5 comments about Complete Guide to the M1 Garand and the M1 Carbine.

1. I found this book to be just what I was looking for in a Reference/History book. Bruce Canfield must have had the average military collector in mind when he wrote this work. He has updated the original text and the clarity of the pictures is excellent. It has helped answer some of the questions that I had about my M1 Garand. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR COLLECTORS.



2. As a collector of U.S. military rifles, I decided
   to purchase this book. I found the carbine information
   helpful, if a little confusing, and incomplete in
   regard to some of the later developments, and there
   is NOTHING in here at all helpful about ammo.

   I have ALL the M1 books, though. And this area
   is where Canfield sort of falls apart and becomes
   irrelevant. He completely poo-poohs the Italian
   Breda and Beretta rifles, does not explore the
   rebuilds or much of the postwar history, does not
   mention civilian developments at all, and
   badmouths the "import rifles"...which pretty much
   means what today's shooters and collectors can
   actually get is skipped COMPLETELY.

   And a lot of the photos, while pretty good, are not
   completely explained. In point of fact, there is
   some good material here, but not much of it, and
   it is all incomplete.




3. Although I am not finished reading this book, I am very pleased with the content so far. This book goes into very good detail with good quality pictures. I was looking for a book to assist me in the purchase of an M1, and I feel more comfortable in my quest now that I am much more educated on the specifics of differant models and details purtaining to certain years and serial numbers as pointed out in this book. The content may be a little to detail oriented for the reader that is just trying to gain the history of this weapon, but for the reader looking to learn the "nuts and bolts" of this gun, I would highly recommend this guide.



4. Bruce Canfield's books are always worthwhile reading for the interested student of history: he always explains the development and technical details of the firearm under review within its historical context, never slacking in detail yet somehow never getting bogged down in minutiae.
   
   If you don't already have _War Baby_ and are interested in the M1 Carbine, this is a worthwhile book; if you already own _WB_ or are planning on getting it and are uninterested in the M1 Garand rifle, you would be better off saving your money & spending it on _War Baby_, which focuses exclusively on the M1 Carbine. I have read _War Baby_ and found the section on the Carbine in Canfield's book to be (understandably) inadequate in comparison, but wholly enjoyable and complete in its own right if not already familiar with the extensive and absolutely thorough coverage provided on the subject by _War Baby_.
   
   Any fan of the Garand rifle is well-served by adding this title to his personal library. That said: I really wish that this title was offered as part of a compendium with Bruce Canfield's _Johnson Rifle_, as that other book is rather pricey in comparison; if the two were combined at the present price of his book on the Johnson rifle, it would be a no-brainer to buy it, offering as it would a fairly comprehensive look at the long arms developed and used by the U.S. immediately prior & during World War II. Something the publisher should consider, as I imagine sales of the book on the Johnson rifle are handicapped by it's high price, while this book is not as thorough as others devoted exclusively to their single topical long arm and hence could benefit from the addition of the added material on the Johnson rifle which competed with the Garand for political favor...



5. Has been very helpful to my husband in restoring his guns. Book as promised.

5 comments about Collectors Encyclopedia of California Pottery.

1. I would recommened this book to anyone interested in collecting California pottery. This book has a large selection of photos of the various types of pottery produced and the different markings used on the pottery.



2. Being that I live in Ohio, the big pottery names here are ones like McCoy, Roseville, and Weller. I knew nothing about any of the West Coast pottery companies. I desperately needed a source of reference. I chose this book and I have not been disappointed. It covers 28 companies,gives a biography of each,shows examples of the marks used, and very clear photos of items made by each.Descriptions and values of the items shown are also included.I highly recommend this book for any pottery buyers library.



3. Great guide that covers a good majority of California Potteries with a good selection of works from each potter. Values are not too inflated and color pictures are wonderful. A must if you need a general guide to vintage California Pottery, a hot item right now.



4. This is an excellent book that I use often to identify pottery pieces. Not only does it contain beautiful clear photos of pottery it also provides a wonderful brief, well written, history of the various potters and potteries. Very informative indeed! I also reccommend California Pottery Scrapbook by this same auther.



5. Nice enough book, but it is so hard to really provide a complete guide to such a broad subject. I was looking for information about Brayton Laguna blackamoors, and the offering was sparse, nothing more than a line in the index, and a brief description in the text. Maybe the author will do a book on Brayton Laguna blackamoors one day. Anyway, I returned this book because it did not fit my needs. It is hardly an encyclopedia, but rather a pretty picture book with some expanded captions as text. If you want a real tutorial on California pottery, work the search engines at eBay or Google...you can spend hours reading and looking at pictures.

5 comments about Oaxacan Ceramics: Traditional Folk Art by Oaxacan Women.

1. Having been to Oaxaca approximately ten times in the past 20 years, I can appreciate the quality and beauty of this fine book. The reasonable price of this "paperback" belies its perfect format/size and its gorgeous photography, text and printing quality.

   I've rarely been satisfied with "crafts" books, but this one has been so perfectly written and executed, that it makes me want to jump on a plane and immediately fly to Oaxaca, to find and meet the fantastic artists presented here.

   I met one of these women several years ago (Angelica Vasquez), and this glorious book will create an urge in many of its readers to meet her and the other artists that are included here.




2. Born and raised in México and having a deep appreciation of its diverse and rich folk arts traditions, and guided by the reviews, I bought this book. What others say is true- this softbound book is lavishly illustrated and is a wonderful introduction to the contemporary ceramics covered, as well as the six women potters dealt with. Thise with a love of Oaxacan ceramics will likely love this book as well.

   There is but one, very significant problem: the title is, to me, completely misleading. The book actually covers two villages- Octolán de Morelos, and the reigning family of potters, as well as Santa María Atzompa and two of the many potters who work there. San Bartolo Coyotepec and the creator of world-renown black pottery, Doña Rosa Real de Nieto, and her descendants, for example, have no coverage in this book, nor do older more traditional forms.

   Oaxaca is an incredibly beutiful state, with many traditions and crafts. This book covers a small fraction of them- and in my opinion misleads with a title implying it covers all the ceramics of Oaxaca. With that caveat, I highly recommend (and give a restrained five stars to) this book, within the scope of its limitations.




3. I love this book. I have been to Oaxaca several times and have visited most of the potters in the book. On my last trip, I asked each of the women to sign my book near her picture. This is now one of my most treasured posessions along with my memories of Oaxaca. The photographs are great and the stories are beautiful.



4. This is a fantastically colourful & inspiring book...and of the many, many ceramic books I own this is definitely in my Top 5. Lots of beautiful & detailed photos and interesting text. The only downside is that there isn't really any "how to" section in the book to show you how to make the wonderful folk art featured.



5. I know little about Oaxacan ceramics but was immediately drawn to this book by the unbelievably beautiful photos. many of the shots are done outside using natural lighting and it gives the pieces a lifelike feel that I find wonderful. And the creativity of the pieces themselves! A wonderful introduction to one type of Mexican craft.

3 comments about The Official Price Guide to Disney Collectibles, Second Edition (Official Price Guide to Disney Collectibles).

1. Ted Hake, the King of Collectibles, has issued a book on Disneyana. I am very excited that this book is on the market. For novice collectors there are lengthy features regarding the history of different aspects of Disney collecting that will bring you up to speed. The articles also work for advanced collectors for detail reminders and a quick, all-in-one reference for those pesky details that will clear that bet you made. This book is hefty, and I know if Ted could have included even more he would have. Each inclusion features a very handy full color photo, detailed description, and a price break-down for varying conditions and parts (i.e. box value AND item value). The book is divided into sections for each character(s) or particular items (posters, four-color comics, Walt Disney, etc.)and items are listed in chronological order making the tome extremely easy to reference. Each section begins with a history of the characters or items, making dating items particularly easy. Prices listed are realistic, fair market value; however you have to make up your own mind what you would sell/pay for any item. I am a Disneyland collector so I especially appreciate the sections on Disney Park items. Perhaps in the future the Disney Parks sections can grow...or perhaps a book only on Disneyland collectibles...! But that is only my own desire, not a complaint. This is the first reference book I reach for these days. Every good Disneyana fan or collector should own it!



2. This has good information for current sales, it does not include all Disney collectibles however.



3. Ted Hake has dealt in Disney collectibles for 40 years, and he has turned his experience into a true collector's companion. This book is a must for both the novice and advanced collector of (early) Disneyana. The selection of items is excellent, discussing great pieces not only from the US but from the entire world.

2 comments about Scott 2007 Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue: Countries of the World: P-SL (Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue Vol 5 Countries P-Sl).

1. It was very informative. I really like the color photographs of the stamps. it is much easier to identify the stamps.



2. I was delighted with this stamp catalogue.The layout is fabulous and stamps are in colour so much easier to catalogue.I would highly recommend this product.Price was terrific and delivery speedy what more could a person want.

No comments about Showcase Presents: Justice League of America, Vol. 3.

2 comments about Eighteenth-Century French Fashions in Full Color.

1. Stella Blum has selected plates of 18th century fashion from the Metropolitan Museum's collection and reproduced them here in full colour.

   You certinally don't get all the plates produced in the 18th century but what you get is a helpful and representitive selection. This is one of the few books where you can see actual colour plates all reproduced in a sequence like this.

   If you have any interest in 18th french fashion this book is both [inexpensive] and invaluable.




2. A lovely collection of 64 period fashion plates from Galerie des Modes. The plates cover the years from 1778-1787 and give a good representation of French high fashion in the years leading up to the French Revolution. The plates include court gowns, undress gowns, stays, day ensembles, riding habits, children's frocks and more. Complete with translated descriptions of each outfit and a decent glossary of terms.
   
   Drool-worthy does not begin to describe in the goodies contained within. This lovely and inexpensive resource is a must for anyone interested in late century fashions. Get one for research and one to take apart and frame for your sewing room walls.

3 comments about Authenticating Ancient Indian Artifacts: How to Recognize Reproduction and Altered Artifacts.

1. Any collection strong in Native American history, studies or early artifacts will welcome AUTHENTICATING ANCIENT INDIAN ARTIFACTS: HOW TO RECOGNIZE REPRODUCTION AND ALTERED ARTIFACTS. Color photos of artifacts accompany clear directions on the entire authentication and identification process, making for a fine choice for college-level archaeology collections as well.



2. As the title of this review states this should be a book any serious collector should have for reference. The picture examples are worth the cost of the book alone. The information included along with the examples is just what I was looking for in a book about collecting Native American artifacts.
   The book is also very well written so that a person with very little knowledge could pick it up and understand what was being explained.



3. This is another great book by James Bennett, and covers many interesting facets of lithics and archaeology as well as authentication. Many people will shy away from this book thinking it only concerns authentication, which is not correct...it also has much good previously unpublished information on how lithics use patterns work, etc. I believe this book should be used as a supplement to James previously published softcover book which has MUCH more information on detecting fakes/fabrications in native american lithics. The softbound book previously published has many more photos, and covers much that this book does not. Therefore my suggestion is to get this book as a supplement to the first softbound book, do not think this book includes all from the other as it does not. However this book is well worth the money and is well done, highly recommened book, but the man who appears to have donned the mantle of the respected but now deceased authenticator Greg Perino.

1 comments about Alternative Comics: An Emerging Literature.

1. Hatfield has written a very good account of the formal qualities of the comic art form. He deals with the interaction between visual and textual elements in comics at a theoretical level not previously broached. His work shows how these qualities play out in comics creating narratives and meaning for their readers. Having delineated these qualities he then sets about a formal reading of specific works in chapters 3 to 5. In these chapters he addresses both the cultural context of alternative comics and their formal aspects. His central argument is that comics need to be reconsidered in socio-historical and aesthetic terms. While acknowledging comics lowbrow origins he points to the emergence of alternative comics and shows that they offer new ways of understanding fiction and readers' engagement in constructing meaning.
   
   Given that Hatfield is arguing for a greater complexity to the comic art form than is popularly ascribed, and that this requires an interpretative language and theory, his work is direct. Theory of this sort often drifts into abstract language and complex abstractions. Hatfield avoids this pitfall grounding his work in description of comics. Hatfield also addresses broader issues than the simple formal aspects of these comics, or what might in other works be called their literary quality giving a broader context to his work.

5 comments about Collecting Swarovski: Identification & Price Guide (Identification and Value Guides (Krause)).

1. This book which arrived in a timely manner and at a good price is very well put together incorporating a host of information for the Swarovski collector. The pictures and text are clear and well layed out.



2. I had previously owned some Swarovski that I had received as gifts and decided I wanted to start actively collect them. I was buying a lot of the older pieces on the second market and wanted to make sure I was getting a fair deal. This book was exactly what I was looking for. It had the details that I needed to make sure I was getting authentic pieces at a fair price. Great for any starter collector.



3. I was excited about receiving this book, as my aunt had given me her collection of Swarovski Crystal to sell on eBay for her. I thought it would at least identify all of the pieces in her collection and answer at least most of the questions posed by potential bidders. It did not. At least half of the pieces are not listed in the book, nor does the book answer what I feel are some pretty basic questions posed by bidders. Not a complete waste of money, but had I known in advance, I would have looked for a much more comprehensive book.



4. While this book is very informative, with pictures and reviews, it needs updating to keep prices current and more pictures to distinguish varations would be helpful. Still, it is well written and an enjoyable read.



5. While I think this is such a beautifully done book with great photos, descriptions, prices and all, only a few pieces of the Swarovski jewelry are pictured or mentioned. Perhaps a companion book which would feature all the retired Swarovski jewelry pieces should be considered as it would certainly complete the whole Swarovski package.