2 comments about Jewelry & Gems at Auction: The Definitive Guide to Buying & Selling at the Auction House & on Internet Auction Sites.

1. There are more in-depth books on buying and selling at auctions and online auctions that readers will want to consult. This briefs you on gemstones at auction. The publisher, Gemstone Press, has comprehensive guides on diamonds, pearls, etc. that are more in-depth as well. Convenient to have it all in one book, but keep in mind these limitations.
   Excellent color photo section, helpful drawings, great charts. Probably a good starting title for this area, but I'd want to read more books before venturing into buying and selling gems at auction.



2. Antoinette Marlins has many other gemstone guides to her name and is an expect on gem identification and sales, making Jewelry & Gems At Auction: The Definitive Guide To Buying & Selling At The Auction House & On Internet Auction Sites a 'must' for any serious collector. From distinguishing auction buying techniques from other types of gem purchasing to bidding on different types of gems, understanding jewelry periods and designs, and avoiding common auction pitfalls, Jewelry & Gems At Auction is simply packed with valuable tips.

5 comments about Scott 2007 Us Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps & Covers (Scott Specialized Catalogue of United States Stamps).

1. The Scott 2007 US Specialized Catalogue is a definitive reference tool for US philately. It offers, for the interested collector or dealer, not only basic information on grading stamps, but detailed information on identifying them. Historical information & valuation tools are also a significant part of the catalogue. Did I mention the great buy on this item that Amazon offers? Thank you.



2. I purchased the catalogue for the purpose of valuing my Plate Block stamp collection. Prior to obtaining the catalogue, I had arranged the stamps in Scott's assigned numbers. I was able to do this from the 1966 version of the catalogue I already had and using Excell to sort the items numerically. I had over 350 plate blocks to value.
   
   I was able to ensure I was valuing the right stamps because there are pictures of each stamp. The process went very quickly. The book is still in pristine condition and I plan to re-sell it. I am also going to sell the plate block collection and the 1966 version. I would recommend this catalogue over any other stamp catalogue on the market. Scott's is recognized as the standard.



3. No problem with the information in this book. Full color made it much easier to use. However, being a reference book it is heavily used and the spine on mine broke on the first reading leaving me with several loose pages. As a book collector, I know how to open a new book.



4. If you are a collector of US Stamps, FDCs,Postcards, etc... , this is the catalogue you need. Tons of information, color pictures of stamps, keys to identifying different versions of the same stamp, dates of issue, and current values.



5. This book is a must for the serious stamp collector. The color representations are excellent and the reference information is more than helpful. The only limitation is that it has is no index similar to that found in the "Guide to U.S. Stamps". However, I imagine that it would be too difficult to create with the vast amount of information there is. Overall I am very happy with the "Specialized Catalogue" and will continue to purchase it yearly.

5 comments about The Art of the Automobile: The 100 Greatest Cars.

1. Elegant, pretty, but not designed to give much in the way of details on the cars, or more than one or two pictures per car. But he gives you a top 10, and top 100, and a second 100 - but where are the Triumph roadsters?



2. The author's list of what constitutes the 100 greatest cars is pretty sound but there are many others that would equally deserve a place; however you can't put everything in and still have a book that will sell for an economic price. Most of the photos are superb but there are a few that are disappointing such as the Thunderbird pics or the VW Beetle at the end. The photo of the Cisitalia has the rear cropped off, ouch.
   The portrait photos are mostly full page and fortunately the publisher has avoided the trap of spreading them across the gutter and eliminating details in the middle, with a few exceptions. Overall it's a lovely book and if you like classic cars you are certain to treasure it.



3. I purchased this book for our lobby at work and we gave it to a client who absolutely raved about it. I've replaced the copy and I keep hearing "ooh"'s and "ah"'s of appreciation from our clients as they pour over the picures. The photos are large and very clear. The cars are positioned in romantic gorgeous locations which fuels the imagination. I don't expect this copy to stay long either!



4. Great information. There are models mentioned that I am seeing for the first time.



5. Gorgeous! Photos, text and format. Gave it to my brother and it shut him up for several hours, while he pretended his truck outside was an Italian piece of automotive art.

5 comments about The Complete Book of Swords.

1. The book was very good reading material if you just want a story. The characters in the book are a little under-developed but the book still had meaning. If you cast aside the difference of the Roman and Greek names of the gods its a good book. I think the worst part of the book was the ending but i still would recommend it to anyone who just wants to sit down and read a good book without spending an hour analyzing it.



2. The book was very good reading material if you just want a story. The characters in the book are a little under-developed but the book still had meaning. If you cast aside the difference of the Roman and Greek names of the gods its a good book. I think the worst part of the book was the ending but i still would recommend it to anyone who just wants to sit down and read a good book without spending an hour analyzing it.



3. If you like a good fast read, that leaves you wanting more, then this book is for you. Luckily, there are stories that follow that are equally fun.



4. ... but I did read the entire Book of Swords and the entire follow up The Book of Lost swords.
   This review is more in response to a few of the other reviews. The Book of Swords is a fast paced fantasy that plays out a game started by "the gods" for their amusement. There are magicians everywhere good and evil, guilds, kingdoms, battles, and at least one character growing into himself. What more could you want... Oh yes you could want to go around in circles and get a whole lot more in depth so each book would take a couple of weeks instead of a couple of days.
   Saberhagen did not need to go anymore in depth for a book at this reading level!
   If that isn't enough for you than you probably don't want this series. If you wander what your getting yourself into when you start a series of books than...
   This is an excelent choice for someone who is not used to reading very long books but does not like a (good) story to end. This is one story that is broken up into smaller self sufficient stories. If you usually just read one book and your done you will be pleased with this book and may even expand your horizons. You can keep going if you want to but you don't have to if you want to be finished. However, if you are looking for your reading for the next year you would be sourly disappointed. It goes comparativly quickly for a series.
   I don't believe this series was ever intended for a college level reader, except perhaps in discusing symolizm (in fact it is full of it my english 102 professor would have a field day).
   This is a great book for some one who might be intimidated by a large book with large words. Someone on the 6th or 8th grade level should get through it but anyone who enjoys magic would be able to enjoy as well. I read strictly sci. fi. before I read this series but now I love the longer fantasy stuff. I haven't gone back to short Sci. fi. novels.



5. As the title suggests this is the complete book of the first three sword books. If you are a fantasy fan it is a must read. From the opening epilogue of Vulcan forging the 12 swords, Saberhagen will captivate you to finish the first book and the remaining two. It starts out describing the smith god with somewhat human characteristics and very descriptive action scenes, that take the human condition and forge them into the 12 swords. It starts off as a game of the gods but later turns out to be the architecture of their demise. The development of the key characters is second to none. Saberhagen conveys a deep connection with Mark and Ben even Marks father Jord. I would only say that the laps between the books does leave the read in wonder a little, there is a little of a time lapse, where I think the author could supply us with some more details, but this does not take anything away from the substance of the stories. This compilation sets the stage rather nicely for the books to follow which tell of the exploits of the remaining swords. So sit back and enjoy this carefree read!!

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

1. 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.



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



3. 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.



4. 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.

No comments about Miller's Pottery & Porcelain Marks: Including a Comprehensive Guide to Artists, Makers, Factories and Forms (Pocket Guides).

No comments about Modern World Coins (Official Red Books).

No comments about Snow People: 30 Oversized Postcards.

4 comments about Warman's Carnival Glass: Identification & Price Guide.

1. Great service book is in excellent condition.
   Thanks so much.



2. Another excellent identification book by Ellen T. Schroy. It is well organized and the beautiful color pictures are clear for pattern identification. She identifies the maker, the colors which were produce, the known forms, the identifying characteristics, and the prices at the time the book was written. There is a section showing and describing the colors of carnival glass, and an explanation of how to determine the color of carnival glass. Also included in the book is a time line and information about each glass company during the Carnival Glass era. This book is one of the best for identifying pieces of carnival glass. I use it more than any of my other books. It is my favorite! I highly recommend it to every beginning collector!



3. Beautiful colorful photos. Very easy to read and identify patterns. SO MUCH TO LOOK AT!!!



4. Hundreds of classic and popular glass patterns, more than 5,000 prices, and headline production pieces pack Warman's Carnival Glass: an identification and price guide key to understanding Warman colors, forms, identifying characteristics, and values. Each piece receives a color photo paired with information on common reproductions, making for an excellent and solid reference work collectors will find easy to consult.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

5 comments about Big Book of Pocket Knives: Identification & Values (Big Book of Pocket Knives).

1. Ron Stewart and Roy Ritchie's Big Book Of Pocket Knives provides an excellent reference for any who would collect pocket knives, with close-up black and white photos of the knives accompanied by written descriptions and values. A "must' for avid collectors.



2. I bought this book based on another customer review. About the only pictures are on the front cover. This book is NOTHING more than various knive ads and catalogs from long past. There is no related history or collector insights. Indeed there is very little original writing in this book at all. Major modern manufacturers are not covered (Buck for instance) and like I said, there is very little additional information other than the catalog reprints. Knife values are kind of strange. My recent sales are as much as 4 times what is listed. Most are 2-3 times what is listed. I have noticed that other knife books are a little low also. There is no real help with identification in this book either. The only thing I liked about this book was the cover.



3. This book is almost useless to me. Its listings of various cutlery companies is wanting. The cutlery companies that are included in this book only list only very old or vintage knives and are not in any particular order. I cannot find but only a few knive values when searching for a specific knife. For me, it is a waste of money and paper.



4. This was an Xmas gift for my husband who collects knifes, he really likes it.



5. This book didn't have but a few peices that I was looking for..The illustration was poor which is not Amazon's problem..Wish I could return for a refund;but know that's not possible..Thank you for you're quick shipping of the item..And I will continue to do business w/you..Gordon Stanley