4 comments about Blade's Guide to Knives & Their Values.

1. This is the latest effort from the same folks who destroyed "Levines Guide to Knives and Their Values" by publishing the emasculated 5th edition. This effort is a step up, albeit a small one and from a position pretty low on the ladder. The format of the book has been improved, with clear page numbers and reformatted data tables, but most of the photos are the same and the text is still the same as that in Levines 4th edition.The listing of knife markings and manufacturers is pretty good with lots of additions, but still missing the quality ratings of the manufacturers. Pricing examples for individual examples of knives have been updated. Some sections are unchanged from data displayed in Levine's 4th edition. The process for valuing a a pocket knife has been improved? to one taking 4 pages to explain and it is hidden in the middle of the volume and not listed in the Table of Contents. MY guess is that somebody wasn't too proud of the effort or process. In Levine's 4th edition the process is explained using 1/2 a page inside the back cover. I bought it because I thought it was a real update to Levine's 4th edition, but I'm disappointed to find in most areas it is not and definitely not worth the expense if your copy of Levine's 4th edition is still in one piece. Just one man's opinion.



2. This book covers everything from old factory made folders to custom knives and their makers. It is a very useful book for finding old knives in one place.



3. I'm a history buff and enjoy the history behind different patterns. There is a fair amount in the book. Unfortunately, my expectations were set based on the local library having Levine's 4th edition. As an example, compare the jack knife sections and the descriptions on patterns. I assumed this book would be an update on values, but leave content intact. Instead, big chunks are missing. Blade is a fine magazine, but this book is a big disappointment.



4. As a neophyte to knife collecting I thought a book with the sub-title "The Complete Handbook of Knife Collecting" would be a great start. NOT. There are bits and pieces in the book that are interesting. It lists the different materials used for knife handles, but fails to give even a basic idea of how to identify them. In the listing of American Knife Makers, the list isn't alphabetical. For a resource book this is insane. While this book appears to have logical sections, nothing in the sections appears in a logical order, and they seem to be merely touching the surface of each topic. There is a suggestion to be sure not to confuse two companies with similar names, and not even a hint how to do that. It appears to be more of a compilation of unrelated articles than a guide. There is more history about companies than information about the knives they made. This is a book for the "immediately useless reference book" shelf.

5 comments about The Standard Encyclopedia of American Silverplate: Flatware and Hollow Ware : Identification & Value Guide.

1. There are so many good photos, line drawings, and catalog pages. It is organized by manufacturers name,and then sub catgorized alphabetically by pattern name. No need for a contents page when you are trying to identify a piece you have.Look up your pattern by what the backstamp says on it.There are all the top collectible patterns in this book and the lesser quality patterns were left out that are of little demand. The orignal catalog pages are very informative and show the original prices for the silver. A must for the dealer, and dealer wanna-be.



2. A collection of ads and drawings of silverplate patterns. I have 5 different patterns that we collect. This book only had 2 of the five.



3. If you have an old set of silverplate or odd pieces, especially older ornate pieces of flatware,this is a good guide, well illustrated, with many reproductions of original catalogs. I found pattern names of several odd serving pieces which led to a search for matching place settings.



4. This book has lots of nice pictures and drawings that show good detail of the different patterns. There are lots of patterns to choose from including some that are very old. The only problem is that it doesn't really have a good variety of brands. Also, it took me a while to figure out where the values are. Once I figured that out, I got real tired of flipping back to the front cover over and over to see what my pieces were worth. However, if you've got the right brands this could be the perfect book for you!



5. Although this book sounded great, it was very disappointing...A very expensive book for the little knowledge in it...Lots of pages, but little information....Has many manufacturer's advertisement pictures and pages and pages of the same pattern, but not very helpful as far as identification!!! Very limited manufacturers and patterns...I wouldn't waste my time or money on purchasing this particular book, even for the novice it covers very little, unless you just like looking at pictures...

5 comments about Three-Martini Family Vacation: A Field Guide to Intrepid Parenting.

1. The Three-Martini Playdate has become a standard baby-shower gift from our family, and this sequel is even more fun. Please note, Mellor's delightfully acid wit is strictly for grownups; the narrow-minded, the self-infatuated and the judgmental just won't get it. But if you are ready to let your hair down with a frankly hilarious fellow-parent, this is the book for you. The real bonus is that Mellor's light, wacky style belies a serious message of consideration, manners and tolerance that is a real pleasure for concerned parents to read.



2. Probably the funniest book I have ever read on parenting. Mellor doles out wise parenting advice with a side of satire. A real break from other "real" parenting books and a quick read for the ever busy among us. A must for parents who can laugh at themselves and/or others.



3. I loved Three-Martini Playdate, the Three-Martini Family Vacation did not disappoint either; just as funny, insightful, and intelligently written as the first one, I love these books!



4. Every chapter is exactly the same theme--how the author does things the right way [i.e. "her" way] and how every other parent on earth is annoying and wrong. I have a good sense of humor and thought this book would be funny--it's not. Her children's quirks [spicy toothpaste and picky eating] she seems to find amusing. Every other child's quirks, she finds a personal affront. I've met parents like her, and avoid them like the plague. Too bad it can't be rated zero stars.



5. If you've ever had the back of your seat on a plane or train repeatedly kicked by a child whose parents seem to think that Junior is just "a little active, that's all," this book is for you.
   
   As snortingly funny as The Three Martini Playdate, this book makes for a fun read on the beach while other people's children have temper tantrums until their parents cave in and let them have potato chips for lunch, dammit.
   
   Buy one whether you're on vacation or not. You'll appreciate the laughs.

No comments about The 1950s Scrapbook (Best of the Decade Series , Vol 3).

1 comments about Cappiello: The Posters of Leonetto Cappiello.

1. This book is simply amazing - it has such a great showing of Leonetto Cappiello's work and it is beautiful to look at. If you are interested in posters (or any art or design for that matter) you will love this book.

1 comments about Teddy Bear Treasury a Salute to Teddy: Identification & Values.

1. I love this book. Huge amount of wonderful pictures you want to look at over and over again! Prices (quite high!) also included. Beautiful and interesting.

1 comments about Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalogs: Mid 1930s.

1. I bought this book because I deal in vintage clothing and constantly need resources to help me date pieces that i sell. I was really impressed with the pictures in this book, they are really detailed and there are tons of variations and examples of 30s styles. Everything from lengerie, to hats, gloves, shoes, jewelry, dresses, skirts, pants -- you name it, and it has men's and children's fashions as well. It also shows seasonal trends.
   Even though it's a bummer to have to buy three books just to get an idea of one decade, I think it is worth it. By breaking up the fashions into "early - mid - late" you really can see the progression of style and the subtle changes that define these decades. The book also has a lot of color pictures, which is extremely useful! I would suggest this book for anyone who loves the glamor of the 30s or is interested in this book as a reference. If you're looking for a lot of explainations and text--this isn't the book for you, it is mostly pictoral.

3 comments about Warmans Kitschy Kitchen Collectibles Field Guide (Warman's Field Guides).

1. Just a warning to anyone buying books on kitchen collectibles--this field guide is made up of the exact same pictures and information as the book Spiffy Kitchen Collectibles, also by Brian S. Alexander. I didn't realize they would have exactly the same content and ordered them both, much to my chagrin. Thank goodness for returns! Spiffy Kitchen Collectibles iseasier to look at due to its larger format but if you want a smaller version to read on the go while thrifting or yard saling, the Warmans Field Guide will do.



2. This guide covers items such as 1960's tin decorator kits and other garage-sale items. They are overpriced as well. Don't waste your money.



3. Nice book but it is just too small. It would be much better if it was larger in size. But all in all it is ok

2 comments about The Glass Candlestick Book: Identification and Value Guide (Glass Candlestick Book).

1. I have recently begun collecting glass with a particular affinity to candlesticks. This book has been a great help in identifying various pieces. The authors have grouped candlesticks according to the maker, and photographs and pictures abound. Not only do the authors describe the individual candlesticks, they point out similarities and differences between makers to ensure accurate identification. I am purchasing vol. 2 and look forward to the rest of the collection.



2. Love the miniature quick-identification pictorial indexes! Would love a separate pocket book of all 3 volumes of these with a price for shopping. THE DEFINITIVE RESOURCE. Can't speak highly enough about the pictures, the completeness, and the detailed information. Even describes similar pieces that could cost you, and how to recognize them. One of best books in my 20 glass-book collection. Just great. As much as they knew they wrote in, a nice change from a rigid structure. THANK YOU, Tom Felt and Elaine & Rich Stoer! GET ALL VOLUMES.
   
   p.s. The only other source of information you'll need is a guide to all the etchings that are available. They tell you what etchings are available on each candlestick, but don't always show a picture of each anywhere in series.

3 comments about Field Guide to Antique Furniture.

1. Very good book for those in the field. Illustrations and explanations make it easier to understand the decorative arts.



2. An excellent guide. This is a very well organized book containing style guides, some recommendations as to recognizing woods, finishes, and lots more. The bulk of the book contains a straight-forward guide to furniture organized according to type, origin, and age. There are plenty of very good illustrations, including a middle section in colour. Definately a book that is handy to bring along when you are antique hunting. The only slight criticism is that it seems to be very English/US based, i.e. would have liked to have seen more material on e.g. Italian and French items (although this is broadly covered in the 'European' section).



3. This book has lots of pictures, black and white as well as color. All pictures are crisp and clear, and there are some drawings sprinkled in to get certain specific details. It covers European, English and New World styles and it definitely has a lot in it. It has dates as well as information of how the style would have looked in say the 1750s, then how it may have been changed slightly in the 1800s, and then how it was changed again in say the 1850s. They tried to do a price guide (which I ignore) in the back but thankfully they only put in a few pages of that (prices are out dated before the books get to print). Overall, a neat refernce that has some good history (e.g. wash basins were first introduced in the 1740s when hygene became more of a priority) The only thing I wish the book had was more discussion of reproductions since we see more and more of that all the time.