1 comments about A Guide to Collecting Cookbooks: A History of People, Companies and Cooking.

1. ...This Would Be It! Colonel Allen's enthusiasm for the subject led him to produce what is probably the definitive work in the field of collecting cookbooks. This book sweeps up both the new and the experienced collector into the fascinating world of vintage cookbooks and their value as a source of historical information. The only drawback I found was the grouping of books in categories for the price guide section, as I found myself thumbing through many places to locate a particular cookbook. However, it contains an exhaustive listing, and once you get used to it, the layout is only a minor annoyance. Along with Dickinson's and Barile's books on the subject, it is fast becoming dog-eared from daily use!

3 comments about Gun Digest Book Of Beretta Pistols.

1. Perhaps the definitive Beretta modern handgun book. Written with exceptional clarity and depth from a true expert's perspective. Massad Ayoob is a veteran police officer, gun writer & editor, shooting champion, and self-defense guru. His book covers Bobcats, Tomcats, Jetfires, Cheetahs, Cougars, 92s, 9000s, Neos, and revolvers (PX4 not yet released to the public at the time of publication). It also includes handling, equipment, shooting, customization, and maintenance tips.
   
   The legendary 92 series is heavily emphasized and the author does a good job of counteracting all the popular hate, myths, and rumors point by point. For example, the author agrees that 9mm ball is not a particularly great man-stopper, but he also knows that modern 9mm +P hollowpoint is, and moreover the Beretta 92 can handle it with ease. It would be almost foolish to not take advantage of a proven firearm with this much firepower, stopping power, and reliability. In fact, the author's own trusty bedside gun is a modified 92 loaded with high performance ammo; a solid endorsement if there ever was one! Beretta handgunners rejoice, this the one of the best feel good books ever written!



2. Not a Berreta fan but shoot alot of different handguns so I bought it anyway. Excellent book so if you are a Beretta fan this is a must have. Also check out Ayoobs Sig-Sauer book which is very good as well. Maybe you'll do the right thing and buy a Sig instead of a Beretta. ;)



3. To call this book an 'Advertorial' would be too kind. To reprint official Beretta press releases would be only slightly less objective.
   I bought the book to learn more about the 92, decide which model to buy, and what to do to improve it. Ayoob wastes way too much ink and pages in basically a bar room style of dialogue ("I heard" "someone said" "some people think" etc.) of testimonials and countering negative comments abot everything from the stopping power of a 9mm to the integrity of the testing peformed to approve the weapon for the US military.
   Oddly enough, the only model he doesn't like (the 9000) he shot only one -an early production model and never did any follow-up testing.
   As far as suggested mods to make the 92 (his favorite gun in the world, it seems) a better shooter, he spends very little time with no useful pictures.
   There are lots of pictures of Ayoob and his daughter posing while shooting, but none that show internal mechanical changes in the firearms that might be helpful in deciding which gun to buy.
   Many, many words about the style of safeties used on the guns and why a police officer should carry a gun on 'safe'.
   Bought the book. Am buying (and planning on keeping) a Beretta. Will throw out the book.

2 comments about Yixing Pottery: The World of Chinese Tea Culture (Arts of China).

1. This is a fairly little book that is packed with solid info and great pictures. I bought one for me and a second as a gift. I may have to get a couple more for other tea fans.



2. This book was not what I'd hoped for - which is a solid introduction to Yixing teapots. It concentrates on the history of Yixing teapots - and those that have been found in archaeological digs dating back to the Song Dynasty in China. Many of these ancient pots are illustrated in the book. There is some discussion on the qualities that make Yixing clay different from most other types of clay, but there is also much missing. The book doesn't illustrate examples of the differing colours available in the clay and never discusses famous clay types like Zhu Ni, which is so highly sought after by Yixing collectors.
   
   There is a fairly large section on ancient masters of the art and those of the 19th and early 20th centuries. It's just a shame that their chops or signatures - which are usually recorded on their pots are not included in the text. Also missing is information on the modern state of the Yixing industry and the mechanical way modern pots are mostly made.
   
   This is a rather basic and superficial look at Yixing pots and wares - but if you are after some biographical information on the most famous past masters or want to see illustrations on some very ancient Yixing pots then this book will be of interest to you.

1 comments about American Farm Collectibles: Identification and Price Guide, 2nd Edition.

1. American Farm Collectibles: Identification And Price Guide is a catalog of classic mementos of the bygone era of American farm life, including tools, antique tractors, toys and sleds, kitchen utensils, gardening items, turn-of-the-century ads, and much more. Black-and-white photographs fill almost every page other than the 32 pages of color photos, and the text offers straightforward item descriptions, current prices, and advice for finding collectibles and antiques. A superb resource for the dedicated enthusiast, and fun just to page through for the memories and nostalgia.

5 comments about Barbie Doll Fashion: Vol. 2, 1968-1974 (Barbie Doll Fashion).

1. This book and its companion volume, 'Barbie Doll Fashion: 1959-1967', are without doubt the most beautiful and informative books on the market for the vintage and mod era Barbie collector today. They are very well-written, with lovely photographs of absolutely pristine examples of each outfit, enough to make you drool over on every single page!

   'Barbie Doll Fashion: 1968-1974' covers the fashions from Barbie's exciting Mod era, and includes fashions not only for Barbie, but for her friends and family as well. These include original outfits, Pak outfits, Best Buys, Get Ups and Gos, Store Exclusives and every other type of outfit available from 1968 to 1974.

   Each outfit is described in detail, with a photograph showing the outfit and all accessories next to it, laying flat. Some outfits are shown on the doll. The photography is stunning, by far the best of any Barbie book I've ever seen.

   'Barbie Doll Fashion: 1968-1974' isn't just informative, it's a catalogue of dreams to build on, and a fun book just to sit and look at. You'll never be sorry you own it!




2. In Hong Kong, it is not popular to collect vintage Barbie dolls so that it is not easy to explore specific related knowledge. This book really helps a lot. It is a bible for every Barbie collectors!



3. If you are a collector, you should have this book on your shelf. Comprehensive, complete, with photos galore. A+++++



4. Great book. Found outfits and the year they came out. Do Recommend if you are into Barbie clothes...



5. Another great book by Sarah Sink Eames!-Great outfits and pictures-easy to see values-Fun to see how Barbie and friends followed current fashion trends for the late 60's and early 70's-very helpful to any vintage collector!!

5 comments about VICTORIAN HOME: The Grandeur and Comfort of the Victorian Era, in Households Past and Present.

1. I found this book at a local library, I have went threw several books to get ideas on styles and of the victorian era. I found this one to be one of the best. It has wonderful, all color photographs, has a dictionary of old words and is wonderful for discribing details. I am going to purchase it for my own collection.



2. I bought this book about a year ago and I still refer back to it often. The photos are so gorgeous, they give me goosebumps. They transport me into a place I'd like to live, a fantasy of design and genteel composure. The text is informative and the quality of photos is top notch. I highly recommend this book to folks who like Victorian design, both contemporary and traditional. You will feel the money was well spent!



3. I could not have decorated my recently renovated 100 year old Victorian home without this book. Friends and family think I have great potential as a decorator, little do they know.



4. This is a beautiful book to dream by. I bought one because we are building a Victorian home, but this would be enjoyed by anyone who loves Victorian style and design. Lovely!



5. This book is loaded with color photographs! I went through this book several times before putting it back down. It's a must have if you are trying to get decorating ideas for a victorian room.

1 comments about Collector's Guide To Cookbooks: Identification & Values (Collector Books).

1. Looking forward to sorting out my collection and getting all of it in order.

No comments about Pictorial Price Guide of Marbles (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1 comments about Money: A History.

1. Written by the coins and medals experts of the British Museum, this handsomely designed work succinctly but comprehensively explores the entire history of money, from its earliest beginnings to the electronic transactions of the 1990's.
   The book features over 550 beautiful color and black-and-white illustrations, with essays covering ancient and modern coinage in global perspective, and relating the moral, political, religious, and social meanings inevitably associated with so powerful a force. Highly recommended as an excellent introduction to a complex subject, or just for enjoyable and informative browsing.

   (The "score" rating is an ineradicable feature of the page. This reviewer does not "score" books.)

1 comments about How to Start a Home-Based Antiques Business, 4th (Home-Based Business Series).

1. When you read "home-based", believe it. It's geared toward those who want to turn their living room into an antiques store and comes complete with tips on remodeling your home. With that said, much here could be applied to those who want to start a shop outside their home or sell on the internet.
   This book covers the "nuts & bolts" of running a business, from writing the business plan to advertising and merchandising. It also covers pricing, displaying, and other ways to make money in antiques. It covers all bases on where to get stock. All in all, it seems to be very thorough.
   I wasn't looking to turn my living room into a store and didn't expect a book on basics of starting a business. However after reading it I've found this book full of useful information.