1 comments about Antique Trader Salt And Pepper Shaker Price Guide (Antique Trader).

1. I am extremely disappointed. Following my mother's recent death, I came across her old collection of over 80 sets - at least 90% of which are over 50 years old. I thought this book would be of help in learning about them. NOT EVEN CLOSE!
   
   While it says it lists "More than 1,000 salt & pepper shakers...." there is no index & no table of contents. Only 1 set that I have was in this book. While there are great color pictures, and similar types are together (sort of), you have to thumb through the entire book to try to find a particular item. Then do it again... and again.
   
   This is a total waste of money and a poor attempt to "Get the Shakedown on Your Collection"! I am the one who got Shook Down.
   
   I recommend trying to find a copy to look through before buying this. I wish I had.

5 comments about Barbie: A Visual Guide to the Ultimate Fashion Doll.

1. I love this book. This is the neatest book in the world. It has almost every Barbie I have in there. My favorite Barbie was the Olympic P.J. I use it to help me surf on Ebay. If you like Barbies, get this book now!



2. This book is really nice, the pictures are gorgeous, and it has some index on Barbie dolls by year, also Barbie's friends. Not so much on collectible dolls, but there are some dolls with gorgeous pics, some are different from the publish pics and a few are the same. Nice information for dolls and furniture. Great book! The cover is stunning!!!!



3. My kids like it. It's got excellent layout, clear crisp pics, but isn't comprehensive. Great to look through, and point to - look, I had that one when I was a kid..... (YOU were a KID?) I don't use it with my collection, but I am glad I bought it - it makes a pleasent just for fun.



4. This beautiful book is a must-have for any girl who loves Barbies. It is a children's book and is a visual delight...not a dry guide for adult collectors. The pictures are crisp and labeled, as the other DK books are; "corduroy hat" and "red patent leather pumps," etc. A huge hit with my 9-year old niece.



5. My daughter loves this book, and we are on our 3rd copy because she has worn it out taking it on trips, in the car, etc. Her favorite part is the international dolls section, where she enjoys looking at national costumes from around the world. The layout and photos are very well-done, and it brings me back to my childhood as well!

5 comments about One Hex of a Wedding (Chintz 'n China Series).

1. I have benn a long time fan of Yasmine Galenorn's books, both fiction and non-fiction. This instalment into the lives of Emerald and friends was fast and furious! Right out of chapter one she had me hooked on the fast plot and tight twists and turns of Em's wedding and Murry's freaky stalker! I love this series! The characters are well written and have developed over time. I hope this isn't the last in the series as a previous reviewer hinted at! Please write more! Well Done!



2. Another great book in the Chintz & China Mystery Series. Emerald learns more about her ex-husband (and why their marriage ultimately ended) while trying to get through the wedding planner's worst nighmare that leads up to her wedding to Joe. Her maid of honor is cursed and stalked, her other bridesmaid is juggling a job and a new baby while her husband is headed off for an extended job on the road, and her daughter struggles with first love. That doesn't even include the family dynamics brought about by the wedding. Even Nanna makes an appearance. Emerald's reactions are real (why does this have to happen when I'm getting married) and fun (when a photographer tries to pair a swimsuit model with Joe for a calendar shoot). Can't wait for the next book!



3. I am pleased to write that this offering in the C 'n C series completely exceeded my expectations...and more importantly, made me anxious for more. Ms. Galenorn has allowed the main character, Emerald, to grow into a more realistic 21st century powerful pagan. The previous novels had left me just a bit annoyed with Emerald's somewhat self-centered personality. "One Hex of a Wedding", though, offered some credible glimpses of vulnerability and willingness to reexamine long-held opinions -- just like a real woman as she grows older and, hopefully, wiser. The cast of supporting characters is becoming more fascinating to me, and they seem to have more dimension now. Heck, I even cried at some of the truly poignant moments in the book!
   
   If you've not read any of the previous books, this could definitely stand alone. But do yourself a favor and read the earlier four anyway. If you find yourself, like me, vaguely annoyed with Emerald O'Brien by book three, don't worry -- you'll grow to love her again in "One Hex of a Wedding", a wonderful treat of a novel.



4. This was the most delicious final book in her series. I loved the way everything came together at the end, and the darker tone was perfect.
   
   Read the entire series -- it's a definate winner!



5. I can't wait until the next book in the series! It is a page turner.

4 comments about Collecting Victorian Jewelry: Identification and Price Guide.

1. Gemologist C. Jeanenne Bell presents Collecting Victorian Jewelry: Identification And Price Guide, a full-color showcase of the distinctive jewelry of the Victorian era. Vintage photographs and artwork as well as close-up detailed of pieces, extensive price information, tips on discerning real pieces from imitation and general background information on gemstones and fashion of the time fill this lavish volume. A "must-have" for antique jewelry collectors, and recommended for anyone interested in seeing these wondrous works of art and adornment up close.



2. It was intersting reading. More on style, than on collecting. Interesting if you like history. Lots to learn. And a true collector neds to learn alot.



3. Yet another book by prolific jewellery writer C. Jeanenne Bell. In this book, Bell deals exclusively with Victorian jewellery, that is jewellery produced in England, America and France during the period from 1837 to 1901. This book is primarily a catalogue of Victorian jewellery, with full color photos and prices at the time of publication, interspersed with text that attempts to place the jewellery in a historical context with respect to events and fashions. Unlike some books, which only show the jewelley of royalty, this book shows items which would suit a range of budgets.
   
   This book is primarily aimed at dealers and those wishing to collect jewellery from the Victorian era. However, with over 700 full colour photos (according to the back cover), this is also a great coffee table book for those wanting to look at beautiful things and dream.



4. The 'historical' background is at elementary school level. Many of the photos are in poor quality, with no zoom in whatsoever. The index is basic and lacking and as the book is chronologically arranged, that's unhelpful.
   It can give a very basic and limited idea about the subject but nothing more.

No comments about Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700: Identification and Valuation Guide 17th Century (Standard Catalog of World Coins 17th Century Edition 1601-1700).

5 comments about Warman's Matchbox Field Guide: Values and Identification (Warmans Field Guide).

1. This is one fine little book. The pictures are superb and the text is short and concise. This book would work well for the seasoned collector as well as a collector that is new to Matchbox.



2. Upon reading this new book from Tom Larson,it has finally shown that there is room for a pocket guide amongst all the other "big" heavy Matchbox collector books. This book can be carried easily anywhere you want. Study up on your Matchbox hobby as you go about your travelling. Carry it to Toy Shows, diecast conventions, and even to the local antique auctions. It is small,light, full of brightly colored, well shot photos of all your favorite Matchbox cars and trucks. There is even some rare vehicles,sets, and other accessories shown. With accurate Price quotations for "Mint In Box" models,you are surely to enjoy this work for years to come.
   For the price, you can't beat it!
   Definitely worth every penny.
   Finally, a beautifully compiled Matchbox toy car collectors guide.
   It will be a hit, Just watch.
   Thanks Tom :)
   just another fine book in the Warman's series.
   Kudos to Krause Publications for jumping on this one.:)
   
   sincerely
   Burney Reid
   "Diecast Enthusiast"
   Coquitlam, B.C.
   Canada



3. This book is very welcome as it will increase many people's enjoyment of collecting Matchbox models. Due to its easy availability and reasonable price it may even attract some more people to this wonderful hobby.
   
   With its compact size it is ideally suited for carrying around to toy shows and flea markets, where it can be used as an aid in identifying models one might come across.
   
   While experienced collectors may be slightly disappointed at the lack of detail and some embarrassing and sometimes misleading mistakes (which have no doubt been caused by the tight deadline pressure under which the book was written), this book is perfect as an introduction for beginners.
   
   The quality of the many pictures is first class, and the introductory pages in the front section of the book, including a well-written summary of Matchbox history and useful collecting tips, are a must read for anyone interested in the subject.
   
   Congratulations to Tom Larson on this fine achievement!



4. Most Matchbox guide books are encyclopedic in size. This is the first one I've found that is easy to take with you to toy shows, garage sales, and flea markets. The photos in the book are outstanding. The helpful collecting tips are well-written and are sound advice for collectors. All in all, I'm very pleased to recommend this book. Mine already has considerable wear, and I'll probably be needing another one by Christmas (hint to family)!



5. It's hard to believe that so much information is packed into such a little book. It's the big little book for Matchbook collectors. The photo quality in this book is second to none. Although the prices of these gems are always in flux, it is great to have an updated price guide. The history, collecting tips and listing of online resources contained in the book are treasures in and of themselves.

5 comments about Medieval Costume and How to Recreate It.

1. I'm of mixed feelings on this book .
   First, if you don't own a single costuming book, then get it, just for some inspiration.
   
   The best reason for anyone to get the book is the illustrations......over 200 period illustrations to use for inspiration.
   Granted, they're in black and white.......so you don't get the colors to see, but Ms Hartley often describes the colors, so that helps.
   She has provided a number of pages of detailed line-drawing illustrations to help explain/show how cloth was cut and sewn to create various outfits.
   As such, they are helpful, sometimes.
   Ditto, other times they are off the mark.
   
   Some of her interpretations are, shall I say 'creative' without adequate proof in her period sources to support her theories of construction.
   With that, I have some major problems, but if her purpose is to give a resonable facsimile for stage interpretation, then her theories are adequate.
   If her purpose was to provide accurate historical information, then she is often being misleading in regards to the needs of the serious historical re-inactor.
   i.e. she interprets the 'modesty panel' triangular insert, in a 15th c. gown as a 'vest'. Granted, she says "a small triangular vest" so maybe her idea of a vest, and mine, are merely a difference in understanding. But her perception of a Hellsgate overgown is off the mark. Because the upper portion of the winter worn ones is often covered in, or lined with, fur, she incorrectly interprets the upper portion as a totally seperate garment, calling it a 'sleeveless jacket/coat' and both her line drawings and her text clearly indicate she genuinely believed it to have been such, stating : ".........shows a sleeveless jacket which must have been comforting in drafty halls-it may be fur-lined, or only fur trimmed- but it is definately part of the jacket. The front seems to be stiffened by light strips of wood or whalebone (I have major problems with this, as it has no sound basis, at all. Stiffening elements were used, in later times, as means of support, but were not needed for this garment, which hung loosely. Her interpretation is apparently based on the stiff appearance of the panels, but this is due to the heavy weight of the (Attached)skirts holding it vertical)..... and the jacket secured to it firmly by metal studs or clasps. The whole jacket is essentially a sturdy little affair, and though in some cases it seems to have been worn as part of the robe, we believe it was always made and put on seperately."
   
   Her line drawings shows it as a simple fur-lined vest (with a normal sleeveless opening......which her period illustrations do not support, at all ) and a line drawing of one (vest) with a button-front panel down the center, which she has taken the creative measure of showing 'how' it was 'surely' attached to the edges of the front vest opening, by way of 4 buttons at the corners of the front insert, going through button holes, in the vest, barely concealed at the edges of the fur edging along the front edges. There is absolutely no historical evidence to support this theory; she had, clearly gotten it in her head, that this was a seperate jacket, and is attempting to demonstrate how the period variations might have been achieved, to support this silly idea. I need to add that in many of her other line drawings she seems to rule out the cut of the cloth pieces being a shaping factor, and, instead, resorts to the use of darts to show how to achieve a fitted look. Only in two incidences has she shown the use of gores to widen a skirt. In at least two cases (of men's garments) she has done something interesting with the cloth directly below where the cut goes into the body of the cloth, to isolate the sleeve for sewing the underarm seam. She has, instead of cutting it from the body of the garment, (to use as sleeves, etc.) left it, open and seamless, to wrap the front, back around the sides of the body, and the back panels, forward over those to create a double layer of cloth at either side of the torso, (for warmth ?) held in by the belt. I've never seen the first bit of period source to support this theory, nor does any of her period sources provided in the book, support it. She also shows an interesting theory on the cut of a laborer's shirt with high collar (under her chapter on 'Artisans' oddly enough) Cuts are made down either side of what is to be the high collar, and the cloth, to either side of the collar, is folded down over the shoulders in a manner like the side panels earlier mentioned, and stitched into place. Once again, she tucks in darts to shape with. She also elaborates on her 'padded shoulders' theories by showing two other drawings of "shoulder flaps" again, un-supported by any evidence in the form of period illuminations, etc.
   
   Dispite all of this, believe it, or not, but I Still LIKE the book !!!
   It's well worth the money in period pictures, if for no other reason.
   
   I also like the fact that she's steered away from the usual emphasis on royal garments, and has concentrated her efforts on the clothes of the everyday common man, dividing her chapters to cover individual professions. Her line drawings are excellent, even if off-the-mark at times with her theories of construction......she has nicely isolated some interesting details of accessories to go with the different professions and situations, as in the clappers, etc. that the lepers were required to announce their approach,...her text in these things, elaborates more on the assorted situations, with helpful historical information.
   
   All in all, my single largest problem with her concise little book is when it comes down to her attempts to introduce her own theories as to construction; using her line drawings to try and prove how her theories might have been achieved, while she neglects to provide period sources to give visual support to her ideas. As a quick guide to theatrical costuming, it has it's merits. As a first costuming book for Medieval Historical re-inactors, it is valuable for the period illustrations, but her interpretations often need to be taken with a grain of salt, as many will not fly if entered in an A & S costuming competition, judged by informed judges...so you be the judge of how valuable this book may be in your library. I have over 100 costuming books in my own, and I'm still glad I added this one, if for no other reason than as a sometimes bad example,....but, again, the period illustrations are well worth the cost of the book. R.D. Wertz/Shara of Meridies



2. Even if I am french I can use this book to realize medieval costumes. The patterns are very good and the explanations quite easy.



3. Medieval Costume - yes. Sorta. I guess. She doesn't give much in the way of proof for her costuming conjectures. Lots of drawings and narrative, but really no citations worth mention.
   
   How to Recreate it? Not at all. not a bit. Not even so much as a cutting diagram or a single discussion of how to cut, sew, assemble or reproduce the garments.
   
   Very disappointing.



4. It's a nice book, it covers all the areas of the medieval society... but briefly.
   It has a lot of images, and some sketched patterns, but it's of no great use if you're a newcomer to both medieval clothes and sewing techniques.
   Used together with some other books, it can come in handy.
   With goods and bads, it worths its price.



5. This book, to me, is really neat in that it actually shows you the measurements for simple costume projects.

1 comments about Fantastic Folders and Exceptional Envelopes: A Designer's Guide to Custom Carriers That Open Conversations and Seal Deals.

1. A great resource illustrating many variations on folders and envelopes. Classic, clean and corporate styles with not too much funk going on (minimal urban design). Unusual ways of presentation - fresh ideas. Also has relavent and useful sizing information and alternate suggestions for die-cuts.

5 comments about Tiaras - A History of Splendour.

1. Oh my God! This is serious eye candy. The photos are huge and clearly detailed. The book is huge. You'll never get through just looking at all the pictures in one sitting. There's lots of good information about the tiaras, too. Considering that you can spend $20 on a paperback with no photos, I would definitely advise you to spring for the $47 for this huge book that has lots of colorful photographs of some of the most amazing jewels in the world. [...]



2. For those who are either royal or Jewelry collectable enthusiast. Geoffrey C. Munn's coffe table book on the history of the tiara is a must have. Rich colour plated illustrations with close ups of the masterpieces created to adorn the heads of royalty and the aristocracy throughout the ages. Resourceful information about the history behind the creation of the jewel,& the owner's family history and heritage as well.



3. This is a large coffee table book which would grace any table in the world with its magnificent photographs of the tiaras belonging to royalty, the rich and famous and museums. The display of diamonds and precious gemstones is breathtaking, showing the many different styles which came and went in fashion, some delicate and dainty and others, gaudy and cumbersome, but all of them with jewels which are stunning in their beauty. I enjoyed the written descriptions and stories which accompany them as much as the photos, as I hadn't any idea that these magnificent pieces were so often broken up and reassembled to suit a new owner's taste, and the history of the jewels are a lesson in history on their own, with the shape and size of the headpieces reflecting the fashion of the day as well as the prevailing life style of the owner. Even tiaras given by Queen Elizabeth 2 to members of her own family have been altered to suit the taste of the recipient, as one I noticed...the aquamarine and diamond tiara given to Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, has been reduced in size from a full tiara to a more comfortable diadem which sits more easily on the front of the head. This is a book which one could have on a coffee table for years, to browse through and never tire of looking at it.



4. What fabulous photographs! Many of them in colour and close up to show the beautiful detail! Anyone who has a interest in royalty or jewels will love this book. I certainly do. Munn writes an informative text as well and makes for an interesting read.



5. Tiaras a History of Splendour by my friend Geoffrey C. Munn director of the famed store Wartski is a Must for serious collectors and historians. Through its symbol of Power and Royalty the reader is sure to travel in time and learn so much about the past, present and future. You can even see my personal Comb Tiara which belonged to Princess Pauline Borghese, favorite sister of Napoleon on page 38 plate 23 which was also a hit for the Chinese People when Chaumet presented it at the opening of the Museum in Hongkong last year in December...The buckle and belt were also stolen at my father's estate during World War II not by the Nazis but by french collaborators, jalous of dad's connection with De Gaulle...
   Comte Alexandre de Bothuri

5 comments about Mauzy's Depression Glass: A Photographic Reference with Prices.

1. I have purchased many books in the past on depression glass, antiques, 40's, 50's and 60's era. But this book is my far the best written, best photos and gives the best details I have yet to see. I will be looking for others done by this author as well. I was suprise to see all the information that was put into this. Absolutely recommend for any antique dealer or collector of any type of glassware.



2. Wow, is this a mature book. It covers nearly every pattern I've run into, gives a good history and overview of nearly every one, has realistic prices, lists each piece, identifies and describes (yes, describes) how individual reproduction pieces can be spotted. The patterns are listed alphabetical.
   
   The only way I'd improve on it (and this goes for all these books) is adding a little cross-referencing between similar patterns. I've had to write in the book "similar patterns: ..., ..., ...".



3. I thought the pictures were very clear and the details sharp. I liked the general layout of the text.



4. My wife is a very active collector of all types, manufacturers, styles and colors of depression glass. Over the years she has become quite proficient in her knowledge but always appreciates a good authoritive up to date source of pricing, photo and description. This photographic reference along with pricing has been a welcomed addition to her book collection. The book is very well done with clear photos and good product descriptions. Pricing will always be difficult to lock down in print as prices vary from region to region but as a reference source to see what direction and what pace the pieces are moving in value as compared to earlier editions of pricing guides, this book does well. I would see this book in the hands of both an experienced collector as well as someone just starting out to enjoy this facinating type of collectible. There is a lot of knowledge to be gained from this book.



5. Very well put together. Easy to find items. Pictures clear and easy to see. Values for items included.