear-cut chapters with plenty of example photos and archival images. One of the most interesting chapters is to be found in the beginning of the book, about a subject that is best tackled first: how do you identify knockoffs? This book is worth it for the photos alone and is soon to be a collector's item. The only book you will ever have to own for this hobby.
   NAC



3. This book is perfect. It covers most every important point when collecting Zippos from the Vietnam War era. Topics like markings, identification and engraving style are covered in great detail. The pictures are colorful and detailed. Buy this book if you want to collect these little gems of history.

1 comments about Miller's: Collecting Diecast Vehicles (Miller's Collector's Guides).

1. This work covers various makers of die cast vehicles. Such well known firms as Matchbox,Solido, Dinky, Tootsietoy, Auburn, Maisto, Johnny Lightning, and Hot Wheels, are covered and listed by maker and series.
   The approximate values are given as recorded by the author from various sources.
   Excellent for collecting in a organized manner.

5 comments about Wedgwood Jasper Ware: A Shape Book and Collector's Guide (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. A collector's guide and shape book filled with wonderful color photographs of the many varieties of Wedgwood jasper ware dip. Author Michael Herman shares his knowledge and experience with other collectors.
   It not only provides basic information so important to the beginning collector. It is a resource for all collectors in this area. Each piece is identified as fully as possible-including the bas relief figures.
   Dark blue does predominate, not a surprise, as it was the most popular color. Still the other jasper ware colors are well represented.
   Most of the pieces illustrated were made between the mid 19th century and the virtual end of jasper dip production in 1940. It is indeed refreshing to have a book that focuses on this period in this area of collecting. The timeless appeal of Wedgwood jasper ware is so well illustrated.



2. While many books have been written about Josiah Wedgwood and 18th century "first period" production, there has been very little information for the collector of 19th century jasperware. Until now. Michael Herman has written a wonderful guide to explain and classify the wide range of dipped jasperware and bas relief ware produced by the Wedgwood factory. If all this book did was to identify the myriad of shapes with their proper shape names, it would be a must read for all collectors and dealers. But the author also provides a wealth of detailed information from his vast expertise on the subject of Wedgwood. A history of jasperware production is given, bas-reliefs are identified, the wide range of colors explained and dated, and there is even a section on jewelry. I definitely enjoyed reading the book and have discovered many new pieces that I want to add to my collection. I look forward to new books by this author.



3. The title of this book suggests that it is a guide to all Wedgwood Jasper Ware, but the author concentrates strictly on dipped jasper ware. The title should indicate this. The text of the book also is filled with the author's opinions that dipped jasper ware is somehow superior to solid Wedgwood jasper ware and that the latter category of wares is rather declasse. He is certainly entitled to his opinions but they should not be presented as standard for Wedgwood collectors. His collection (and therefore his book)concentrates on a very specific period of production that he prefers but as I stated above the title does not indicate this. Having said that, am I sorry that I purchased this book (indeed pre-ordered it and waited several months for it?) Not at all. The photographs are sumptuous, and that section of the book is superb. The shapes of the pieces and subjects of the bas reliefs listed apply to all types of Wedgwood wares, dipped jasper, solid jasper, basalt, Queensware, drab ware, etc. For this very reason, the book is a valuable reference. Quality books on Wedgwood are few and far between and older ones are difficult to find if one wants to own them and not have to go to a library. In conclusion, drool over the pictures, but divide the text into two categories: Wedgwood history (which the book is short on) and author's opinion (of which there is plenty.)

   An addendum of second thoughts:
   The book convinced me to acquire my first piece of dipped jasperware. I can certainly see why the author raves about the quality of the workmanship during this period of production. The dipped jasper has qualities that more modern solid jasper does not offer but the solid jasper has wonderful qualities of its own. I will not go so far as to say that one is superior to the other, but that each needs to be appreciated for what it is. I am grateful to the author for expanding my (Wedgwood jasper) vision.




4. This is a great book on wedgwood jasperware. It will definitely help identify genuine pieces and offers great illustrations. I thought there would be much larger collection of pieces illustrated within the book though, so I was somewhat disappointed since none of the jasperware I own was even listed in the book.



5. The book, on the whole, does as its title asserts - uses good photographic images to show the reader the various shapes used by Wedgwood. It also offers some guidance as to the rarity of colors used and a basic historical reference.
   Even with the wide variety of shapes shown, there were some missing. The identification of the designs was most informative.

1 comments about Collector's Guide to Wallace Nutting Pictures: Identification & Values (Collector's Guide to).

1. Wallace Nutting pictures are still (and temporarily) plentiful at all the online auction houses. This book will definitely protect you in the forest of sellers and allow you to wend you way through acquisitions without bumping your head or losing your wallet. Gives a good grounding in the world of buying and selling Wallace Nutting Photos. What sizes, what titles, what's there, how rare, how much, etc. Don't go to the auction without it! Very well done and very complete.

1 comments about Collecting Antique Linens Lace & Needlework.

1. I found this to be a helpful reference guide to a collector. The pictures are clear and the descriptions are good.Not much in the way of pricing but good information to help learn about the multitude of antique textiles. This is a good addition to a collectors library.

No comments about Acquired Tastes: 200 Years of Collecting for the Boston Athenaeum.