No comments about The Official Blackbook Price Guide to United States Paper Money 2009, 41st Edition (Official Blackbook Price Guide to United States Paper Money).

5 comments about Antique Trader Book Collector's Price Guide (Antique Trader Book Collectors Price Guide).

1. So many times I have purchased books that promise the information I will need to be knowledgable about a subject. And so many times it is an empty promise.

   Antique Trader Book Collector's Price Guide makes no empty promises. It's filled with accessible information that informs the reader on this complex subject. I've not found one easier to use.

   If you are interested in collecting or selling books, this guide belongs in your library.




2. This book is very helpful to me as I buy and sell used books.



3. Lighten up a little, guys. The book is THREE years old, fer chrissakes! NO book, even Ahreans, is going to cover everything AND continually be up-to-date on the fluctuations of the market (and market values), but each reference book you purchase adds a little something to your knowledge based, and this one does as well. The chapter on pseud.s adds yet another dimension to the book seller's (and/or collector's) knowledge.



4. I bought, then returned this book. It may be a fine book for some but the word "Antique" in the title is deceptive. I am interested in antique books. Considering the fact that books have been published for centuries, a shotgun listing of books of relatively recent vintage may serve some well but was useless to me. Sorry, Mr. Russell. Better lose the "Antique Trader" title if you have another printing.



5. The expanded new edition of a classic book collector's market guide provides full color and plenty of detail, updating prices for over 5,000 books and using charts to help identify first editions --which can be a tricky process, as publisher's marks vary from publisher to publisher. A new chapter on children's books has been added, while Top Ten lists of rarities and an alpha listing by author makes it quick and easy to use this as a take-along tote for flea market ventures.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

5 comments about Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man.

1. I love Fannie Flagg's books, this book I found to be very funny, everyone I lent it too also thought it was funny. Enjoy



2. This is one of the funniest books I have ever read, if not the funniest. Great for a gift or for an introduction to the work of the author, Fannie Flagg. I highly recommend this book!



3. Fannie Flagg Is the Best Writer I have come across in many years. She has a magic on par with Mark Twain. You will fall in love with her novels and I would recommend any and all. I cant say enough good things about her. Even before I finished my first book of hers I ordered all of the rest! I only hope she writes many more as they are each a jewel and a treasure. Happy reading.



4. I read this book back in 1992 when it first came out in paperback. I was eleven at the time. I can recall finishing it and immediately starting it again. I think I read it six times just that year. When I was eleven, I thought I WAS Daisy Fay. I pictured myself starring in the movie, which I knew was going to come out someday (why, why why why hasn't it come out, 16 years later?). As a young girl, this book captured me in a way that the Babysitters Club or Sweet Valley never could (back then we didn't have Harry Potter!). I even "performed" the first chapter (diary entry) for a class project.
   
   Zoom forward to 2008. I have read this book a MINIMUM of once a year, every year, since I first read it. It is still my favorite book of all time, even with my current "style" of reading being quite different than Daisy Fay (my other favorite book is Steppenwolf - not exactly your DFATMM). Any time I am having a bad day, I know that I can go read Daisy Fay and immediately feel better. I'm 27 now, but sometimes I still feel like little miss Daisy Fay is my best friend.
   
   While I am a fan of ALL Fannie Flagg books and characters, this one strikes me as the most heartfelt, warm, and genuine character that she has ever created. Daisy Fay is a quick read (even the slowest reader can get through it in a week - quick readers, bet on an afternoon), but aside from the ease of reading - it is a powerful, touching story of a goofy, awesome, hilarious, and outspoken girl - the girl we all love.
   
   Thank you, Fannie Flagg, for filling my entire life with your fascinating and wonderful characters (especially my Daisy Fay). :)



5. This is another of Fannie Flaggs deeply delightful books. The rich characture development is so attention grabbing. What a joy to follow along through the eyes and words of a pre-teen on into adulthood. Another cast of zany oddfellows. I recommend this to young and older readers alike.

5 comments about Cameos: Old & New, 3rd Edition.

1. I am one of the small number of portrait cameo carvers on gemstone.

   I found this book to be excellent. There is a wealth of detail on all aspects of cameos. There are also good illustrations. There is valuable info for collectors on identifying and valuing Cameos.

   Information on how to distinguish Ultrasonic Cameos from the more valuable hand-carved cameos is given.

   You will gain a lot of knowledge on how Cameos are made and valued from reading this title.




2. When most people think of cameos, they think of the standard woman's profile carved from shell and mounted as a brooch or necklace. But the art of the cameo encompasses far more than that. Historically, it dates back to the ancient world, and over the centuries many materials have been used in making these works of art. Although female heads are probably the most common subject, mythological figures, animals, portraits of individuals, and many other things have found their way onto cameos. The quality can range all the way from cheap mass-produced modern items to fine hand-crafted pieces worthy of any museum.
   
   Anna Miller's "Cameos" is a wonderful introduction to cameos. She covers the history of the form, the subjects normally found and what each one looks like--very useful in an age where few people know their mythology. She describes the different materials that have been used in making cameos--including lava from Mt. Vesuvius, shell, agate, onyx, plastic, and glass. There's an extensive section on how cameos are made and on the people who made (and make) them. One particularly useful discussion describes the differences between traditional hand-carved works and those made by modern ultrasonic machines (vital for any modern buyer). The author also gives information on how to evaluate quality and condition and on market value. The book is illustrated throughout with black and white pictures, and there is an extensive color section in the middle. One of the best things about this book is that the author is able to convey her appreciation of the art of cameos to the reader. "Cameos" is an essential reference for anyone who wants to acquire a knowledge and understanding of this art. Highly recommended.



3. If you love cameos and collect them this is a wonderful little book for you. Tells you the history, the types, the reasons for certain styles, how to tell the age, how to tell the value, and all the necessary terminology for discussing them. Good illustrations are also a plus.



4. I liked the book. It could of had alot more information in it because there was a few things that I did not get answered...like I had hoped. But I guess you can't expect one book to give you all the information that a person seeks.



5. The book is very thorough and spotting every important and relevant issue concerning old and newer cameos. Very easy to read and remember, giving all that's good to know about cameos. Recommended for anyone interested in knowing them - collectors, dealers, teachers...
   
   The only thing is that almost all of the photographs are in black & white, and in a rather poor quality. If the photos were in good quality color, this would have just made the book perfect. I, for one, would be happy to pay for the difference.

5 comments about A Sleeping Life.

1. Although first published in 1964 this book is still completely readable today. A Sleeping Life is an Inspector Wexford mystery which deals with the investigation into the stabbing of a middle-aged woman whilst visiting her ill relative in Kingsmarkham. Although he knows her name, the womans life away from Kingsmarkham remains a mystery which haunts Wexford. There are many twists and turns as Wexford comes nearer to discovering what drove the woman to hide the truth about herself. The conclusion, while perhaps not as shocking today as it was then, is nicely done.

   As usual Rendell has created a diverse range of interesting, and in some cases psychologically-flawed, characters. The scenes I enjoyed most were those with Sylvia, Wexford's daughter. She has left her husband after becoming interested in Woman's Lib, and has moved back in with her parents, Wexford and Dora. I was particularly amused by a piece of dialogue where Sylvia cries:
   "By God, my life is more his than it is mine!"
   (Referring to her husband, Neil). It really does point out how gender roles in the past have stiffled women - thank goodness that times have changed! However, I liked the way that Rendell also gave Neil's point of view about his wife's views so it wasn't one sided.

   Overall A Sleeping Life is great. There are plenty of opportunities for Wexford to use his dry, clever wit. The plot is solid and there is a good twist at the end. The sub-plot is entertaining and the characters are unusual.

   JoAnne




2. Many critics praise Ruth Rendall for her psychological insight into the characters she presents. I have never understood this; from my own point of view, her psychological insight usually consists of inconsistencies and uncertain motivations--the latter of which most often arise from a vaguely drawn plot that seldom has any "mystery" to it at all.
   
   Clearly, I am not among Rendell's fans. Still, if I were hard pressed to recommend a Rendell novel, I would most likely recommend A SLEEPING LIFE--for although very typical of her work in terms of character, it is indeed a reasonably well structured mystery with a double-folded solution that few will completely anticipate.
   
   The story concerns Rhoda Comfrey, an unattractive woman of fifty years whose body is found twice-stabbed along a path. But when Inspector Wexford attempts to trace Comfrey's movements, he is unexpectedly stymied: although her bed-ridden father resides in the area, she herself does not--and although it is generally understood that she lives in London, no one has any idea where, nor does an appeal through the press bring forth her address, her occupation, or even any one in all of England who has seen her, much less actually knows her.
   
   As the days pass in mounting frustration, Inspector Wexford gradually finds himself also drawn into the somewhat suspicious absence of noted novelist Grenville West, who may or may not know Comfrey and who may or may not have suddenly disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Is there any connection--or is it just another wild goose chase so typical of this particular case?
   
   In spite of my general dislike of Rendell's work, I found myself quite caught up in this particular title, which shows Rendell at her stylistic best and working with intriguing characters and a well-organized story. If you must read a Ruth Rendell novel, this would be a good choice.
   
   GFT, Amazon Reviewer



3. Inspector Wexford is an English police detective, who investigates the murder of a middle-aged woman. What makes this difficult is that, while the woman's identity is quickly established, the police cannot find out anything else about her, going back over twenty years. Where did she live? Where did she work? Who are her friends? Without this information, they are stymied in their investigation of her murder. They keep running into blind alleys and red herrings, until they finally fill in the gaps.
   
   Why did I title my review "a mediocre imitation"? I felt like I was reading a Sherlock Holmes mystery, stretched into a full novel, but with very little of the flair and charm of a Sir Arthur Conan Doyle work of art. I found Wexford, his cohorts, and his family uninteresting. The story was okay, including the twist at the end, although I had it figured out a little bit ahead of Wexford.
   
   Conclusion: Read a Sherlock Holmes collection instead, or one of George Chesebro's "Mongo" novels. They're written better and are more interesting.



4. Although I figured out the curious twist of the book early on, I still read it, fascinated by Ms. Rendell's skill. I am catching up with some older Inspector Wexford mysteries that I have missed over the years, and so came to "A Sleeping Life". Ms. Rendell is a master in creating a world where nothing is what it seems, and this book does this marvelously. It is different too because Wexford has an unidentified corpse for over half the book, and he is getting more and more frustrated as he goes up one blind alley after another. But a word and its meaning turn it around for him, and he manages to untangle the web, and discover the killer. If you are a mystery lover, than you cannot miss any one of Ms. Rendell's books. (And she has a lot of them).



5. For the most part Ruth Rendell's early Wexford novels hold up fairly well, especially for those of us who were around when they were first published thirty years ago. Sometimes, however, changing social mores render her "surprise" endings a good deal less shocking, and therefore much easier to guess, as is the case here.
   
   She drops so many clues that the "mystery" is pretty easy to guess about halfway through. That makes slogging through the last half, waiting for Reg to twig to the solution, a fairly tedious exercise. Excellent writing and interesting characters go a long way here, but they can't quite make up for the obvious nature of the plot.

5 comments about Gun Digest Book of the AR-15, Vol. 2.

1. Regarding AR-15 Volume #2
   Most of the reviews here are clearly for the first volume which I also enjoyed thoroughly. I could hardly wait for volume 2 to become available. However it was quite a let down. It was virtually void of the technical information Patrick usually provides and instead was filled with quips and comments. He spent too much time trying to be funny and or arrogant instead of providing his usual first class reviews. Editing left a lot to be desired as relevant pictures were often pages away from the text they supported. I have many of Patrick's books, but,I definitely would not recommend AR-15 Volume 2, sorry Patrick, you let us down with this one.



2. Interessante quanto il Vol.1. Sweeney è sempre divertente e molto competente. Comprato al prezzo di Amazon, rispetto a quanto si trova in Italia, è da non farsi scappare.



3. Sweeney gives a lot of information, most of it interesting and valuable. The comparative benefits of the AR, the AK and various calibers are well analyzed.
   
   Unfortunately, Sweeney also knows where his bread is buttered (hint - it is not by the readers who bought his book). Sweeney admits that he got a lot of free goodies from the gun manufacturers (presumably in the expectation that he would write favorable reviews) and he delivers. The readers bought the book in the expectation that Sweeney would write the whole truth about what he learned testing guns; unfortunately, the writer short changes us there. All reviews are either favorable (very) or bland. We can infer that the bland reviews mean that there wasn't much good that he could find to say about those products, but I don't pay $20+ dollars for a book to read between the lines.
   
   On a couple occasions, Sweeney discusses interesting topics, but stops short with the explanation that the public does not need to know that kind of sensitive information. Once again, I don't pay a writer to tell me that I am not entitled to know what he knows; I pay him to tell me what he knows. If he keeps the information to himself while being paid for the book, he is not delivering on the bargain.
   
   Buy this book on the remainder shelf for $5, or better yet, get it from the Amazon used book department where I am selling my copy. You don't need this book on your permanent shelf.



4. I found Vol 1 well written and very informative. However, this volume reads like it was rushed to capitalize on the success of Vol. 1. I would try other AR-15 books first. Try Volume 1. If you really need something new buy it, but do not expect it to be as well written as volume one.



5. The primary value of this effort is the evaluation of manufacturers which have changed in the two years between volumes. Otherwise this is a disorganized mess, with some of the poorest proofing I have seen in years. Typos appaar on almost every page. All of the real meat on the AR-15 is in the first volume and that is the one to buy. Leave this one in the bargain bin.

4 comments about Antique Trader Tools Price Guide.

1. I purchased this book for my boyfriends birthday. He is very interested in old tools, and old things in general. He Loves it. He takes it out to the machine shed and compares tools, or just glances at the pages in the evenings. The two largest sections are those on plumb bobs and planes.



2. We like this tool price guide book, but we just wish it was set up so you could look up tools by their maker rather than by just what they are. If you wanted to look up a certain Stanley Plane you would have to go to the planes section and read each description to find a Stanley plane. The index does not go by the maker of the tool, it just goes by what type of tool you are looking up. Still a useful price guide with beautiful photos.



3. Excellent photos and descriptions of a huge range of joiners tools and equipment - really interesting.



4. This is an excellent book for collectors and just folks who like tools. Like the others mentioned I only wish it was indexed or set up so that a person could look up a specific tool. It is still the best I have seen and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading about tools and looking at the excellent photos.
   It does not tell you much about the history or application of the tools. There are other books that do this. This author/editor has written a book that is for those of us who already know something about tools.

5 comments about Complete M1 Garand.

1. From the introductory pages, through to the list of resources, "The Classic M1 Garand" held my complete interest. Beginning with Jim Thompson's moving dedication to his friend, this book is written straight from the heart.
   As a newcomer to the world of classic rifles and firearms,a female neophyte, I was happily surprised that the information within was compiled in an efficient way. The descriptions of various types of guns and their proper care and preservation, is explained in finite detail. Mr. Thompson leaves no stone unturned covering the past 60or so years in the life of this beautiful treasure. The accompanying photographs of the author field testing his rifles, and photos of various guns and accessories are well described and captioned.
   War (and Peace) stories are spun through tbe context of the book.I love Jim Thompson's personalized style of writing, I seemed to flow with him from one chapter to the next eager to learn more. Definately an excellent choice for the gun collector and the merely curious as well. I highly recommend it. Thank You.



2. "Garanditus" is a dreadful malady, contracted by the unsuspecting interested in either shooting or World War II collecting. The consequences are terrible: drained financial resources, incessant internet searches for M1s, parts, and attendant paraphernalia. You find yourself attending meetings, standing, and reciting the familiar phrase, "Hello, my name is B--- and I am a Garandoholic."
   
   Along the way, to really appreciate this hobby (whether shooting or collecting), it is required that you build up a library and along side of Duff, Canfield, and the others are the books by Jim Thompson. None of the books written by *any* authors, by themselves, will provide a complete and total compendium of knowledge about Mr. J. C. Garand's wonderful rifle. All of them do provide essential information, making the practitioner more appreciative of the M1.
   
   Some of the other reviewers have objected to Mr. Thompson's rants about gang bangers, the criminal element, gun confiscation, Arizona local government, etc. are a bit tiresome. I do not share that view. On the contrary, I found Mr. Duff's books to be chocked full of facts and history, but a bit dry and too much a relation of the history of the Springfield armory. Consequently, Mr. Thompson's opinions provided interesting counterpoint. I value *both* the books that I have by Duff and Thompson as valuable components in a necessary reference library.
   
   To be sure, Mr. Thompson does provide a great deal of his personal knowledge to his works and does so in a very literate manner. I mean, a gun book whose author uses the words "calumny" and "denouement"?
   
   The only reason I gave it a 4 is because I wish it were longer.



3. JUST THE THING FOR OLD GUYS TO USE WHEN TAKING APART A GARAND & PUTTING
   SAME BACK TOGETHER.



4. If you collect or are interested in the Garand rifle, this is written for you. Easy to follow and packed with facts and pictures. I refer to my copy regularly. I would buy it again.



5. Very good book for Garand collectors.
   
   Good illustrations and pictorials as well as useful information.

2 comments about Are You a Grasshopper? (Backyard Books).

1. What a great book! My 2 year old was going through a fear of insects phase and this book helped tremendously. Not only did it educate her on the life cycle of the grasshopper, it did so without talking down to her. Now, she actually looks forward to going outside to "visit all her bugs".



2. This whole series of Backyard Books are an absolute must for every early childhood classroom. The information is written in such a respectful, child-friendly form that the children ask for the books to be re.read. It is in a narrative form but filled with factual information The illustrations are exquisite! I have three of the series and my Kindergarten children are asking for the others! ! !

3 comments about Plastic Culture: How Japanese Toys Conquered the World.

1. Ah, what a wonderful invention plastic is! Nearly limitless possibilities, able to be shaped into almost any form, take on any color, and endure across the centuries. As functional as it is fantastic. Of course, it was only a matter of time before artists took this malleable material into their capable hands, and created something that the inventors of the plastic would have never imagined. In this case, it is toys.
   
   "Plastic Culture: How Japanese Toys Conquered the World" supposes to tell the story of plastic, and its journey from function to fantastic, from commerce to art. Supposes to, because unfortunately the book seems to have fallen victim to a loss of focus, or possibly a conflict between writer and editor. Instead of this history of plastic, and their connection to Japanese culture, what the writer wanted to write about was an artistic movement called Urban Vinyl, originating in Hong Kong and then spreading to Japan and the US. That's his passion, and it shows.
   
   The first half of "Plastic Culture" is rough. It begins with a very brief history of plastic's invention, and its use in toys across the years. There is some brief connection with Japan, introducing the Kaiyodo model makers who perfected the garage kit. There is a half-hearted section on using toys for marketing purposes as mascots, mainly mentioning McDonalds Happy Meal toys and the Olympics. Trying to swing the story back to Japan, Sanrio is covered with their successful line of Hello Kitty figures and other characters. These articles are all short on text, and heavy on pictures, jumping rapidly from section to section without much logic or interest. Its pretty boring, and not very well researched. Then, on page 43, author Woodrow Pheonix begins the section on Urban Vinyl. And it all changes.
   
   The Urban Vinyl movement began in Hong Kong, with a couple of young talents started taking apart GI Joe figures and putting them back together street-style, dressed in the latest Hong Kong fashions and with an attitude that GI Joe never imagined. These two, Michael Lau and Eric So, exhibited their work at galleries, and inspired other artists to see toys as a medium of expression, rather than just playthings. The movement jumped across the water, to Japan with its ingrained toy culture, and then to the US underground comics scene, where artists like Dan Clowes ("Ghost World") and Archer Prewitt ("Sof' Boy") began teaming up with Asian designers to produce unique figures combining all of their talents and visions. Into this comes Takashi Murakami, famed for his Superflat exhibition and one of Japan's greatest modern artists, who sees the concept of creating original works of art in toys, rather than just reproducing existing works in plastic. Yoshitomo Nara, another prominent Japanese modern artist, follows suit. Its fascinating.
   
   If this book had been called "Urban Vinyl," and started with Lau and So in Hong Kong, then been given enough depth to explore the artistic movement completely, it would have been incredible. Woodrow Pheonix has a real passion for this movement, and a deep insight into what makes it tick and how the pieces fit together. His interviews with Murakami and Nara really made me reconsider the way I see toys, and it was great to here these two giants of modern art put forward such opposing yet complementary viewpoints on Urban Vinyl.
   
   But it wasn't, and so "Plastic Culture" is really only half a great book. That second half is really something, and worth picking up the book for. It makes me want to learn more about Urban Vinyl and hopefully someday Pheonix will get to write the book that he should have. I will be first in line to pick it up.



2. All the cool pictures of toys I can't have are nice. But it's really better than all the other toy books becuase it explains all about toys and how come they are so cool. I know it was for adult level reader but I learned a lot that my friends don't know! It wasn't hard to read and I wish it was twice the size. My only problem is There was not enough Blythe information even though she's on the cover.



3. This is an amazing book! Eloquently written, with great insights into toys as a whole, this book gives a comprehensive overview of the emergence of designer vinyl. Great images!