5 comments about Levine's Guide to Knives and Their Values (Serial).

1. Maybe calling this the "stripped down for racing version" would have been more appropriate. It certainly isn't the family station wagon, full of Knife Information, that it was before Krause slashed all the pertinent data out of it. The 5th Edition is a classic case of creating a new version just for the sake of sales. That may not have been so bad, except they removed much important data which knife collectors use to identify and collect knives. Then, to make it appear they had changed it, they added superflous "bloatware," in an effort to make it look different. If Levine's 4th Edition didn't exist, it would be better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick, but you can still get the 4th Edition so that option can be avoided. One of the major facinations of old knives is their level of handmade quality. The historical record tells us that newer is not always better.



2. I'm not a publisher, but I bet I could compile a better book than this. I feel like I've wasted my money. The book is incomplete, hard to index and the pictures are shoddy. What more needs to be said?



3. Publishing has sunk to a new low with this edition. Levine had nothing to do with it, and the publisher hired some dealer to give prices made from thin air. Save your money and buy the 4th edition again. The 4th edition remains the standard in the hobby.



4. Krause asked me to update specific articles in Levine's Guide #5 by employing the SAME WRITERS Bernard used. Krause removed some material from some of the other articles. They also added 16 or so pages to the book, and told me what they wanted. Again, I used some of Bernard's writers, and a couple noted collectors suggested by some manufacturers. If Bernard's writers are so bad, why did HE employ them? Bernard later bad-mouthed me in Knife World regarding this book. I contacted Mr. Houston Price, the publisher and friend of mine, noting this wasn't a very smart move (lawsuits?), and Price sent me a later copy of Knife World with a written retraction by Bernard. To this day, Bernard will not speak to me even though we see one another maybe 10 times a year, almost face-to-face. But, that's his right. Most who have savaged Book 5 have a right to do so. I do feel they should know what they are speaking about first. Bud



5. I have the "extensively revised 4th edition" and I really like it...Pretty much covers everything in knife collecting..Lots of charts, diagrams, pictures, references, etc.....I liked the section on American Indian trade knives....Well worth the money...."A knowledgeable buyer to a knowledgeable seller in an unpressured transaction."...Damn skippy!!!!...The section on Knives as an Investment was interesting as well...This would make a great companion to Knifemakers Of Old San Francisco...No mention of READ THE KNIFE though.....

No comments about Castellani and Italian Archaeological Jewelry (Bard Graduate Centre for Studies in the Decorative Arts, Design & Culture).

2 comments about Antique Trader Jewelry Price Guide.

1. Brand new book featuring 304 pages with 400 nice black and white photos and a 16 page full color section. There is a useful introductory section describing the collectible. Each item description is quite detailed to help identify specific jewelry items. Major topics range from Antique (1800 to 1920) to Modern (1920 to 1960's). It is a very complete up-to-date guide that will be of interest and value to jewelry collectors.



2. Antique Trader Jewelry Price Guide is a reference book featuring thousands of listings and hundreds of photos of jewelry of all styles. Featuring detailed overviews of every major type of jewelry produced in the past 200 years, Antique Trader Jewelry Price Guide is divided into four major sections, each relating to a different form of jewelry: Antique (1800-1920), Costume, Modern (1920-1960s), and Watches. Each jewelry listing has a short, clipped but descriptive listing and a price, often with a black-and-white photograph for additional clarity. There is also a limited selection of color photographs. Economical, practical, and easy to use, Antique Trader Jewelry Price Guide is a staple reference for any auctioneer, collector, or dealer in jewelry from the past two centuries. It is also an invaluable reference for theatrical costumers and historical fiction writers seeking detailed authenticity for their projects.

5 comments about Elizabeth: The Struggle for the Throne.

1. Excellently written biography. What makes it more attractive is the fact that the author leaves lots of dates behind, a practice rather unusual for historic books. Instead he focuses on the causes that paved the way for her throne. David Starkey boosts the art of bio writing to a literature level. His sentences are so beautifully crafted that you reread some passages anew, e.g. " ...the Spanish King unleashed his ambassador". His descriptions of the old royal castle decors make you feel you're there. His descriptions of royal food make your mouth watering. His descriptions of Elizabeth make you wish you were born at those times. Having read this book I fell in love with the title hero to such an extent that I hung a big replica of her portrait in my room.
   Miros / Poland



2. Elizabeth the struggle for the throne reads like an engrossing suspense novel. Starkey is the perfect literary tour guide for this eloquent biography about a woman's ascension to power. Starkey begins his tale with Elizabeth's birth, giving the reader a grand introduction to Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII. Henry would play an intricate part in shaping Elizabeth's strong willed personality.
   Elizabeth, witnessing Henry's no nonsense approach to courtly conducted would later administer many of his methods since she inherited many of his distinguishing qualities. Of course, opinions very on whether this was a asset or a liability. Many historians would later refer to the Elizabethan era as the golden-age of England.
   What will infatuate most readers is Starkey's exploration and treatment of Mary Tudor (who is my favorite historical figure). His picturesque approach to Mary is delightful. Most English historical literature perceives Mary Tudor as an evil vindictive individual. This is far from the truth. Mary was an indecisive, timid ruler who was unloved. Her husband Prince Philip of Spain along with the Catholic Church, Bishop Gardiner, Cardinal Pole, and Lord William Paget were the ones pulling all the strings behind the throne. Also, Emperor Charles V played a large part in Mary's decision making.
   Insofar as Mary's relationship with Elizabeth was concerned, all was not well, especially when Henry VIII disowned Mary making her a bastard after he annulled his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. This manouevre would later cause envious feeling to proliferate toward Elizabeth, furthermore, religion became a factor since Mary was a loyalist to the Catholic Church.
   This book is chalked full of surprises: the executions of Lady Jane Grey and John Dudley (the Duke of Norththumberland), Sir Thomas Wyatt's Revolt, the Protestant Reformations, Elizabeth's salacious liaison with Thomas Seymour and many more exciting developments that one can't help but mused over. In a nutshell, this was one of the most enjoyable reads I ever had. This book is a pleasure to behold.



3. This is one of the most interesting books about Elizabeth I in years. Her actual reign in fairly well documented, but why did she approach issues the way she did (e.g., religious tolerance, possible marriage, etc.)? David Starkey, who frankly confesses that she fascinates him, has found in many diverse sources the threads that made up the adult woman who was queen. His analysis of the events and people who shaped her character and personality is gripping reading.
   
   This book also is an excellent foil to Antonia Fraser's classic biograph of Mary Stuart, Elizabeth's contemporary and Catholic rival for the throne of England (starting with the attempts of her de Guise uncles, when she was a young widow, to teach her sufficient statecraft to rule Scotland). The contrast between the two women, from their personalities to their mindsets to their approaches to governance, is startling to say the least.



4. This is a nice introduction to Elizabeth. It is easy to read, moves along nicely, interesting and enjoyable to read. Nice color plates, as well.



5. her mother was murder by her father ,she was called the whore's [...].you would think she didn't have a chance to becom queen.but elizabeth amazing strenght of character and keeping her head got her through until she finally reach the hieght of queen of england.she survive to become england greatest queen,that turn her country world power.

3 comments about Knives 2005: The World's Greatest Knife Book (Knives).

1. Well,not really but I was disappointed with the advertising inserts in this year's issue. It detracts from the overall usefulness of the book. The Knives series are reference manuals in my opinion and the semigloss Junglee insert and the "Marketplace" advertisement was a bore.

   The B&W photos of the knives are nice as usual and even with a new editor (Joe Kertzman) at the helm the book still seems to retain a lot of Ken Warner's flavor.

   This year's articles are interesting though not as much as last years issue. I particulary liked the article by Mastersmith/Wordsmith Ed Fowler. Man, does that guy know how to write about knives. He can make 'em, too! It is nice to see Bernard Levine and Butch Winter back again this year.

   The Trends section placement of photos are A1. There are some stunning knives there like Jerry Fisk's damascus bowie and Tom Johanning's survival knife. How do these guys do it? There were many other great knives there. Too many to list, though. Check out the pocketknife section. I would love to own anyone of them. Dan Burke's work is just out of this world as is Richard Rogers.

   The factory trends section is very good this year with a nice variety. Some excellent knives there also like the Benchmade Mel Pardue Axis lock and the reemergence of the Marbles knife co. Missing in my opinion is the knife/bargain of the year. The MicroTech LCC design by Greg Lightfoot--an exception tactical knife built like a tank and priced most folks can afford.

   The directory gets bigger and bigger each year and I like that. The Knives series books are the first I turn to when I am checking out a new maker. The directory includes a state-by-state listing along with the alphabetical listing, a knife photo index (smart move) and a plethora of other specialist ranging from sheathmakers to engravers and etchers.

   Knives 2001 is the number one knife reference book to have this year. Overall I am really pleased with it and each year seems to get a little bit better sans the advertising pitch.

   I highly recommend this book. A must for any knife nut! :-)




2. This book is part of a series of books that has been coming out now for many years. They consist of an article section, a trends in cutlery section (with lots of artfully done photos, and a directory section of the cutlery collectible trade and custom makers, etc. I have the whole run and look at them now and again for reference.



3. This outstanding showcase of new 2003 custom blades features a brand new eight page color section to accompany over 1,000 black and white photos and an in-depth history covering knives and their custom designs. From scrimshaw and ancient steels to a directory of knifemakers and suppliers, Knives 2003 comes packed cover to cover with invaluable information, in-depth history and detail.

5 comments about Panic.

1. Evan Casher finds out the hard way his parents are spies. He finds his mother murdered and there's a noose around his neck. And that's just the beginning. This book has more excitement than a trip through the Grand Canyon at a hundred miles an hour, but unfortunately, the book goes off course a few times. Evan learns his girlfriend has set him up, but he trusts her still. And that's part of the problem, the good guys and bad guys switch hats so many times, it's hard to tell them apart. Evan seems a bit gullible and whenever he gets in trouble, he seems to grab a friendly hacker or drug lord for assistance. The plot is good, but is hard to sustain. It took me several sessions to finish the book, because I put it down every time it's credibility suffered. Still, it's better than many of the genre.



2. I decided to read the book based on the plot and though I think the book has some great scenes and is very fast paced at times, it is also a bit unbelievable. Evan Casher, a documentary film director, finds his world turned upside down after he finds his mother murdered in her home.
   
   The problem? Evan Casher is not a spy. He's not CIA, FBI, KGB, etc...His career is filmwork. Suddenly, he's smarter than top rogue CIA agents and is able to outwit them at every turn. Abbott is a good writer and I enjoyed the book, but the main character was just too unbelievable in his ability to deal with the underworld of spies and of particularly tough/vengeful agents.



3. I really enjoyed this book. Panic is not the most realistic adventure ever written but if it was real Evan would be dead in the first few chapters as would his girlfriend Carrie, we would never have even got to the fetched reptile scenes (I don't believe in spoilers so I'm not giving away this scene but those who have read the book know what I'm talking about, entertaining and good for Hollywood but in real life there would be human death). Granted some really great thrillers are so scary thrill wise because you believe what is going on could happen to you but some unrealistic ones are great reads too because they are just well written fun adventures.
   
   In Panic Evan Casher is a young award winning documentary filmmaker. He has a beautiful girlfriend, lots of money, yeah life's pretty good so when his mum rings him and tells him he must come see her immediately he drops everything to do so. When he walks in the door he finds her corpse on the floor and before he can work out what is going on is being strangled himself. A weird bald man with farfetched fighting skills saves his life but the bald guy seems just as dangerous as the two who were killing him so Evan decides to escape and call the cops. Soon Evan learns his parents weren't the nice honest working people they claimed to be, the bald man is back and Evan knows if he is to get his life back with his girlfriend he has to track down his father and work out what this file everyone seems to want which his mother e-mailed him contained.
   
   I'll definitely check out other Abbott books. If you liked Panic also check out Harlan Coben's stand alone storyline novels.



4. An intelligent read with a plausible story...it's always a plus if you can actually believe the plot. Sometimes with the kind of thriller (book or film) where the main character doesn't know where to turn, I find myself getting frustrated as they continually make the wrong decisions but that doesn't happen here.
   
   Evan is thrown into confusion when his mother is murdered and he very nearly suffers the same fate. The author successfully portrays Evan's confusion at not knowing who to trust...when the people closest to you don't appear to have been who you thought they were and your life is in serious danger, how do you decide who to believe?
   
   I liked the characters, and I also liked the fact that the author wasn't afraid to dispense with some of the good guys along the way.



5. I read the negative reviews of this book, but the optimist in me thought the book can't be that bad. After all, the book was recommended by Harlan Coben and Lee Child, the author has had other books published and the plot sounded promising: Evan Casher receives an urgent phone call from his mother summoning him home. When he gets there, he finds her murdered and a hitman lying in wait for him. Then he realizes that his entire life has been a lie and that he is in terrible danger.
   
   Sadly, the premise is about the only thing going for this book. It just goes to show that writing decent thrillers is harder than it looks. It requires more than simply keeping the action going. You need to have a plot that makes at least partial sense and which is credible enough to allow the reader to suspend disbelief. You need to have some sympathy for the lead character and give the other characters reasons to be there. You need to build up the tension so that the reader wants to keep reading. None of those elements are there in "Panic".
   
   It felt like Jeff Abbott had dissected some Harlan Coben novels and thought: "Right, I need a hero who finds out that his life is based on a lie. I'll give him a girlfriend with a mysterious secret and throw in an uber bad guy who wants something from him. I'll make sure he doesn't know who he can trust. That'll work!" And maybe in a ten page synopsis to the publisher, it did. But what eventuates is a convoluted mess that feels extremely formulaic, where plot "twists" are so predictable that the only suspense is in guessing how many pages it will take until they are revealed. I don't recommend this book at all.

5 comments about The Smuggler's Treasure (American Girl History Mysteries).

1. An archetypal prince-to-pauper story, The Smuggler's Treasure acquaints the 10-years-and-older reader with a child protagonist whose financial and emotional security change drastically upon the British capture of her father. Opening with Elisabet voyaging toward New Orleans from New England, the book details not only geographical and historical elements of America in 1814, but throws the protagonist into the discomfort of working as a commoner in her aunt's bakery after living the life of a high-society Northerner. Strangely, the novel rushes Elisabet into quick acceptance of her new financial status after a few token days of refusing to give up wearing her thick, hot, woolen dresses of the North. Soon, the heat takes its toll and Elisabet symbolically attires herself in the thin cottons of the South, and immediately the culture shock and grief disappear-just in time for the author to highlight the adventure of pirates, clues, and treasure. Although unrealistic in its character portrayal, and in its speed in tidying away the parental crisis, the book does effectively engage the reader (juvenile or adult) due to the fast plot movement, tantalizing swamp adventure, and the hovering danger.
   As the first in Pleasant Company's History Mystery Series, The Smuggler's Treasure serves to entice young readers thriving on excitement. The publishers picked well when selecting it as the heralding book of the series since The Smuggler's Treasure far excels over the rest in the series due to the provocative excitement of Elisabet's struggle against Pirates and her independent ransoming for the freedom of her father.
   Sure to be a positive factor with parents, teachers, and librarians, the book's historical "Looking Back" end-section provides accurate photographs, drawings, and facts about Louisiana, the War of 1812, and Pirate Smugglers. Historical documentation provides a framework for the interested child to weigh the difference between fact and fiction and allows teachers an accessible way to frame discussions on history.
   The black ink engravings heading each chapter complement the historical nature of the book while the painterly, color illustrations on the cover, frontispiece, and map attract the eyes due to the atmospheric, dramatic, diagonal compositions. It is, however, unfortunate that cover illustrator, Troy Howell, conveys the frightened, scrambling Elisabet with a zombie-like gaping mouth and staring, vacant eyes. If the reader can successfully look past the first cover-expression, and dive right into the intrigue, mystery, and fast-paced adventure of The Smuggler's Treasure, the boy or girl reader is guaranteed to close the book with renewed curiosity about the real-life drama of pirates and the contented satisfaction of an adventure well written.



2. The Smuggler's Treasure, Sarah Masters Buckey

   Elisabet Holder, is the main character in the novel, The Smuggler's Treasure. She is sent from Boston to New Orleans to live with Aunt, because her dad was captured by the British. This takes place in 1814, when America was fightening against the British. Elisabet forces herself to find the smuggled treasure to earn her dad's freedom. In my attention was grabbed right from the beginning. As the book progresses Elisabet realizes the treasure has been hidden in her own house. This book is a great book for people who like mysteries. I liked this book because every chapter has a mystery to it. I would recommend this book to girls.




3. 
   
   
   
   
   The book, The Smuggler's Treasure is a very good book. I love the characters, Elisabet Holder and Marie. Marie and Elisabet meet each other in the story and become good friends. They both go to New Orleans together because Marie works at a bakery store and Elisabet's Aunt wanted Elisabet to help Marie. Elisabet has no family but her Aunt and Uncle. This book is a really good book. What I really liked about this book was that the character Elisabet was very bright and intelligent. What I don't like about the story was when her uncle died.



4. This is another in the History Mystery series from American Girl, in which a young American girl is confronted by a mystery that will tax her resolve and her ability. This is the story of eleven-year-old Elisabet Holder, an eleven-year-old girl living in New Orleans in 1814. Her father had been impressed into the British Navy, stolen off his own ship, and when Elisabet learns that her uncle had died leaving behind a hidden treasure map, she begins looking for it, so that she can sell it and buy her father's freedom. But, there's someone else looking for the map, and Elisabet is walking into more trouble than she can imagine!
   
   The final chapter is a bit of a bonus, a look at life in America in 1814. This is an exciting story with everything that you could want - pirates, mystery, ghosts, and friendship. My fourteen-year-old daughter has been a fan of the American Girls stories for years, and both she and I greatly enjoyed this story. If you are looking for a great story for your American girl (or for any reader!), then this is the book for you. My daughter and I both highly recommend this book to you.



5. This is one of the best mysteries I have ever read!! It never had a dull moment. And it's great because you learn about some of the history of our country while getting an entertaining read. I HIGHLY reccomend this book and other books in the American Girl series (especially the Addy books)!!

4 comments about Long, Hot Nights.

1. Candice Poarch presents with her second novel in the "Quest for the Golden Bowl" series. I give Ms. Poarch the highest respect for consistently providing her readers with quality works.
   
   Detective Alyssa Clayton gets the shock of her life as she is riding her motorcycle and discovers what she thinks are teens in the road making out. Imagine her surprise to discover that she has just stumbled onto a homicide scene and the victims are her cousin's husband and her best friend's sister.
   
   Alyssa switches into detective mode and proceeds to process the scene. All the while she is devastated because she has to deliver the news to her best friend and the rest of her family.
   
   Jordan Ellis is a very wealthy man who's sole interest is making a love connection with Alyssa. Alyssa is attracted to Jordan as well, but her loyalties lie with someone else.
   
   Unfortunately for that someone else, Alyssa and Jordan share a passion filled night while out on the camp grounds, leaving Jordan fighting everyone and everything to make it more than a one night stand.
   
   Reviewed by E. Terrelle, Black Butterfly Review



2. I was on the edge of my seat reading this book which is the 2nd installment to 'Quest for the Golden Bowl series'. There was so much action and drama that I could not stop reading until I found out who was doing all these murders and why. Detective Alyssa Claxton is caught up in the middle with trying to solve the murders and fighting her feelings for ladies man Jordan. He pursues who hard but finds that she is not like the other women that he wines, dines, beds and buys expensive things for and then drops. The storyline was morbid since the one responsible for the murders of the females likes to sleep with them after they are dead. It is even worse because he is a funeral director. This is a great drama filled story and I can hardly wait for the next installment to this series.



3. Alyssa Claxton is a no nonsense woman who can take charge of any situation. She doesn't need a man because they only cause heartache. Or does she? Her family and friends think she feels as if she doesn't need a man, but that is not true. Alyssa is really a romantic but doesn't want to show that vulnerable side of herself because she has been hurt too many times, and with her job she can't show any weakness. She is the only detective on Paradise Island. When her cousin's husband is murdered and found in a compromising position, she goes into full detective mode.
   
   Jordan Ellis is a wealthy businessman that has been after Alyssa for over 7 months. She does not have time for the "playboy" who just uses women for his benefit. But Jordan is determined to win Alyssa' s heart because she is different from any woman he has ever meet. As the case progresses, Jordan finds himself more involved with it and Alyssa. Can he help solve the case before the murderer strikes again as well as melt Alyssa's heart enough to let him in?
   
   Candice Poarch did an exceptional job with the character development in Long, Hot Nights. There are several secondary characters in this story, and she developed each one without the story becoming to verbose. There are also a number of subplots in the story. She is able to weave them all together so that you're able to follow along without being confused about what the story is actually about. From beginning to end, the story keeps you on pins and needles. It was one of those books that you have to continue reading to find out what's going to happen next. Candice Poarch did an excellent job of mixing the mystery and romance elements. Long, Hot Nights is a must read!!
   
   Reviewed by Tenecia
   for Urban Reviews



4. Small, idyllic Paradise Island, off the Virginia coast, has a history dating back to the 1600's, but the serenity of this remote island is under the throes of a double homicide.
   
   Detective Alyssa Claxton has always charted her course. She was taller than most of her friends, and the cruel jokes caused her to do things differently. At thirty, she is still a maverick, and is the island's lone detective. She has been in a platonic relationship with a childhood friend for several years, but recently, dreams of Jordan Ellis fill her nights, and those feelings are not platonic. One unplanned, yet unforgettable night, with Jordan, has made her life even more complex.
   
   Jordan, a self-made entrepreneur and island native, does not hide his feelings for Alyssa. After becoming a successful businessman, he has returned to Paradise to settle down. He has just put Plan A into motion when the murders occur. Alyssa is faced with major conflict of interest scenarios. The female victim, who was estranged from her husband, is the sister of Alyssa's best friend. The male victim is the husband of Alyssa's cousin and is Jordan Ellis' business partner. To complicate things, Alyssa's cousin returned a day earlier than expected from a business trip, and discovered her husband was cheating. Were these crimes of passion or random murders?
   
   LONG, HOT NIGHTS is a romantic mystery with all the necessary ingredients; remote location, jealous husband, estranged wife, cheating husband, unsuspecting wife, and a tough female detective. As the story unravels the hero and the heroine find themselves in a race against time. They have to uncover the mystery, control their passion, and capture the murderer before Paradise Island loses a third victim. Candice Poarch stirs the mind with this whodunit, the subtle clues are on-point, the suspects are diverse, the romance is sultry, and the message is clear; no location can escape the precipice of crime. This should keep readers on the edge of theirs seats.
   
   Reviewed by aNN
   of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

5 comments about The Star Wars Action Figure Archive.

1. The best part is that this is a REFERENCE BOOK, not a price guide. Thus, it contains tons of TIMELESS information, but no bogus or outdated prices. I recently ordered and read seven price guides and reference books dealing with vintage Star Wars figures (and numerous other collectible figures), and this is by far the best of the bunch. It shows a picture of every vintage figure from numerous angles, it shows numerous figure variations, it shows EVERY card variations for EVERY figure, and it identifies the weapons and accessories that originally came with each figure. It also shows all vintage play sets and mail in promotions (though unfortunately it does not provide quite as much information about these). It also does a nice job covering early POTF figures, and more recent figures from the mid to late 90s. And, EVERYTHING IS IN FULL COLOR ON HIGH QUALITY PAPER! If you're looking for a price guide, this is not the book for you. But, if you are looking for an outstanding reference book dealing with vintage Star Wars action figures, you will not be disappointed with this book. In fact, I actually ordered a second copy for myself in case my first one gets damaged with use!



2. John Ling and Steve Sansweet have outdone themselves. Being a fan and collector of the films and memorabilia of Star Wars for over 26 years, I was impressed by the attention to detail that was paid in this book. Or, as Darth Vader would say, "Impressive...most impressive." My area of collecting lies mainly with carded figures and this book has it all. I was also wowed by the many never before seen deleted scene images from the films that are showcased throughout this book. Too bad this book isn't in print anymore, but good for me I was able to get a copy!



3. I first purchased this book on another site in California. The book is on one island in Hawaii and I am on another island in Hawaii. So, I bought another one through Amazon. It is a wonderful source of information. I did however notice that there are some items of significant value and/or rarity that are not included. One such item is the Special Action Display that recently sold online for close to one thousand dollars. Perhaps the author of the book did not have the informamtion available at the time of publication.
   
   The first Star Wars Vintage Mailaway Display 1979
   
   The Star Wars Action Display Stand was first offered through a coupon redemption included with the first four (4) Early Bird Kit Action Figures:
   
   Luke Skywalker with Yellow Telescoping Lightsaber (very rare)
   
   Princess Leia Organa with White Vinyl Cape & Laser Pistol
   
   Chewbacca with Green Crossbow
   
   R2-D2
   
   The second time that it was offered on the back of Star Wars Action Figure Cardbacks. The offer stated:
   
   Star Wars Action Collectors Stand
   
   Display all 12 figures on this colorful galaxy stand. Sturdy plastic with action levers to move figures back and forth. Figures easily removeable for individual play. Send your name, address, zip code and proof-of-purchase seal (shown at right) from 2 Star Wars Action Figure packages alone with $2.00 to: Star Wars Action Collector Stand, P.O. Box 1313, One Industrial Drive, Maple Plain, MINN, 55348. Collectors Action Stand FREE with proof-or purchase from 12 STAR WARS Action Figures. Allow 8 - 10 weeks for delivery. Offer expires May, 1, 1979. Void where prohibited, taxed or otherwise regulated The third time it was offered boxed in toy departments and stores. The Stand came in a attractive box which showed all of the twelve (12) Action Figures that could be placed on it. The box that was shipped to individuals was just a plain white mailer.
   
   The Grey Display Stand came with a slot in the back of it for the cardboard backdrop which depicted the Death Star and a Space Battle between X-Wing Fighters & Tie Fighters. A thin adhesive strip was included for the front of the stand which instructed kids where to place their first twelve (12) figures:
   
   Stormtrooper
   
   Jawa
   
   Death Squad Commander
   
   See Threepio
   
   Darth Vader
   
   Ben Kenobi
   
   Sandpeople
   
   Luke Skywalker
   
   Chewbacca
   
   Han Solo
   
   Princess Leia
   
   Artoo Deetoo
   
   As for the promised action, each of the three (3) black levers in front turned the bases of the four (4) figures giving them at least limited movement. Each base had two (2) foot pegs to hold the Action Figures in place. I had a lot of fun putting my Stand together along with my older brother. The parts included in the box reminded us of Legos. Be sure to check out my other Reviews in regards to rare Vintage Star Wars action figures. One can still find this item either loose or still in the original box.
   
   The Special Action Display is the one rare item which is not covered in the book much to my amazement. The Star Wars Empire Strikes Back Special Action Display had the same thin black strip that one could place on the front with the exception that there were only the names of six characters on it which were:
   
   Luke Skywalker
   
   Princess Leia Organa
   
   Lando Calrissian
   
   Boosk the Bounty Hunter
   
   Stormtrooper
   
   FX-7 Medical Droid
   
   This item is very rare indeed and ranges in the $1,000.00 + range.
   
   
   I have studied the book intensively and find it useful. I am a collector of Star Wars items and find the Action Figures a wonderful way of reliving my youthful days and memories of Star Wars when they first appeared in the late 1970's. I cannot post my web address here but if you do a search on darthoz, one can find me on the internet. I do believe in sharing information. Amazon is a excellent resource to find items.
   
   darthoz november 2005



4. This book is a super resource for it has a lot of glossy pics which are highly detailed of the Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back, Returo of the Jedi and Power of the Force Action Figures as well as Star Wars Action Playsets and Spaceships. It is well worth the money and is easily divided into many sections.
   
   I use it all the time to find Vintage Star Wars items for gifts for Star Wars collectors. I strongly recommend it if you collect Star Wars or are going to in the future. I bought my book from Amazon and also, it is a great gift for any one who loves Star Wars.



5. This is the best Star Wars action figure guide ever published, period. I have been collecting STar Wars figures since 1977 and like this book so much that I have bought multiple copies so that I could take one apart and use with my binder in which I track my collection. Beautiful graphics and well organized. Do not buy this if you expecting a price guide though. My only wish is that Stephen Sansweet would create a second volume, continuing where he left off.

5 comments about Antique Trader Pottery and Porcelain Ceramics Price Guide.

1. I purchased this from Amazon based on the reviews listed here and was sadly disappointed. I had expected sort of a systematic catalog of porcelain and pottery pieces. This listed a number of items, but with no real depth at all. It is hit or miss. The chances that you can evaluate any individual item you may be interested in is very small. I returned mine to Amazon.



2. Thanks to the editors of the Antique Trader, I found the wonderful books by Debby DuBay, Collecting Hand Painted Limoges Porcelain, Antique Limoges at Home and Living With Limoges. Thank you! Highly recommend!



3. to read about the history of antique Limoges or want info on the back stamps or marks suggest Antique Limoges at Home or Collecting Hand Painted Limoges Porcelain.



4. This great little reference guide is a bargain - the price and the information. It is a easy to use price guide - not a table top book - but useful anyway. I collect Limoges and love Debby DuBay's books but I can't carry them while antiquing - The Antique Trader's books give me enough info so I don't make any major mistakes while purchasing Limoges.



5. What do you get in this overall pottery guide which is clearer than specialized ceramics price guides? For one the ability to contrast values for different specialized ceramics, from American and English to European and Oriental. For another, you get a general 'bible' of over 10,000 price listings, over 3,000 color photos, and collecting guidelines key to successful pottery and porcelain investing. A 'must' any serious collector should have.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch