2 comments about The First Two Years (Living Books).

1. I have given this book to several friends who are first-time parents and they've told me it's a lifesaver! Its clear, concise information is great for quick referrals about those common questions parents have for problems newborns experience.It's a great follow-up to a book like "What to Expect When You're Expecting." And the advice is solid, as many physicians contributed to the content.Highly recommended!



2. My wife and I are getting ready for our first baby, so I am on the lookout for any and all books that can prepare us for all aspects of parenthood (i.e., medical, psychological, and logistical issues). This book addresses many areas of parenthood, including the relationship between a mother and father during the baby's first two years.

   However, this book is basically chapters 4-8 of the 14 chapters in "Complete Book of Baby & Child Care" (ISBN: Hardcover 084230889X; Paperback 0842335129) (same author, same chapter titles) with 3 of the 18 Special Concerns sections. If you want a book about only the first 2 years, buy this one and save a few dollars. If you want a book that will take you to the teenage years, buy the more comprehensive one.

1 comments about Sterling Silver Flatware for Dining Elegance: With Price Guide (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. This book is a great resource if you are looking for general descriptions of the hundreds of different types of sterling flatware pieces - it goes well beyond the standard place setting and serving pieces. However, it would be better if it had better photos of some details and the price guide is very general - it does not value specific patterns.

5 comments about The Ultimate Guide to Hot Wheels Variations: Identification and Price Guide to More Than 2,000 Collector Number Packs!.

1. This is a great book and being a variation collector for many years I can tell you that if there is a variation not listed in Mikes book, it probably does not exist. I have trusted this guy for many years and he has always been a straight shooter. I have never hunted for cars that were just rumors. I was so glad when I heard this book was coming out, I couldn't wait to buy it. It would be great if I had something he didn't have in there, but I'm still looking for all the things that are! And by the way. The Suzuki Quad is listed on Page 79 number 311 c variation, listed as "Tiger Paw Wheel" which some would call the POW wheel. Mike has always used his own abbriviations. That's why I like him and his book. (His web site was great, sure do miss it) He doesn't follow anybody elses lead. He goes his own way. I have met him and he is real easy to talk to. He is also the first one to admit when he is wrong, which you don't see too much these days when people write books. Thanks for the great book, I can't wait for the next one!



2. Hi Michael I had the pleasure of getting a copy of your book. It is excellent very informative and a great tool for us collectors. The descriptions were complete and detailed. I have been telling my fellow collectors about it. Finally a book that answers the question "Is there anyone more obsessed with Hot Wheels than me?" Well Michael my deepest sympathy it might be you. LOL . But I do want to give you your deserved recognition for a job well done on the book. Looking foward to future updates of your book. Thanks again for all your hard work on The Complete Guide to Hot Wheels Variations. Yours in the brotherhood of obsessive compulsive Hot Wheelers.



3. This book stinks the pictures are horrible I donated it to te libary. It stinks



4. I found the 'Ultimate Guide to Hot Wheels Variations' one of the most valuable resources to date for the valuation of Hot Wheels variations; both for collectors and dealers alike. As owner of [a web site,] I refer to this guide on a daily basis for determining the minute differences between Hot Wheels variants. The guide is concise, well laid out, easy to follow, and extremely accurate (in my opinion).



5. I started collecting Hotwheels cars about 3 years ago. What makes me different than most of the other collectors, is that I live in Santiago, CHILE (here, Hotwheels cars market is very small compared with other countries). Many of the variations and models that exist in US, aren't available here. Mike's guide has been an invaluable tool for me to get those variations I never know that exist or I will never find hanging in pegs in Santiago.

   I also have had the chance to email Mike many times and he's very compromised with this hobby (or better said, passion!).

   If you love Hotwheels cars, you MUST buy this guide (or the new one that's coming by the end of March 2004).

   U2, from RTC.

3 comments about Textiles of Ancient Peru and Their Techniques.

1. This unabridged reproduction of a 1962 classic should be an essential edition to any textile collection: Textiles Of Ancient Peru And Their Techniques covers raw materials form Peru, weaves unique to the region, and techniques and materials used in nonwoven efforts. The result will please any avid textile artist.



2. We used this book and a few others for comparisons with a collection of ancient peruvian textiles at a museum I worked for several years ago. It was very useful and we referred to it frequently. It included all of the techniques used in the museum collection (consisting of 100's of fragments), and had plenty of pictures for examples. Of course the techniques aren't limited to Ancient Peru, but would apply to just about any textiles--(however the pictures are ancient peruvian). I highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about ancient or modern textile techniques--a valuable resource in any museum with this type of collection.



3. I thought that this book would focus on more on the symbolism of the textiles, but I was disapointed. The book was primarily dealing with the technical aspects of weaving a is a little outdated. The images were all in black and white so I could not get a good feel for the textiles.

5 comments about Lamps of Tiffany.

1. Possibly the most complete and authoritative collection of information on Tiffany's lamps, life, and studios in existence. Accurate photographs of nearly every shade in existence as well as the varieties within each design. Thorough discussion of the glass used and its properties, as well as the lampbases that support the works. I know of no other reference for the artist, collector, or lamp fanatic that is as complete.



2. I have had this book for about a year. As a stained glass lamp hobbyist I find it an invaluable reference and read it often to check on detail (and to find how far I have yet to go with this hobby!). Mr Neustadt points out many of the subtleties in these lamps that are sometimes overlooked. On a related topic, many of the lamps in his possesion can be seen at the NY Historical Society, Central Park, NYC. If you like Tiffany, this book is a must



3. I personally used this book as a true reference while recreating Tiffany shades and bases with a well-known Tiffany Repro company in California from 1983 to 1989. I never lost my fascination for the detail and beauty of each piece catalogued in this wonderful book, as well as the invaluable references to glass, bronze and "tag" authenticity. Mr. Neustadt truly loved L.C. Tiffany's work, and the photo overlay process used in the original book gave each shade it's true color and a rich depth. My book was well-loved, and so valuable as a reference at the time that it was unfortunately stolen from me before I had to give my work up to a carpal tunnel injury. I have since wished it would reappear at a lesser price, but the book is truly worth twice it's weight in gold to any Tiffany colorist or devotee. I now satisfy myself with an occaisional "fix" at the churches of Boston and Maine which are graced with the windows I love almost as much. I am glad to know where I might indulge myself in the purchase of this book, as I had thought at one time it was quite hard to find. A truly fantastic guide to the great variety of Tiffany Stvdios shades and bases.



4. Artistry Stained Glass in Tempe, Arizona teaches extensive classes in Tiffany lamp building. With over 40 years combined lamp building experience, we find Egon Neustadt's book to be the most sought after reference for color, layout and even lamp base matching. We have other reference books, but this one is passed around from student to student, without fail.

   It took me six months just to locate this book! It's good to see it's at least available now to others. Our customers use it for a reference as well, when we are commissioned to build a Tiffany reproduction lamp.

   Thanks Amazon!




5. I had the wonderful good fortune to find the LAMPS OF TIFFANY at a flea market and I'm delighted to say that I now own a copy of this beautiful book.

   There are almost 300 delightful photographs of the lamps made by Louis Comfort Tiffany in this book and 238 of them are in color. Each picture is accompanied by a detailed description of the lamp. There are also chapters devoted to Glass, Lamp Bases, Fixtures, Shades and information about the many other details in these lamps. LAMPS OF TIFFANY allows us to enjoy the beauty of these fantastic works of art while learning something about the components of which they were made.

   Since most of us can't afford a true Tiffany lamp, I have to say that many of the gorgeous reproductions that are made today are a tribute to the artistry of Mr. Tiffany.

No comments about Antique Trader Teapots Price Guide.

2 comments about Warman's Beatles Field Guide: Values And Identification (Warman's Field Guides).

1. This pocket guide to Beatles collectibles is a handy reference for those wishing to value their own collections or add to them. I learned that my copy of Vee Jay's "Introducing the Beatles" album will not be funding my retirement, since it is in fact a counterfeit. The section on U.S. Beatles releases is useful; clear instructions are given for discriminating among the many variations that exist.
   
   The most annoying feature of the guide is a doltish essay by one Chris Nickson. This uninformed commentator goes on about the importance of "George's" "Baby, You're a Rich Man." You don't have to be steeped in Fab Four lore to know that this is a Lennon-McCartney song. How did this error make it through Editorial? It undermines the Guide's credibility. Nickson goes on to archly dismiss most of the Beatles' music. "Get Back" is "not worth the vinyl." Get this guy out of the 2nd edition, if there is one.
   
   The book's other essays are also superfluous. Why include an article about the Moptops' solo careers when the Guide does not cover albums and merchandise from that period? I wish the section on British LPs, allegedly brief due to space constraints, had been expanded; omitting those essays would have freed up a lot of space.
   
   This book, while not masterful, is nevertheless useful for the many of us who don't know whether we own treasures or trash. Buy it, consult its tables of price information, but don't read it.



2. Bought this for a stocking stuffer for Christmas. My husband, a huge Beatles fan, loves it. My teenage son, another Beatles fan, covets it. If I had known how much they would like it, I would've bought two of them. They are particularly interested in old vinyl records. This doesn't list them all, but it is still a handy reference guide for the items it does list. Note that it only lists US record releases, not the UK records. Though it has its limits, it was a great little stocking stuffer for the price (68 cents plus shipping). Beware that, though this item was advertised by a marketplace seller as "used, like new", it did have a marker stripe across the bottom of the book. Didn't bother us, but it isn't quite "like new" for those giving it as a gift to discriminating recipients!

5 comments about Robert Lee Morris: The Power of Jewelry.

1. 
   Women have been adorning themselves with jewelry and body art almost since time began. What earlier generations did not have was the imagination of award winning designer Robert Lee Morris whose bold, dramatic creations in gold and silver are worn by the famous, such as Madonna, Oprah, Cher, as well as the lady next door.
   
   The son of an air force pilot and a former fashion model, Morris was exposed at any early age to differing cultures. A four year stint in Japan left him with lasting memories of the beauty and customs of that country. Undoubtedly, this experience and others have been an inspiration to him.
   
   "I had a very powerful vision in my head when I first began to make jewelry," he writes. "It was this specific, cinematic image that grounded me and gave me a sound place from which all my work sprang in the early years, from 1970 to 1980. I could envision a post-apocalyptic world populated by Amazon women....."
   
   A major jump start for his career occurred when he was chosen to design the jewelry for Donna Karan's collections. Ms. Karan, an unabashed fan, wrote the foreword for this volume. "Robert's designs are remarkably sensual, They beg to be touched. When you hold or wear them they become part of you....."
   
   Evidently Calvin Klein and Karl Lagerfeld shared her enthusiasm for Morris also did collections for both of them.
   
   Morris's designs have been among the most wanted and noted for over 25 years, and he claimed the Platinum Guild International Grand Prize for Design Award in 1999. He continues to offer collections in his signature style of ethnic flavor and high fashion flair.
   
   Enjoy and wish as you leaf through this lush 180 page volume with 230 full-color illustrations. With his candid, chatty narrative Morris proves himself to be a gifted communicator as well as designer.
   
   - Gail Cooke
   



2. In a world of cookie cutter jewelry where factories manufacture the latest trendy piece, thank goodness there is Robert Lee Morris. RLM is a very spiritual designer who is attuned to nature, human sensuality and an unending stream of creativity. I have never been to his studio in Soho, NYC. But I do buy his stunning silver jewelry on QVC. Whenever he is on tv, he presents pieces that are not only unique in design, but pieces that beg to be touched. His pieces are filled with spirit and love. For example, he created a twisted heart bracelet where the hearts literally flow into one another, rather than connecting them with the usual chunky links. He created a large molded heart ring that has FORGIVE inscribed on the inside. He takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary.
   
   I encourage those who are not familiar with his pieces to try a pair of his exquisite earrings. I also encourage all current and future jewelry designers to study this book and his pieces. Here is one of the most innovative and prolific designers of our time. Study his book, go to his Soho studio, and check out the shopping site that sells his jewelry. You will be glad you did.
   
   One more thing. RLM's book is not just a history of his jewelry and how it was made and sold over the past thirty-five years. This book is a history of fashion, makeup and accessories and how they were designed and sold via the runway over the past three decades. This is a fascinating history of some of our most famous designers and the marriage of fashion and accessories.



3. This book is more that the best expected. I am familiar with The RLM jewelry line and know this artist to be innovative and creative. This book gives an fascinating look at the man as a sculptor and jewelry designer.



4. I read the book and enjoyed all the photos from cover to cover!
   Robert Lee Morris is such a great natural designer, very genuine as human being.
   
   I found many similarities with his life and mine as a jewelry designer.
   I discovered that my first pieces were much like his style, when I didn't knew who he was and never saw his work before.
   
   Totally inspiring. You can be tempted to tear and frame the photos of the book as art pictures!
   
   Benjamin P.
   Puerto Rico



5. This book is more about Robert Lee Morris than his jewelry. It contains more images of RLM than his jewelry. I returned the book.

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

1. It's great I use it all the time while out collecting



2. BEST REFERENCE BOOK ON BLACK AMERICANA, AND AMAZING COLLECTION OF LEONARD DAVIS, TOP COLLECTOR OF BLACK AMERICANA,

5 comments about Encyclopedia of Bisque Nancy Ann Storybook Dolls: 1936-1947, Identification & Values.

1. Ever since the early fifties I have had Nancy Ann Storybook dolls and this book is a must own for anyone interested in these dolls, if for no other reason than it boggles the mind to see how many of these dolls were made, and for all ethnic groups which is interesting when one considers black and Asian dolls were almost unheard of in the pre-60's days. Today I must have about twenty five of the dolls including a Nun doll but haven't been able to find the black doll that had the blue and white plaid dress which I had as a child. My dolls are heirlooms that will be passed down to family members who appreciate the workmanship. The book has so much information on the start of the company and how even during WW2 they were big sellers. And the photos are awesome.



2. Excellent book to inform you and to identify what you are looking at.



3. It is easy to tell that a lot went into this beautifully illustrated book. I didn't realize until I went through this book how many dolls of this type there were. I was disappointed that I was only able to identify one of my storybook dolls. Still recommend this book for the avid Nancy Ann Storybook doll collector.



4. This is a wonderful book, especially for the beginning collector. It is mainly a catalog of color photographs of dolls by style number, sometimes showing as many as ten variations of one doll in different costumes. There also is historical information on the evolution of the dolls and ways to identify the various body molds.
   
   This is a true ''encyclopedia'' of every Nancy Ann doll know to exist. I found it an excellent source for identifying dolls from the 1940s which I had found in the attic.
   
   I purchased another Nancy Ann book which is far inferior and which I never use. If you want to buy just one Nancy Ann book, this is it. If you have others, this would be a fine addition to your library and probably the only one you'll ever need for reference.



5. Anybody interested in collecting Nancy Ann dolls must have this book which chronicles the history of these beautiful dolls and is chock full of photos and helpful information.