4 comments about Fashions and Costumes from Godey's Lady's Book: Including 8 Plates in Full Color.

1. A delightful book to page through. Lots of black & white line drawings and several color plates. This must have been where Scarlett O'Hara got her inspirations!



2. This is an excellent reference guide for Lady Civil War Reenactors who want to create beautiful day dresses and ball gowns. The book has detailed descriptions of each dress. A true Godey's dress was for the lady of wealth, however many women of average means subscribed to Godey's to get ideas for the dresses they wore. Each page will give you an idea of colors, styles and types of fabrics used. This book is a must along with "Who Wore What" for a true insight into women's fashions of the 1860's



3. This book is beautiful. It is a very helpful reference and it is just fun to look at. It was also great to have the description of each of the outfits. This book is much more detailed than the "80 Godey's Full-Color Fashion Plates (1838-1880)" by JoAnne Olian, but then I liked all the full -colored as well.



4. Great book for finding out what they really wore for dressy occasions during the Civil War Era and just prior. Afterwards they did not have the money or the material to do this, but it is lovely to see what they did before the war. Reenacter's who do not wish to spend a lot of money on a gown from the wrong era need to see what is correct before some dressmaker puts them into whatever pattern that SHE likes to make! RESEARCH is the key.

5 comments about Hunting Whitetails by the Moon.

1. Charles Alsheimer coveys good usefull information on how the Moon effects Whitetail deer movement and breeding activity. The book moves along a well managed path documenting the ideas based on countless hours of research as well as observation from many an expert hunter. It covers the stages of the rut for North America and suggests times to focus hunting efforts and stratagies to use at these times. I think it's a great addition to any hunter or wildlife enthusiast's library and I can't wait to use some of the information I've learned. Two thumbs up!



2. I believe Mr. Alsheimer is on to something important regarding the autumn cycle of whitetail life, but I am not sure that he has the whole story. The book is based on anecdotal evidence and observations of penned deer. Another author, John Ozoga, writes concerning the effects of age, nutrition, social status, habitat, and population dynamics among the factors influencing the onset and duration of the rut. I do not wish to disparage these observations and anecdotes, he gives sufficient from wide ranging areas to bolster his point; and; anecdotal evidence can, and sometimes does, have the force of experimentation. But then, how would one design more rigorous experiments?

   I think that Mr. Alsheimer is a biological pioneer for this theory. He has shown himself to be a keen observer of whitetail life, and has made an important contribution to our understanding of the rut.

   This book is, without question, well worth reading.




3. Let's just cut to the chase: there are a lot of books out there by self-proclaimed "experts" on how to hunt the wily whitetail. Most of them are just re-hashed information that any serious deerhunter already knows (or should). The number of really interesting and innovative books on this subject is low.
   In this book, Charles Alsheimer gives us some truly helpful advice--whether or not you buy the moon theory. This is a good book and well-written, to boot.



4. For years I chased whitetails during rifle season only hoping that the rut would be on. It rarely was so I picked up bowhunting to extend my season and give me a better chance of catching the rut. I was still sitting in a tree wait for the rut to start. Mr. Alsheimer's insights have helped me greatly. I now can request vacation time to coincide with the rut, scout an area, set up a stand, and be sitting pretty. The past two years have been great thanks to Mr. Alsheimer's help



5. You will forever view your hunting by the moon phases in a different light after reading this book. You will also examine and very likely modify your hunting to improve and increase your harvest successes. Charlie Alsheimer backs up his philosophies and strategies with experience and research. It is not just based on random opinions and limited field experience. This is a "must read" for the serious deer hunter!

5 comments about Retro Chic: A Guide to Fabulous Vintage and Designer Resale Shopping in North America and Online.

1. I think the mark of a good guidebook is one that can tell you new things about your hometown. Retro Chic is a *great* guidebookbook. I purchased my copy at home in Seattle, and was pleased to see that my favorite retro sources were included -- as well as several new favorites I hadn't heard about before. The information on online resources is also quite helpful, and introduced me to a whole new way of shopping for unique resale fashions. I took Retro Chic with me on a business trip to Los Angeles last week, and was able to do some wonderfully affordable consignment shopping in a city that's completely foreign to me. What a fantastic resource!

   This DOES NOT appear to be a book in which the authors were paid for reviewing particular stores. The information is well organized, up-to-date, and gives plenty of clues about the stores it reviews. Listings are honest and cover a wide variety of topics, ranging from price scales and credit cards accepted to the kind of merchandise available.

   This book is a great resource for anyone with a retro fetish, and a no-hassle way for people new to the "scene" to find great resale outlets in their home town, on vacation, or online. I highly recommend Retro Chic and have bought copies as gifts for two friends who recently moved across country.




2. What a fabulous resource for lovers of vintage clothing! I have learned about stores in Toronto that I would never have found otherwise. The detailed store descriptions are wonderful - it's interesting to learn about the history of the stores, as well as about their owners.
   And what a helpful book when travelling to other cities in North America! Thank you!



3. I LOVED this book, not only was it extremely informative, but it was very practical-the $ labels were the best! I used it on a very important project and it didn't let me down once! This resource was very helpful. It is a book for anyone who has been bitten by the vintage-shopping bug. Happy shopping!



4. This book is basically just a list of resale stores in some bigger cities. The same information could be obtained in twenty minutes with some basic research.



5. This book is fabulous. Not only does it explore (and I use the word "explore" because these listings go way beyond mere addresses and phone numbers) about 500 vintage and contemporary designer resale stores all over the U.S., Canada and Online, but with the information offered on each store (what kind of merchandise is carried, price range, return policy, store owner's personal collections, description of the store itself, etc.), I feel much more confident about shopping for my newest passion, vintage clothing (almost like the authors are holding my hand and walking me thru). I also found the section that describes designers from the '20s to the '80s, along with an explanation of what was going on the world during those times, fascinating. The glossary of fashion terms is also helpful, and I loved the listings of vintage expos all over the U.S. The quotes from costume designers, and learning about vintage pieces worn by Hollywood celebrities, is definately a fun bonus. Bravo!

5 comments about Red Badge of Courage (Great Illustrated Classics).

1. 
   What can one truly say about an American Classic. It would be presumptuous on my part, at the very least, to analyze Mr. Crane's masterpiece after so many literary giants have already poked and prodded this novel of youth and war to ad nauseam. As a young boy in the early 1950s, I first read this novel and enjoyed the superficial battle narratives. Later as a college student in the 1960s, I again was treated to an analysis of this great work by a distinguished university professor. Needless to say he dug deep into the meaning of this and that and what Mr. Crane was "really" saying. Academia arrogance always amuses me. As I grew older, and not necessarily wiser, I grew to enjoy reading about the American Civil War more and more. Today in my 60s I guess you could say I am a Civil War buff as I have read about and visited most civil war battlefields and sites. The one thing that keeps coming back, and to me grows more interesting with each passing year, is the life and views of the common soldier. When the smoke clears away, and the generals have gone, it is the essence of the common soldier that remains. It is he, or she, that was the spirit of the battles. In this light Mr. Crane captured that elusive spirit.
   Today, I periodically reread The Red Badge of Courage to feel and taste what those common soldiers saw and felt. Although Mr. Crane did not actually serve in the Civil War, he was not born until 1871, his narrative nevertheless captures the flavor of those horrific times.
   It is a simple book about a young boy growing up during a terrible war. As the pure, innocent young boy leaves his mom and trudges off to find glory in war, he soon discovers that war is anything but glory. It is dirty, messy, bloody, lonely, and at times, most times, terrifying. He must confront his demons as the guns roar and find out who he really is. During his first encounter of battle, the boy simply runs away terrified. He agonizes over his cowardice. He longs to return to his unit but is afraid of what his mates will think of his running away. Then he is struck in the head by a rifle from another soldier and realizes he can return and claim a battle injury. So he returns and is hailed a hero. In his heart he sadly knows the truth and during a second battle redeems himself in glory. The story concludes with his realization that there is no glory in war or death and sadness. Despite this he rejoices to be among his comrades.
   A simple story that brings home the horrors of war and the truth of glory. Again, an American classic and a must read.



2. Crane has a weird, impressionist writing style showing the battle fields of the American Civil War as seen through the eyes of Pvt. Henry Flemming. Unlike all the other editions, Crane's story is fully restored here in this W. W. NORTON edition, republished for the first time since 1889, with Crane's complete exploration of why a person acts courageously in war. This is the only edition of the complete novel before editors got their hands on it.



3. Don't be deceived by this book's length - although The Red Badge of Courage is a short book (written by Stephen Crane in ten days), the depth it goes into easily surpasses novels of greater lengths. Crane fills this novel with ironies and color symbolisms throughout the course of the war, which can be easily overlooked. At 129 pages, this novel covers young Henry Fleming's enlistment, training, desertion, and three days of battle. Despite the short span of time the book records, it depicts Henry entering the war as a naïve young man who later matures into a brave soldier. This goes to say that one of the book's major topics includes the coming of age. All young recruits seek to emerge as men at the end of war, but later realize that the war is not the glorious affair described in Greek mythology. Although only Henry's thoughts are known, it is heavily implied in the book that other young soldiers are having conflicted feelings just like him. This in turn contributes to shaping the novel's focus more on the psychology of war than the history.
   The novel is a chronologically organized series of episodes as seen through Henry's eyes; although the 304th regiment was fabricated, the battle described in the novel is the real-life Battle of Chancellorsville. . By keeping the characters nameless, Crane universalizes the novel and makes the lessons applicable to any person at any given situation. Although the war is implied to be the Civil War, it is never mentioned in order to achieve the same purpose of promoting the novel's universality.
   Overall, the book does a so-so job at keeping the reader's interest at bay. Although events are fast-paced, the novel itself is not a page-turner - there is just never enough to capture the readers' attention. To me, Crane's technique of not using names is frustrating at times to remember who is who. If you are seeking for an exciting read, look elsewhere.



4. The book was in good condition and well wrapped but was so late arriving it was a bit ridiculous.



5. The Red Badge of Courage is told through the perspective of a young man from the North named Henry Fleming or "the youth" as Crane calls him often. Reluctantly sent on his way from a small farm in the North, Henry excitedly signs up for the army and is eager to fight his first battle against the South. Henry finds out a lot about himself and matures quite a bit from the first battle. During the first battle, Henry flees the fight and is ashamed of himself for a while. Henry then gathers up the strength to once again give it his all, this time heroically undertaking a great role of leadership in the final battle that would indeed earn him the "Red Badge of Courage".
   
   I liked this book for a few reasons. For one, it's so nice to actually see a character develop and have very human flaws as Henry did and go to possible redemption at the end. In addition, the novel as others have said is a short, but surprisingly accurate depiction of war and not just a rosy outlook in which the main character is flawless from start to finish as well as the war in general for the North. Lastly, the length makes it a very enjoyable novel that you can finish in a day or so.
   
   For having never read the book in school, I definitely would recommend this to anyone who has done the same.

No comments about Collector's Guide to Postwar Lionel Trains, 1945-1969 (Collector's Guide).

2 comments about Elizabethan Costumes Paper Dolls (History of Costume).

1. This paper doll set was purchased by me for my collection, and it has definitely filled it's purpose. I enjoyed it immensely, and even my sister liked it. We both found it in great likeness to the movie, "Shakespeare In Love" and although that's a bit far fetched, it was a great set anyway. The costumes are very well researched and were a delight for me to have.



2. The illustrations in this book once again demonstrate Tom Tieney's knack for making complicated historical costumes understandable and accessible. Most of these beautifully detailed costumes are taken from famous portraits. Mr. Tierney always gets the lines and important details correct. There is some amazing and subtle detail in the brocades and lace fabrics shown, and it could not have been an easy job to render or print. Excellent reference for dolls or historical costume.

4 comments about English Transferware: Popular 20th Century Patterns.

1. English transferware holds flower and scenery patterns which look like Blue Willow: usually one-color, they can be multi-color scenes imprinted on plats, dishes, cups and saucers. ENGLISH TRANSFERWARE: POPULAR 20TH CENTURY PATTERNS surveys all the 20th century patterns and includes a price guide, offering color photos throughout to accompany gorgeous, well-detailed photos and notes on makers, marks, and more. Any who collect English pottery must have ENGLISH TRANSFERWARE is a basic reference.



2. 
   I admit I'm used to Coysh & Henrywood's style of books on Staffordshire pottery, but I wanted a reference on modern Staffordshire. When I first opened the book, flipped through the attractive pages of photographs, noting which patterns were listed. I'm familiar with 20th century Staffordshire so it was like seeing old friends -- then a pattern and manufacturer which didn't match. There it was on page 68 --in bold letters: Liberty Blue --Royal Staffordshire.
   
   Royal Staffordshire, which did some very nice work over the years, did not make Liberty Blue. LB was produced by Enoch Wedgwood. Not the wonderful firm founded in mid 1700s by Josiah Wedgwood that we know and love, but one started many years later by Enoch, a distant cousin. Enoch Wedgwood's quality was miles from Josiah Wedgwood's, and for that matter, from Royal Staffordshire's.
   
   Also spotted some confusion about genealogy of the Woods potteries, but compared to Liberty Blue, it's minor. However added to the LB fiasco, there's enough to make me wonder about accuracy of reporting of other patterns.



3. I have purchased two copies of this book. One for myself and one for a family member. It is very informative and deals with a number of transferware patterns.



4. I checked this book out from the library before I bought it. I bought this book for my Gramie for her 73rd birthday. And to get free shipping I bought a second copy for myself. I love it!! The pictures are great, the price guides seem to be in line for what I've seen online and around antique shops. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys transferware.

4 comments about The Complete Guide to Lincoln Cents.

1. When I read this book I came to my cents. Yes I did. And you will too. It covers the history of low-self esteem that has plagued the penny ever since inflation made it worthless.



2. This is a wonderful guide to the history, production, and collecting of Lincoln cents. The date/mintmark analysis is particularly useful for consultation everytime I purchase one of these coins. I found no faults whatsoever with this book.



3. This book has letters between Brenner, Barber, Leach (Director) and others and the details about Brenner and how the Lincoln cent came about. And Brenner is not his real name. It also has letters from President Roosevelt and letters from Brenner to his mother.
   
   Very interesting reading and it goes into some details of each cent minted up to 1995. Plus error cents, counterfeit and altered coins, grading, design changes, pattern and experimental coins, etc.
   
   The book is quite large in size too. It measures 8.5" w x 11" t x almost an inch thick. And it is 364 pages long. The book was published in 2005, so it is a shame it doesn't go into cents past 1995, but overall a nice and interesting read. The only reason why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is that they didn't go into Lincoln cents past 1995 and they should have.



4. This book is just what I wanted. I went to my local Borders and compared the price to Amazon. Amazon is always cheaper, and I was lucky enough to get free shipping. The book does a great job but the last coin reviewed is the 1995. It states that there has not been any varieties found, however, there has. So This is a great book to help you go through your penny collection and I recommend reading up on how to prevent buying a counterfit; especially when going for the keys and semi-keys in the series. Overall, great book for your library, however, I am looking for a newer book that would cover the entire series. The series may end in 2009, but "buy the book before you buy the coin."

3 comments about Mexican Popular Art: Clothing and Dolls.

1. What an incrediably wonderful book. The collection of dolls she has and the inforamtion on the dolls and textiles is unbieveable. I have never come across a Mexican book with so much information and still a pleasure to read. My girls just love going thru and looking at all the pictures, which in turn makes them want to read about the picture. Thank you so much for such a great book.



2. I was already a collector of Mexican folk art when I read this book, but the book was so well done, interesting and full of new information for me that I immediately started collecting old Mexican cloth dolls. Besides being of interest for all doll collectors and Mexican folk art collectors, I know of no other book with such good information regarding the names of the clothing styles and where they come from in Mexico. With this information, I was able to label many of my Mexican textiles more accurately. Anyone who loves Mexico, Mexican art and culture, its history and people will love this book. I can't wait until Wendy's next book comes out!



3. Several hundred beautiful photos tell the story of our friends south of the border. I had Mexican dolls when I was a young girl growing up in Minnesota. They were a gift from my Aunt who lived in California. This book has allowed me to revisit those special memories. But I was pleasantly surprised it is so much more. It is an interesting blend of history and geography but the colorful photos make it a great coffee table book too. I am so excited about it I have already purchased several additional copies as Christmas gifts for friends and family.

1 comments about Rifles of the World.

1. This book makes for excellent reference material for those thinking of investing in a great rifle or simply enthusiastic about the art of rifles today.Exhaustive gun list covering most commercial rifles of today and yesterday without wasting too many pages on worthless ballistic charts.Highly recommended reference for hunters,competitive shooters,collectors or simply gun enthusiasts.