2 comments about Quilts: The Fabric of Friendship (Schiffer Book for Designers and Collectors).

1. This is a beautiful book with wonderful pictures and text. It is "one of the best" new books on the market. The pictures show lovely old quilts--some are old patterns that a person will recognize and some a fascinating combination that will be new to most quilters. Definitely a book worth owning!



2. This book contains more photographs of antique quilts than any other book pertaining to the various quilt documentation projects, with just the right amount of text. WELL DONE in every way!

1 comments about Kevin Coates: A Hidden Alchemy - Goldsmithing: Jewels and Tablepieces.

1. This long-awaited book features all of the work produced to this date by the brilliant contemporary British artist Kevin Coates. Informative essays by Roy Strong, among others, gives us tremendous insight into the technique and imagination of this artist, unique among living goldsmith/sculptors. Although a highly intellectual presentation, this book is also a must have for any individual or curator interested in the work of outstanding goldsmiths of our era. Both a traditionalist in technique and a visionary artist, Coates marries the symbols of the past with modern creations of his own seemingly boundless imagination. Extraordinary photographs throughout.

No comments about Shaker Furniture: A Craftsman's Journal.

4 comments about Who Goes There?: 1950'S Horror & Sci-Fi Movie Posters & Lobby Cards.

1. A collection of movie posters for the well-remembered science
   fiction films of 1950 - 1964? And sets of lobby cards to
   sweeten the pot? Well, the problem is that most of the
   science fiction films from this period were ultra-low budget,
   which translates as to "no money for art for posters," and
   "no colorizing of stills used as lobby cards." And that
   translates further to, "of very little visual interest."

   Not that there are not some good posters, but the good ones
   are all familiar. THE THING (7) features giant letters carved
   apparently out of gobbets of raw flesh! INVASION OF THE BODY
   SNATCHERS (38) features tiny images of running pairs of
   people on a half-red, half-yellow background with a
   superimposed hand print. The beautifully painted poster for
   ATTACK OF THE 50 FOOT WOMAN is not only a fine portrait of the
   sultry Allison Hayes, but depicts the largest "squirrel shot"
   in the history of urban civilization! But you've seen 'em.

   There is so little of real interest here that you'll find
   yourself killing time by counting the number of posters that
   feature monsters or robots carrying girls in a scandalous state
   of undress. Having done that you may find yourself reduced
   to looking for posters in which the monsters or robots carry
   (or sort of brandish!) boys and adult males (all fully clothed,
   I am happy to say).

   If none of this sounds appealing, I suggest you save your money,
   and I wish that I had.




2. I guess the other reviewer has no concept of art, or probably has no idea these posters are worth thousands of dollars each, at least. If you don't believe me, check out the author's background, as he used to run Christies auctions, as well as his own eBay auctions, to the tune of a lot of money since 1989. So, if you're a movie buff, have an appreciation for this art, and can afford it, then great! If not, go whine somewhere else!



3. I used this book for a slightly different use: I cut out the pictures to use for decoupaging a table. It served its purpose excellently as the pictures were just the right size. My one complaint is that there were too many instances in which the same movie had quite a few posters, each one looking just barely different.



4. All of Bruce Hershenon's books are worth a dozen times what he sells them for; flawless, stunning reproductions of great movie posters. Buy them ALL!
   
   The one star setback is the tininess of the lobby cards; they deserved better treatment.

2 comments about Collecting Disneyana: Identification & Value Guide (Identification & Values (Collector Books)).

1. David Longest's COLLECTING DISNEYANA: IDENTIFICATION & VALUE GUIDE will prove an exciting, popular pick for any library catering to Disney collectors. Color photos pack a survey of early to later Disney items, from films and books to figurines, packing in notes on collectible items and their prices.



2. Let me start right off by saying that "Collecting Disneyana" is by no means a definitive guide on the hobby. Such a book, in one existed, would have to be beyond massive. There has been so much Disney merchandise produced over the past 80 plus years that it would be an impossible feat to catalog it all. Disney was a company who was at the forefront of marketing its characters and as such, there is simply a voluminous amount of material out there. What the book does do very effectively is give a sampling of Disneyana from the past eight decades although its main thrust is with the Golden Age of Disney from the 1930's.
   
   Geared towards the novice or intermediate collector, even long time fans and collectors will find a lot to enjoy in the book, beginning with the hundreds of brilliant, full color photos of rare Disney collectibles. In today's era where things tend to be overly merchandised, you get a good idea of just how popular Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and the rest of the characters were back in the 30's. Their images could be seen everywhere...toys, books, salt & pepper shakers, figurines, radios, even on packaging for Noma Christmas lights.
   
   The first 115 pages of the 240 page book are dedicated to these early years. Now this not a typical price guide listing. This isn't about long pages of tiny, hard to read text. There are typically three to five pictures per page and pricing information is provided for each item shown. These include the manufacturer and year (if known) and the value range. The items are enough to make the most seasoned collector drool...there's a Lionel Circus Train, a Mickey bandleader doll by Knickerbocker, a Disney windup balloon vendor toy, and some of the earliest Mickey Mouse watches.
   
   The next chapter deals with characters other than the usual suspects. These include items that bare the image of Oswald the Rabbit, Ferdinand the Bull, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, and others.
   
   The final two chapters cover the television years of the 40's through the 60's and a look at modern Disney collectibles. Perhaps the most valuable part of the book, at least for new collectors, is the collector's guide, which contains valuable information about buying, selling, and collecting Disneyana. There's great stuff about how best to store your items, buying on the Internet, and more.
   
   WRITTEN BY TIM JANSON

1 comments about PCM's Guide to Gas Pump Restoration.

1. Benjamin and Henderson have authored a well respected series of books about gas station memorabilia and history. They also publish the magazine Petroleum Collectibles Monthly. This book has step-by-step illustrations of visible glass cylinder lever action, clockface meter and electric computing gas pumps. The over 1000 pictures of paint schemes show how different gasoline brands and grades were two toned, colors used and where signs or decals were placed. Restoring your pump correctly in a professional way enhances the value of your investment. See more info at Oldgas.com

No comments about Early Developments of Modern Aerodynamics.

2 comments about Miao Textiles from China (Fabric Folios).

1. This is a thorough examination of these very-detailed textiles and the people who make them. I'm thrilled with this little 'gem' of a book! Thanks!!



2. This would be a very beautiful book at any price, but Amazon's price on it is a real bargain. This 85-page folio has over 100 high quality photographs taken of textiles that are currently part of the British Museum's collection. Gina Corrigan, the book's author, has been leading study groups to China since 1973 and has a special interest in collecting and researching traditional Miao textiles, which are rapidly disappearing as China marches toward modern economic development. Corrigan has collected many of these fine craft textiles and transferred them to the British Museum.
   
   The book begins with a brief introduction to the history of the Miao people that describes the weaving, dyeing, batik, embroidery, applique and other processes used to create the stunning traditional costumes they wear. This is followed by detailed photographs of whole garments and closeups of their decorations accompanied by descriptions of the techniques used to produce them. The garments are highly original and come very close to being individual works of arts.
   
   Highly recommended for anyone interested in the textile arts.

5 comments about Tomart's Price Guide to Tin Litho Doll Houses and Plastic Doll House Furniture.

1. Mary Brett has written the Bibile of Tin Litho houses. Excellent pictures of the houses detail their interiors, exteriors and the furniture needed to make them cosy little homes. All major producers are covered, Marx, Cohn, Wolverine to mention just a few. Ms. Brett also includes a section on the more unusual items, such as the rare and unique Friendly Folks Motel. Better buy two copies, this book is destined to become dog-earred and worn before very long.



2. I purchased three books on tin toys and dollhouses, and this one was the best by far to help me evaluate some tin/metal doll houses I was buying.

   The book sections are by the doll house maker, with excellent photographs that help identify them, and estimated years that they were sold.

   In addition there are photographs of the furniture that you would typically find in these houses. This helps alot if you have just purchased an empty doll house, and you want to furnish it with vintage items of the correct size and type.

   Simply an excellent reference book for tin doll house collectors or just old-timers wanting a bit of nostalgia :)




3. This is a wonderful reference quide for baby boomers who want to collect dollhouses and furniture! What great memories this book brought back. I found doll houses and furniture I once had and some of the models my cousins and friends had in the 1950's! This is a trip down memory lane and the price is great for this publication. Amazon delivers quickly, too!



4. Great reference book for collector of 40's and 50's plastic doll house furniture. Copyright in 1997 makes pricing guide a tad out of date . . . nevertheless a good starting reference price range. Great photos. Interesting information on producing companies.



5. I was very satisfied with Amazon. My book was packaged extremely well so that the pages wouldn't get messed up. I was surprised at how fast I received it too.

5 comments about Collectors Encyclopedia of Limoges Porcelain (Collector's Encyclopedia of Limoges Porcelain).

1. Mary Frank Gaston wrote the foreword to Debby Dubay's Antique Limoges at Home and the introduction to Collecting Hand Painted Limoges Porcelain and I'm thrilled. Two experts collaborating to give collectors all of the info they require to collect successfully. Please write a book together.



2. I purchase books online based on the reviews so lets be honest. Debby DuBay's book Antique Limoges at Home is the book to purchase. Gaston's book has terrible photographs & just can not compare to DuBay's books.



3. If you collect Limoges Porcelain this is an excellent reference book, with a large section on marks and their dates. The colour pictures identify many patterns, along with a detailed section on manufacturers and a history of Limoges porcelain.



4. Purchased this book as a gift for my wife, who has some Limoges dinnerware. She loved the book and has been able to identify much of her collection with its help.



5. This is a very thorough history of Limoges. I did not find the pattern that I inherited, but after reading the book, I now understand why there are an amazing number of patterns.