2 comments about Buying & Selling Jewelry on eBay (Buying & Selling on Ebay).

1. This book can be interesting even if you have utterly no intention of buying or selling jewelry on eBay. Who would have thought when eBay started up, selling trinkets, that jewelry would rapidly form a multimillion dollar niche? Not a small niche at all.
   
   Gordon goes into the practical details for both buyers and sellers. The book's paramount theme seems to be how to avoid getting ripped off. Unsurprising, considering the high valued nature of the items. For professional sellers, detecting fake buyers is vital to staying solvent. Whereas real buyers tend not to do this as a profession. So while a buyer might suffer a loss due to a fake seller, it's not like being put out of business.
   
   But, if you follow her guidelines and use some common sense, you should have good chances of a successful transaction.



2. In many instances, Gordon seems to be protective of sellers although the first word in the title is "Buyers." As a buyer, I am frustrated with her biased advice, e.g., leave positive feedback for the seller so that they will do the same for you. A buyer completes his/her responsibilities first, that is, to pay. Once done, the logical step would be for the seller to rate that buyer. Then when the piece of jewelry is received--if it is received--the buyer should rate the seller on whether the piece was sold and shipped with integrity.

No comments about Curious Customs and Cures (New England's Collectible Classics).

3 comments about The Decoding of Lana Morris.

1. Anyone who has read any one of Tom and Laura McNeal's earlier young adult books does not need to be persuaded of their literary skill. The authors have a voice that speaks directly, clearly, and apparently efortlessly, to the hearts, minds, and souls of this age group. Their dilogue is bright and clever without being cute, and their stories move briskly.
   
   The leading character of this latest book is a 16-year-old girl, Lana, who lives in a foster home along with four younger, disabled, special needs children, referred to as the Snicks. Lana's close association with them is enough to cause serious social problems for her, but sher has other more confusing concerns as well. Although she quickly shows herself to be strong-minded and determined, her life during this one Nebraska summer is challenging in many ways. Her travails, disappointments, discoveries, dreams and hopes make up the engaging plot. For me, however, the book's greatest appeal is in its treatment of the seldom-addressed subject of living with special needs children.
   
   The authors describe the Snicks in a clear-eyed, realistic, matter-of-fact way that is invariably respectful. Each child's individual idiosyncracies are distinct; they're sometimes funny, sometimes aggravating, sometimes mystifying. But there is not the slightest hint of mockery in the descriptions of the comic moments, nor any sentimentality in the sad ones. Lana's, and the reader's, feelings toward these four characters grow from tolerance to affection to loving concern.



2. I have read some other books of the McNeal's and loved each of them. All their books are fast reads and have characters that anyone can connect to. The Decoding Of Lana Morris was no exception.
   
   
   Lana Morris is just your average 16 year old girl who happens to live with a not so average family. Her foster mother is snoopy and self-centered who can't wait to get rid of Lana. On the other hand, her foster father shares a special, almost inappropriate relationship with Lana. She's stuck in a house with a bunch of kids who have special needs, referred to as the Snicks. You learn throughout the book along with Lana how to love all the "special" kids and realize very quickly that the kids are special way beyond their mental disabilities.
   
   My favorite part of the book was how creative and imaginative it was. It almost reminded me of a fairy tale when Lana meets a strange old lady in a unique little shop. She buys a book from the old women and discovers that inside she can draw herself 13 wishes. Over time Lana learns what is really important to her and more importantly what is important to the people around her. I loved the sense of humor in the book mixed in with all the lessons you learn along with Lana. If your like me you'll be surprised how attached you get to all the Snicks and how much you root for Lana in the end. You'll be impressed how Laura and Tom McNeal are able to nail the exact feelings of any average teenage girl.



3. Laura and Tom McNeal's THE DECODING OF LANA MORRIS tells of teen Lana, who lives with a frosty foster mother and has to deal with a close-knit clique by the only other teens around. When she enters an antique shop and trades for a set of blank paper, Lana finds mysterious events began to occur.

No comments about Conservation of Leather and Related Materials (Conservation and Museology).

5 comments about Standard Catalog of World Paper Money: Modern Issues, 1961-Date (11th Edition).

1. I would say, - there is no other, better book, so we have to use this one. I have looked through some pages of it and I already found quite a few blunders. First of all there are quite a few misleading price valuations, I would even say many price manipulations. I haven't gone through every single page of it yet, but a quick look at the book reveals the following:
   
   - Overall image quality got worse (much worse) in this year 2005 edition. Some photos have some white spots and cuts.
   
   - Signature tables have disappeared in quite a few country listings. Instead of signature tables Krause website is advertised all across the pages. Question: why remove what already has been added over years?
   
   - Most of the country letter code explanations and country names are gone from West African States listings.
   
   - Signatures are numbered but not always displayed in signature tables.
   
   - Catalogue numbers are changed and moved around to frequently confusing the collectors and especially addong tons of extra work for dealers.
   
   - Many banknotes are valued way below market value. Some are valued below anytime exchange rate. Example: Latvian 100 Latu exchange rate always was over $160 but Krause values it in Uncirculated condition at $150.
   
   - No ERRATA is being printed. Any self-respecting publisher prints errata pages and puts them in a book, or even sends Errata (corrections) pages to all their customers and book owners. The book was published carelessly. Some colourful images (not so important to a professional) were added, but what's most important is the text info and price valuations. This book is important to a beginner and as well to a professional. We still have to use it, cause there is no other catalogue for All World's Paper Money, but making so many errors and blunders shows that the publisher of this book does not care much about what the reader gets from it.
   
   Good-bye Pick... hello Krause.



2. Most useful - but - there seem to be several errors in this catalogue. One of the most glaring is the complete omission of SOMALIA, despite the index refering the reader to page 772. These are, in fact, the entries for SOMALILAND from 1994. All entries for SOMALIA from 1962 to 1990 have disappeared.



3. As always, the work and research to get the latest information available to the collector is presented to us in the catalog as best as possible. I would like to see a section that list countries whose names have changed. While the catalog is a tremedous effort to 'keep current' with the many changes going on while it is in the making, I long for the day when the CD comes out and changes are added electronically. Stamp collectors now have this and a virtual stamp collection. Thanks to all that work to get the latest information for a great hobby!



4. This book is the third volume in a line series dedicated to paper money collecting. This one particularly concentrates on the banknotes issued by central banks all over the World from 1961 onwards. The book is "The reference" used by all collectors and dealers alike. Thus, it is a must in order to keep uptodate with market prices and with the current issues. Unfortunately, it has mistakes and sometimes it lacks continuity with its counterpart (vol. 2) which is not issued annualy like this one. Nevertheless, if you are involved in paper money collecting, owning this book is imperative in order to be able to refer properly to any moder banknote.
   The book can be bought from many sources, starting with its Publisher (Krause), however, my advice is to get it from Amazon.com, since its discunts are unbeatable.



5. Brilliant, could not do without it- the best on the market without a doubt.

1 comments about A World of Head Adornment: Africa, Asia, Oceania, America.

1. The book is visually stunning: some readers may be disappointed, depending on what they are seeking. The book consists of superb shots of pieces from Asia, Africa, Oceana, and (South)America. The pieces consist of a variety of head ornaments: combs, bands, nose ornaments, etc., but do not include earrings (which are covered in A World of Earrings) or hats. The representation is uneven, with the collections for Asia and Africa being much stronger than for Oceana (perhaps 24 pieces) or South America (perhaps a dozen pieces). Since this is a catalog of a personal collection, one obviously cannot have pictures of what is not there, and this is not a criticism. However, the person researching international jewelry should recognize the limitation.
   
   The pictures themselves are stupendous: large with extremely clear detail. Depending on the item, there may be several on a pages (as with small hairpins) or one piece may have a double spread. The pictures are solely of the pieces; there is no attempt to display them as they would be used. They are arranged in geographical sections, with a brief introduction to the jewelry of that area. All of the caption information is collected at the end of the book, which I suppose avoids detracting from the pictures, but which some may find annoying. At least every page seems to have a discreet page number, so it is easy to match them to the captions. Anyone with a scholarly interest may find this disappointing: there is minimal information about the size of the pieces, generally the largest dimension only, and only one, even if multiple pieces are shown in the same picture. Only a very broad provenance is given, and little about the age. One comb for example, notes that this style was derived from the Spanish mantilla beginning in the 17th century, but it does not indicate if it is also contemporary. I a a little confused by the notation in the caption about a piece from Nigeria referring to Pharaonic Egypt. Does this reflect cultural sharing? Does this mean that the piece is from the time in history? The precise comment is that the ancient Egyptians often copied natural forms, but looking through the pictures, isn't that true of most cultures?
   
   The index is very detailed in that one may, for example, look up pieces from Ming Dynasty China under either Ming or China. It would be helpful if a time period was specified for the dynasties. Also, the page numbers refer only to text, either in the section introductions or the captions. Thus, one is directed to the captions for the jewelry, and goes from there to the pictures. There are also maps and an extensive bibliography.
   
   Well worth oohing and ahhing over, but will be only a supplement for a person with scholarly interests.

5 comments about Antique American Frames: Indentification and Price Guide (Antique American Frames).

1. I bought this book hoping to get some real specific information on buying and selling antique american frames. I enjoyed reading this book because it gave me a bigger picture of how the frame styles developed in America (even though I also felt like Mr. Wilner's chatty tone seemed to talk down to his audience). I agree with some of the other reviewers in that this certainly is an enthusiastic book and creates awareness for people to look at what surrounds the picture instead of just looking at the painting. Antique frames should certainly be studied and written about and noticed and matched with the right paintings.

   I do have some complaints however. I am an antiques dealer and I have some other books in the Confident Collector series. I really don't think this book fits in the same spirit as the rest of the series. I think Mr. Wilner's prices are all off base with the real world of antiques and collecting. They seem to be a self-serving guide to prices in his shop alone. I go to lots of auctions and antique markets in many states and have been in the business for many years of selling both paintings and frames and I rarely have seen frames alone sell for the kind of values he is giving them. I know that prices are going up since more awareness has made people appreciate the so-called art of the frame more. I have seen that there are many exhibits and articles on antique frames in the last few years, and I have seen that frames are starting to cost more as people become more aware that frames can be as important as a painting.I know that people like Mr. Wilner are benefiting the public by educating them on what a good frame is. I agree that some frames are very valuable, like an original Stanford White or a signed artists frame (as described in the book), but it seems that Mr. Wilner's book attempts to make all American frames seem valuable and that just can't be true. It's not true of American furniture or other antiques, they all have highs and lows, so frames must too. Like for example simple black Eastlake print frames in his book are starting at $2500, but those kinds of frames can be found at nearly every antiques mall for well under $500. There is no indication in the text about why Mr. Wilner finds Eastlake frames are suddenly so valuable other than that he says so.

   Also Mr. Wilner's book seems to be the only one in the series that he is the only dealer listed. Other books list other experts and sources to buy or find out more about the specific antique. Overall, I think that for people who know nothing about frames and want some idea of what they are about and to learn some general history, the chapter text is quite informative but the dates of the frames shown are not in chronological order which is somewhat confusing. Unfortunately the black and white pictures are so small and fuzzy and such bad quality that it is very difficult to see the detail in the frames, so how can you tell if you have one of the valuable ones or not?

   The photo captions themselves don't really give much extra information I wish they talked more about the decorative motifs or described the frames better since the photos are so bad. As generalist antique guides go it's a decent overview. I would just tell anyone to take the Price Guide part of this with a very large grain of salt, since the frame prices seem to be on the moon instead of in the real world of american antiques.




2. I purchased a copy of the first edition of Antique American Frames a few years ago because of a keen interest I have in American painting and antiques. The book totally transformed my perspective on frames, and now when I am shopping for antiques or considering the purchase of a painting, I take notice of the frame. Using the knowledge gleaned from this book, I fancy myself a budding frame aficionado. I was expressing my newfound passion to my cousin and ended up giving her my copy. I often take the book with me to the store or gallery I am visiting, so I immediately orderd a replacement copy for myself. I was delighted to find that there is a currently a second edition of the price guide available, complete with the latest prices. The 2nd edition also contains a wonderful chapter on collectors, both collectors of paintings in antique frames, and, just the frames themselves. I was particularly struck by the analogy of the period frame to vase; when you think about it, vases are valued the world over just by themselves and exhibited empty. You never think about something being missing. I highly recommend the 2nd edition of Antique American Frames Identification and Price Guide as a must-have for anyone who appreciates the power and beauty of American craftsmanship and artistry. Like the final sentence in the new chapter says "at last period frames have come into their own."



3. It struck me as odd that people were tossing these things of craftsmanship and age simply because they didn't think they could profit in a monetary sense. It was the death and destruction of antique frames that has made them rare. So many died, so so many could live. I am sure marketing was the key factor in showing the buyer with the bucks the joy and appreciation of the vintage frames beauty. And so to Mr. Eli Wilner belong the spoils. I found the book enlightening and enriching. Dealers who trade in these wares should buy numerous copies and send them out to their customers for the holidays.



4. This is the best way to begin or refine your understanding of antique American frames.



5. What an amazing story of the way period frames came into their own. This book is the perfect way to start an understanding of the value of frames or to enhance your knowledge tremendously. This is a must have for anyone interested in the art of framing!

5 comments about The Complete Idiot's Guide to Labrador Retrievers.

1. So you want to know about Labs? Well, they're certainly the most popular purebreds, but what makes them so special? Inside this book, you'll learn about Labrador Retrievers, their history and personality as well as hereditary diseases and activities.
   
   Unlike many Lab books out there, this is a pet guide, aimed at the first time Lab owner. It's not intended to be a guide to show dogs or pedigrees (why would you consider picking up an Idiot's Guide if you want that?) This book deals with all facets of Labrador pet ownership and contrary to the title, I don't think you're an idiot if you check out this book.
   
   Be my guest to peruse through the book online here and enjoy. This book is the winner of the DWAA Maxwell Award for 2003 as the best pet breed book.



2. Regardless of the title to the contrary, this is not a book for idiots, but rather a no nonsense nuts and bolts primer for the new caretaker of a the best dog breed yet devised by the Heavens; the Labrador Retriever. As someone who shares his house and life with four of God's single most nearly perfect craeature, I can testify as to the accuracy and relevance of all the information in this wonderful compendium. It is a literal treasure trive of data about how to raise and care for your new best friend, and it covers everything from potty training to kennel care.

   As a personal note, it is improtant to remember how sensitive Labs are, that one never ever strikes one, and that gently scolding them will get you the reaction you want much more efficiently than would any unjustified corporal punishment. Just remember, friends, there are really no bad dogs; only ignorant and incompetent people trying in vain to train the dogs. What you need to avoid such pitfalls is all here! Enjoy!




3. What can I say about this book? Except that it was very informative and that it was very fun to read. I learned ALOT from this book. I would definately recommend it to all my friends and would-be dog owners. I've read 3 books about Labrador Retrievers and if I had to choose only one...I would choose this book over all of them. Very pleased and worth what I paid for.



4. This book is a waste of money unless you know nothing about dogs. If you want pertinant information specific to the Lab, then look elsewhere. The words "Laborador Retriever" could be deleted and the name of any dog breed inserted.



5. Before we actually started looking into a puppy, I wanted to know as much as possible about training them and how to deal with them. Even though some of the information in the book could easily be counted as applicable for most breeds, I loved the somewhat "different" and let me call it alternative approach of the book. It made me aware of some dangers and difficulties that are not mentioned in other books, eg food for puppies. Overall, a good book for the beginner!

2 comments about American Dress Pattern Catalogs, 1873-1909: Four Complete Reprints.

1. Very interesting, fun to look out book. I enjoyed finding out about the pricing and incentives used to entice buyers. The pictures are wonderful. The reprint of the magazine article is entertaining. It was interesting to see the evolution of comfort in women's clothing.



2. A fascinating little book. Insightful to a time when much of a family's cloths were not purchased in the store but made by the lady of the house on her sewing machine or in some cases sewn by hand.

3 comments about Indian Baskets (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. I first learned of this book from a basket trader in Tucson who was explaining why I could never find any Pima baskets that matched a photograph in a booklet I had. He suspected the photographer used a brown filter to enhance the appearance. He pulled out a copy of "Indian Baskets" to show me the difference and told me if I was serious about baskets I needed to get this book. In it, I found along with beautiful photographs large enough to see in detail of many tribes' baskets: an encyclopedia of information including a list of tribes that still made baskets with descriptions of the designs each uses, detailed drawings and descriptions of the many different stitches used in baskets, a chart that can be used to find which tribes make baskets with your favorite stitches, and even a list of prices for baskets sold a few years ago. It was the book I longed to find on this topic. The one obvious omission was a list of sites where tribes sell baskets today, but fortunately that information is readily available from other sources.



2. Completely indispensable text for the weaver, curator, researcher, student, collector or just plain curious. Not a theoretical text; rather, the intent is to enable the reader to identify any basketry work produced by Native North Americans from the Arctic to the Southeast.

   This book has scores of photos, including a preliminary section where baskets from each geographical region are reproduced in good color photos. Good but simple overview of the history of Native basketry, *great* overview of techniques with schematic drawings. Also has a thorough bibliography. A must-have reference book for any Native American or art-focused library.




3. This book is done very well. Many large color photographys,detailed illustrations of weave types. Would have liked to have seen more color photographys though. Overall a good guality book on baskets.