2 comments about Oriental Rugs from A to Z (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. Beautiful. A clear and concise readable guidline. There were a lot of wonderful pictures and all the information was very clear and understandable. A very valuable source for anyone who is thinking of buying an Oriental Rug.



2. Illustrations and photographs were breathtaking. Price comparisons were helpful, but very little content on rug parameters and significance with regard to final results and quality.

3 comments about Art Nouveau and Art Deco Jewelry: An Identification and Value Guide.

1. Baker presents a definitive guide to Deco and Nouveau Jewelry. She outlines the historical influences on the designs, offers beautifully photographed and representative pieces and concludes with a glossary and price guide. Her format is logical and the placement of the price guide as an addendum allows periodic updates that keep the book current. Overall a helpful guide for the novice or experienced collector and a pleasurable book for simply viewing lovely jewelry pieces. The paperback format allows affordability.



2. I think that this author had a lot of good information, but needed better help from an editor in organizing and presenting it.

   The first section is disorganized and hard to follow. It was intended to cover the "inspirational forces" for Art Nouveau and Art Deco jewelry (people, places, ideas, and events) but the way it was presented made the information not very valuable, at least to me.

   One thing I learned---while I knew that "nouveau" meant new, I learned that "deco" meant "young.

   Section 2 had some wonderful color plates of pieces of jewelry and the third section had lists of designs, motifs, and materials for "new art" jewelry.

   Section 4 had "thumbnail sketches" of jewelers, jewelry designers/makers, manufacturers and retailers.

   The last section was an interesting glossary of jewelry terms and types. I especially enjoyed the information about hallmarks, enamel, combs, hatpins, and purses (mesh and beaded).




3. While this book might be of some use to an antiques dealer, the photos are much to small and of to poor a quality to be of any use to a student of jewelry. I was very disappointed.

2 comments about The Official Price Guide to Christmas and Other Holiday Collectibles (Official Price Guide to Christmas & Other Holiday Collectibles).

1. I mistakenly thought this would all be vintage collectibles. Some of the pieces were from the 1990s. My error apparently.



2. I purchased this book believing it was a price guide to Christmas Collectibles. The cover to The Official Price Guide to Christmas and Other Holiday Collectibles emphasizes the word Christmas on the cover, and states it is a "price guide." With only 40 of 283 pages devoted to Christmas collectible prices and a total of only 80 pages related to Christmas at all, this book should be called The Official Price Guide to Holiday Collectibles.
   
   If you are looking for information on Christmas Collectibles, look elsewhere.

5 comments about Hanson's American Art Pottery Collection: Identification and Values.

1. This book has wonderful enlarged photo details that are essential for accurate identification and are invaluable to a pottery collector. For example, the book has photos of every glaze produced by Nelson McCoy which really goes far beyond most of the books I've seen. The summaries of the pottery makers give essential details (that other books do not provide) on how to identify a potential work of art. The updated pricing guides are very helpful as well. Thanks!



2. The Hanson' book on American Art Pottery is a most useful and easily read book of its kind. The photographs are sharp, clean and show the pottery, their shape, color and design as they were meant to be seen. Also, the production of the book presents itself well to the viewer. Although not a long time collector, I'd say this is a "must have" for new and seasoned collectors. I'd give this five stars.



3. This is an excellent book to carry with you when you are scouring for Arts and Craft pottery. It's full of hundreds of amazing color pictures for easy indetification as well as suggested prices. This book focuses on specific brands and highlights some big name brands to watch for. It is a great reference for both collectors and resellers. You will not be disappointed as The Hanson's are a true asset to pottery collectors. Be certain to check out their other books as well they are equal in all aspects. An easy gift giving idea for this coming holiday season!
   Thanks for putting out this much anticipated guide!



4. This wonderful book explores some of the worlds most sought after pottery including Bauer, Brush-McCoy, Peters & Reed, Weller, Roseville and many more. It contains fantastic photos, price guides and is a wealth of information. I recommend this book without reservation to anyone seeking more information about American Art pottery! A+++ Thank you Bob and Jane, you rock!



5. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the authors for this wonderful reference book. I found the pictures to be of exceptional quality and the descriptions to be quite accurate.
   
   For the experienced, as well as the novice owner/collector of American Pottery, this book is an invaluable guide. Take this book on your hunting trips... You will not be disappointed.

3 comments about The Chronicle of the Fountain Pen: Stories Within a Story.

1. An impressively presented and organized 352-page compendium of information and images, "The Chronicle Of The Fountain Pen: Stories Within A Story" is the collaborative work of Joao Pavao Martins, Luiz Leite, and Antonio Gagean, beautifully showcasing more than 3000 fountain pens. Fully illustrated with 606 full color photographs (with competing models of pens side-by-side revealing both their similarities and their differences), "The Chronicle Of The Fountain Pen" features a timeline of the main events in the world along with the fountain pen models introduced by various manufacturers at the end of each chronologically organized chapter. Here in a single volume is the entire history of the fountain pen from 1865 through 2005, along with small vignettes about them and the uses to which they were put in world history. Enhanced with the inclusion of a chapter on 'Sources of Information', a Price Guide, and a comprehensive Index, "The Chronicle Of The Fountain Pen" is a seminal work of distinguished excellence and a prize addition to any personal, university, or community library collection.



2. The book has a lot of very nice pictures; it is a proof of an excellent taste of the authors who are apparently collectors themselves.
   
   The text, however, was rather disappointing, especially in relation to the claim the authors hold:
   
   "Other books have addressed the history and development of fountain pens, typically, looking at the evolution of individual manufacturers. That approach, however, leaves out two important aspects: the interaction between manufacturers and influences world events had on their designs.
   The whole history of the fountain pen is told as a sequence of small stories about the main events."
   
   The simple listing of some historical events does not give any information about the "interaction" between the different competing companies, let alone a socio-economic or cultural history that puts the design and technology development in the pen industry into context.
   
   The charts that should ensure a chronical overview are rather confusing, as they are organised year by year.
   
   The book has its merits. Had in been advertised for what it is - an impressive collection of pen models with some history on the pen industry - I would not have been frustrated and would most likely have bought the book as well. But the promise of the book - to put the pen industry into its historical context - was not fulfilled at all. Andrew Lambrou's book is still the benchmark in this respect. The timetable in Juan Manuel Clark's book (published by Flammarion) might be much more superficial. But the book does not claim more than presenting collectible fountain pens - which it does, nicely organised according to periods, again more superficial than Lambrou's structure. But it does not matter: You get what is promised. You can take it or leave it.



3. I bought one book and you charged my VISA Card with 3 (!!!) equal books. It's a shame!

2 comments about The Collector's Encyclopedia of Fiesta: With Harlequin, Riviera, and Kitchen Craft (Collector's Encyclopedia of Fiesta).

1. Whether you have 2 pieces or 200 pieces of Fiestaware, this is the best handbook around. The Huxfords explain Fiestaware's history thoroughly. The collector will also be grateful for the many beautiful pix and credible pricing guidelines. As my dog-eared copy can attest, the guidebook will become your best friend when Fiesta shopping!
   I give this book a 10, but I hope the next edition - which is rumored to be out in 1998 - will address the new Fiesta line as some colors are now very collectible.



2. So what sets this book up to be any different than any other collectible book? "The Laughlin story" We came real close to calling this Shakespeare pottery. Just the history and the changing technology is worth reading about.
   
   After that is my favorite. "That Radioactive Red"
   
   As the title implies there are sections with stories on Harlequin, Riviera, and Kitchen Kraft
   
   In the back there are suggested values and a list of Collector Books for further reading.
   
   One major item, the pictures are in color.

1 comments about An Unauthorized Guide to Fire-King Glasswares (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. I am quite disappointed with this book. If I have read it in a book store (instead of mail order) I would not have bought it. It is bacially a book with only pictures and the prices. It does not even include the price of those that are not pictured. The pictures are not great either, some ivory pieces look like they are green!! The listing is not complete and in my own opinion, any one who goes to an auction site can gather enough pictures and a more complete price list of all the Fire King items than this book. There are only 2-3 pages that have words/writting by the author. I didnot gain any new knowledge by reading this book at all. A waste of money. The one by Gene Florence is much better.

1 comments about Rock Posters of Jim Phillips.

1. ROCK POSTERS OF JIM PHILLIPS provides a 30-year retrospective of rock posters by Phillips, surveying the artist's life and times and following his career from early posters through present times. His computer painted posters as well as his classic rock art signature style is displayed in gorgeous full-page color reproductions paired with biographical and historical perspectives.

5 comments about Collecting Costume Jewelry 101: The Basics of Starting, Building and Upgrading (Identification & Value Guide).

1. I learned many of the basics overtime and searching the internet. It is great to have so much information in one book. The photos are excellent and I would recommend this to anyone starting a collection. Great do's and don'ts.



2. This book along with the "202" book by the same author are "must have"s for costume jewelry collectors, buyers and sellers. I can't rate them highly enough.



3. Found this book to be very helpful at my jewelry shows. Has lots of pictures and information on vintage jewelry and numerous designers. Does not go into great detail, but gives enough good information to be helpful. Because the information is listed in alpha order, my customers find it helpful when looking up specific designers or styles. This book is great for beginners and old collectors alike.



4. I actually bought her 2nd book (202) before buying this one (101) and while I treasure my 202 guide much more than this first one (because I'm not a beginner) - I think it is a fabulous book to have for those starting out. With a lot of fake WEISS and other great designers' jewelry being reproduced and sold as the real thing today (especially on eBay), it's a good guide to have that shows a fair amount and variation of these favorite popular designers' pieces. This will help the beginner collector possibly know a fake when they see it. Not all that shines and sparkles means it is the real thing or that it's collectible. I believe both her books should be bought together but the 202 Guide is definitely the very best there is (because it shows so many patents). I particularly like the fact that both of these books are done in sturdy paperback because if they were hardbound, they would be so heavy given how big they are. Lots and lots of colorful pictures! Well done!!



5. Brief Description of Book
   This book lives up to its name and is a great gift for someone you may know who is just getting hooked on buying vintage costume jewelry. It would make a great companion gift to a fabulous vintage piece. This book Collecting 101 is a bit basic for absolute beginners only.
   The core thesis of the book is G-U-I-D-E an acronym that stands for:
   * Is the piece in Good condition?
   * Do U Like it?
   * Is it a good investment?
   * Is the piece designer signed and is it well designed?
   * Are there extras that make it more interesting?
   These questions are posed to help the buyer select good pieces at whatever price point they are starting to collect at. The author explains her GUIDE concept quite concisely and uses it throughout the book.
   
   The author suggests four designers that beginners should collect Trifari, Coro, Kramer and Weiss. She recounts a little history about each of the companies, shows photos of their marks and recommends pieces to purchase. For example she suggests Trifari from the 50's and 60's because it is plentiful, available in excellent condition and not too expensive. The author uses a lot of photos to illustrate these sections
   
   The next portion of the book is arranged the alphabetically and cameos 130 designers. Each profile contains a little company history, marks, signature look of a designer and recommendations of pieces to buy.
   
   In the next chapter there is a section called "Marked by Style" on identifying unmarked jewelry. A little more than a beginner skill in my opinion but an interesting section to ponder nonetheless. She focuses 75% of her energy on Juliana, the remaining 25% on Eisenberg, Dorothy Bauer, Hattie Carnegie, Goldette, Haskell, Hollycraft, Sarah Coventry, Schauer, Schreiner and Weiss.
   
   The remaining chapters cover:
   * Upgrading your collection
   * Repairing and Cleaning
   * Cataloging a Collection
   * Storing and Insuring a Collection
   
   Over all the advice is quite sound, the G-U-I-D-E principle should be followed it will really help anyone avoid unfocused buying.
   
   Quantity of Illustrations:
   There are more than 750 total illustrations in Collecting Costume Jewelry 101. There are color photographs, original advertisements in color and black and white. The photos are clear and focused.
   
   
   Quality of Illustrations:
   
   Comments: The items selected are not riveting I think that they are pedestrian. Maybe that is because this book is pitched at beginners. However I feel that the selections should be inspirational and exciting. This is why the top shelf pieces in a book such as "A Tribute to America" are always fun to look at. I felt the items pictured were what the author could get permission to use. Which leads me to the inclusion of Christmas tree jewelry! There are too many Christmas trees in this book. And I like Christmas tree jewelry.
   
   I have one very pointed example that illustrates my low score on the illustrations. The author devoted 3 pages to Miriam Haskell. In my opinion these are not good representative pieces, they are what was available to include. There is one pair of beaded earrings, a necklace with gold chain and a wood pendant that looks like it was made in shop class to me, several strings of beads, a pearl necklace that is not photographed close enough to generate any excitement and a pair of gilded earrings. I may sound harsh here but the wow factor of buying Miriam Haskell is not expressed in these photos. Feel free to disagree!
   
   As a final note on the illustrations, I am reviewing the first edition of this book. According to the publisher Collector Books a second edition should be available soon. They promise 200 new photos and updates on the price guidelines that are included in the first edition.
   
   
   
   Quantity of Information
   Range of Information offered:
   For the most part this is a good concise book to check for information. If you are looking for in depth information on a particular designer you should probably look at a more specialized book. For example there are entire books on Haskell, KJL, D &E, to name only a few designers.
   
   Is the information thorough?
   The information provided seems to be thorough and remember this is a book for beginners.
   
   Values Listed (Prices) Yes
   Are they helpful or realistic? The prices are being updated for a new edition
   The prices are based on what one might hope to get in an e-bay auction.
   Comments: Based on the prices sometimes I want to be buying and other times I want to be on the selling end of the transaction.
   
   
   User Friendly:
   Is the book easy to read and follow? yes
   Is there a table of contents and index? yes
   Is information easy to find? yes
   
   
   Is this book a must have? Only for your friends who are just beginning to collect costume jewelry. I think Costume Jewelry 202 is a vastly superior book and I would recommend that (again).
   
   Overall comments
   If I had this book many years ago I would have avoided buying stuff I just didn't need. I would have made wiser purchases and would have a better collection today.

1 comments about Chinese Ceramics: A New Comprehensive Survey: From the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.

1. A must for anyone interested in Chinese ceramics. Beautifully photographed - a first class publication of quality.