4 comments about The Codex Nuttall.

1. The Codex Nuttall is a graphical transcription of Mayan hieroglyph of uncomparable beauty and emotional impact. The original is exposed at the Peabody Museum; in the book is depicted with hi-fidelity colors and printed on quality white paper. It results very close to the original and better than photographic reproductions available. It is indispensable for all that works with design so as painters, architects, tattoonists.... But it is a powerful tool for who are interested to know about the magical simbolism of the Ancient Mexicans.

   Stefano Bianca designer musician inventor




2. I'm sorry if this confuses you but this book is actually a Mixtec manuscript, not Maya. In the edition I read, the colors are not as good as the reconstruction of the Codex Borgia. The Zouche Nutall codex contains stories of Mixtec towns and persons. The most interesting one is the story of Eight-deer. This books is a wonderful source of information for those interested in Archeology, Art, or simply curious



3. This is an interesting reproduction of the original document that is now kept in the British Museum. Essentially it is a historical geneological representation of the Mixtec kings lineage from 838 A.D. to 1330 A.D. Most of the information centers around the great military and political hero 8-Deer Tiger Claw. The Codex Nuttall is very difficult to understand and very little explanation of each plate is given. On the flip side, the pictures if studied carefully, are quite revealing and graphic in nature. As Meso-American art it is a wonderful depiction of Mixtex kings and their lives. The colors are true to the originals and rich with hues of red, brown and green mostly. This is a good book for anyone intersted in Meso-American art, either to reproduce or inspire to create something new borrowed from something old. As an archeological artifact it is a superb collection of drawings that inform as well as visually entertain. If you're into Pre-Columbian life in Mexico or want to learn more about the ancient civilizations that existed, this is a book for your collection.



4. El códice Nuttall es uno de los varios códices mixtecos que resaltan por su belleza y maestría de la composición.

   Pero son más que simples representaciones. Son una forma de escritura, que aún no se ha terminado de descifrar del todo. No sólo inspiran creación artística, sino también constituyen un legado cultural de nuestros antepasados; en ellos se plasmaron sus conocimientos históricos, medicinales, matemáticos, astronómicos, literarios, etc.

5 comments about Wilbur and Orville: A Biography of the Wright Brothers.

1. This volume surpasses another similar effort by Tom D. Crouch that came out at roughly the same time. Both books can be read profitably but Howard is better informed technically and a good deal wittier than Crouch. Howard's description of Samuel Langley's attempt to get his contraption into the air shortly before the Wrights' is laugh-out-loud funny. Crouch also suffers from his association with the Smithsonian Institution, whose scandalous treatment of the Wrights shocks even at this distance.



2. There are thousands of books produced each year on history and biography that are written by people with a preeminant knowledge of their subject but whose intellect suppresses their passion or perhaps simply masks the truth that they just don't know how to write -- how to let their passion soar upon the page.

   In that respect Donald Howard has done with "Wilbur and Orville" what only the greatest of biographers can do. He opens the roof on a cloistered and inscrutable family and allows you to share with two of its members the adventure of a lifetime. You bear witness to the achievement of manpowered flight, not as an Archimedean moment of "Eureka!" but as a result of a dogged pursuit of knowledge through trial and failure.

   The great genius of Wilbur Wright and his brother is one of unstinting determination. Failure is not defeat but only the next small problem to solve. They knew that experimentation without failure yields only a partial truth -- that failure and success are irrevocably intertwined. Only those with the persistence not to be discouraged by the false thread will find what they seek.

   As a former aeronautics librarian for the Library of Congress, Donald Howard does a tremendous job in defining precisely the nature of the Wright brothers' achievement and in defending them from later detractors who crawled from the woodwork to lay their own partial claims to invention. In truth, the Wrights leaned heavily on the experimentations of others, letting the failures of others serve as a practical classroom. What they invented was not the first machine to rise from the earth under its own power, but the first that could sustain itself and be navigated across the skies.

   As we near the one hundredth anniversary of their first flight, it is an opportunity to reflect and remember those two young men whose vision opened the skies and made our world a smaller, less alien place to live.

   This is THE definitive biography! If you read only one book on their lives (although there are other recent good ones), let this be it. This is the great tale of discovery -- Jack Kerouac's "On the Road" but with a spiritual quest infused with the miracle of invention. It is not just their quest, their discovery. It is mine. It is yours. Just as Kerouac lies awake thinking and dreaming of Dean Moriarty, I think and dream of Wilbur Wright.




3. This is a fine account of the Wright Brothers' lives and achievements. It reads easily, and sets correct some of the myths that have grown around Wilbur and Orville (such as the vignette about building the little sled).

   And I really liked the line in the Preface (...) stating that this particular biography wasn't going to delve into an extensive exploration of the Wright Brothers' ancestry, that some brief information about their family history was going to be presented in the first few paragraphs, and could easily be skipped by the reader. That's definitely my kind of biographer.




4. The first 100 or so pages or so pages are an extraordinary account of the Wright brothers development of the first airplane and controled flight. It was interesting to learn why Kitty Hawk NC was selected as a test area; plenty of wind, no trees and sand to land on. Also that development of first plane could be done on the profit from summer earnings from a bicycle shop. Overall this is an excellent and detailed documentary of the Wright brothers achievment and also the impact of the business considerations which followed.

   Ken Kraetzer
   White Plains, NY




5. This is a very detailed chronology of the Wright Brothers massive achievement to create a flying machine. It details each stage of development and incorporates the other individuals that were both helpful and damaging to the development and eventual recognition world wide of their accomplishments. It is a slow read but very satisfying since you appreciate the enormous difficulties they endured to achieve what we take for granted now - safe, frequent, air travel.
   
   I read this at same time that I read the biography of Alex G Bell by Charlotte Gray which serves as a great contrast in life styles and creative follow through. While both the telephone and airplane define modern life, the achievement of the airplane is orders of magnitude more complex than the telephone.

3 comments about Paper Dolls of the 1960S, 1970S, and 1980s: Identification & Value Guide (Identification & Values (Collector Books)).

1. Very nice paper doll book. I wish someone would do some reproductions. I would like to have them in my collection.



2. The book is a history of paper dolls during the period indicated in the title. The paper dolls are of tv and movie stars. There are paper dolls of familiar dolls like Barbie and kewpies. The book consists of pictures of various paper dolls, some are no longer being printed. The book is colorful and interesting. It is a treasure for paper doll collectors and anyone interested in paper dolls.



3. If you grew up as a girle-girl who just adored spending hours with your collection of paper dolls, you will recognize many of the sets of dolls presented in this wonderful collector guide.
   
   The information and pictures are wonderful, and you will long for the dolls you played with as a kid. How I wish these collections would be reprinted today!
   
   This is an excellent gift for yourself or a friend who shares your passion for paper doll fashion!

3 comments about 2008 US / BNA Postage Stamp Catalog (Us Bna Postage Stamp Catalog) (Us Bna Postage Stamp Catalog) (Us Bna Postage Stamp Catalog).

1. This is an excellent catalog for North American stamps. This is the catalog with the binding that allows the pages to remain flat which helps immeasureably when trying to catalog and then place stamps in an album. I wish all catalogs came this way. I rrecommend this book to anyone, beginner to expert.
   Al



2. It's great to finally see color reps of the stamps. It's great to still have order pages and gradient pricing depending on the condition of the stamp.
   What I could have done without is the hardback format, soft paperback would have been fine and probably cheaper. Unnfotrunately this edition doesn't have one.



3. I started collecting US stamps not long ago. I just bought this catalog and really like it - high-quality color pages; coil binding; useful introduction for beginners (and probably for experts too); US as well as UN and Canadian stamps; etc.
   
   Minor con: 2007 stamps are not complete. It should end at 4220 rather than 4159.
   
   For those who do not want to pay for such a catalog, there are free catalogs, for example, the 132-page (in color) soft-cover Mystic's 2008 US Stamp Catalog is pretty good ([...]).

5 comments about Film Posters of the 70s: The Essential Movies of the Decade (Film Posters).

1. back in the day this was the best visual present.if the poster was cool then the movie would get Love.a picture can tell a thousand words.and the 70's had the coolest posters and arguable the best films in Movie History.before video tape you walk to the movie house and see the poster and the reaction you felt led you or back the other way.a solid must have book.



2. Excellent... add it to your book collection! If you are a Star Wars fan check this out!



3. Like the other decade books in this series Film Posters of the 70's is a sensational buy. You could either keep it intact as a collection of posters in a book to show and discuss with friends, or cut the book up and actually have a vast number of posters up on your wall. This book is about a third the size of your standard film poster and most movies are full page colour. Any of them would look great up on the wall.

   The 70's gave the world Star Wars, Grease, The Godfather, Mad Max, Alien, Taxi Driver, Texas Chainsaw Massacure, Halloween, Rocky and a very blood thirsty shark who changed human perception of sharks for decades to come named Jaws. These films along with other greats fill this book. Roger Moore also took over from Connery as James Bond and Clint Eastwood made a heap of Westerns. Find them here as well.




4. When I first looked at this book, it was like going back to my childhood, well, sort of, it was so neat to see posters of some of my favorite films from back then and a lot from movies that I never knew they made. The artwork on those posters is most certainly something to see and admire!!! If you love art and or movies this is THE book to get you won't be disappointed!



5. This is a wonderful book in the series with wonderful reproductions of the posters of the decade. Makes a wonderful gift for someone who loves movies as well as a great coffee table book. Highly recommended

5 comments about Official Price Guide to Star Wars Memorabilia.

1. What makes this price guide worth the money is the 225 pages BEFORE the price guide.
   
   If you're new to collecting, this book has practically everything you need to become not merely COMPETENT at it, but SKILLED, even for non-Star Wars related items. It extensively covers terminology, grading, and even online auctions.
   
   If you're a veteran collector, it covers vintage Star Wars items, variations, prototypes, protecting your collection, and even trading cards and comic books.
   
   This is more than merely a list of items and prices. It's truly a "guide" to collecting.



2. The title of this book is misleading. It should be called "Official COLLECTOR'S Guide to Star Wars Memorabilia". That's because it's really more of a guide for collectors who want to know the history behind many collectible items. It discusses aspects such as bootlegs, production errors, preserving and storing your collectibles, how and where to buy, and so on.
   
   What it DOESN'T do (at least not thoroughly enough for me) is list the going prices for all Star Wars memorabilia. I have a collection I'm looking to sell piecemeal, so I wanted a resource that would tell me what a fair asking price is for my items. This book has a surprising lack of depth when it comes to price listings, however.
   
   For instance, there is no listing of prices for common collectibles such as posters! I also could not find a price listing for the Burger King glassware sets, and various other items that I have in my collection. And even the items that this book does list often have "N/A" for the original retail price and the MISB (Mint In Sealed Box) price.
   
   What it DOES have that might be of interest to a collector is a reference number that you can use to look up the item on the web site database www.rebelscum.com/swdb. Even so, I perused that database, and while it has some great photos and details on Star Wars collectibles (it actually lists the text written on the back of those Burger King glasses!) it does not offer an online price guide, which is what I'm in need of.
   
   So for the serious Star Wars collector, I give this book 5 stars. But as a "price guide" -- which is what it bills itself as -- it falls far short so I have to take back 2 stars.



3. This book is a fantastic way to learn how to price items. Since markets fluctuate, and price guides become outdated very quickly, it was a great read that informed me of what to look for when both buying and selling. With the information in this book, you can compare your item with those on the market and it will help you adequately critique and value you're collectible. If you are in a market to get quick numbers for pricing items...this is not the book for you. But if you want to learn what makes items valuable, and how to preserve those that are, this is definitely the book to get.



4. its was okay not as good as the field guide but it had info that the field guide didn't have .



5. I'd like to begin by noting that this isn't a bad book for the price. It contains some interesting and worthwhile information, and parts of it were fun/interesting to read. I particularly liked the chapter that dealt with reproduction weapons and other fake items (though it would have been nice if it included a few example photos). There were also solid chapters dealing with the history of Star Wars collectables, as well as vintage and new figures, trading cards, comics, etc..
   
   My two main concerns about this book were the quality of the rating system and the price guide (both seemed somewhat misleading). For example, on page 25 he shows a picture of a vintage R2-D2 figure that is in TERRIBLE condition, but gives it a C6 rating. However, I think most collectors would give it a much lower rating (and many would probably just throw it away it's in such bad shape!). Further, if anything, the price estimates provided in this book seem too low! For example, the price guide says a mint/complete loose blue Snaggletooth sells for $55 (but, I've never seen one go for that little anywhere). So, if the author is selling his mint/complete blue Snaggletooth at that price, I'll take it!
   
   Other minor concerns include a price guide that is more confusing than most, and calling the book an "official" price guide when there doesn't seem to be any formal connection at all (I didn't see it stated anywhere, but it seems this is just a name the publisher uses for all their collectable books).
   
   In sum, most of the information provided in this book is not new and is also available elsewhere (by far the best option being John Kellerman's Star Wars Vintage Action Figures: A Guide for Collectors). Though you'll probably pay more for many of these other books, most will contain a lot more photos, be in full color, and be printed on high quality semi-gloss paper. By contrast, this book contains only a modest number of photos, is 98% black and white, and is printed on newsprint. For all of these reasons, I give this book 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4 stars because even an average book on Star Wars collectables is still pretty good).

5 comments about Georgia Quilts: Piecing Together a History (Wormsloe Foundation Publication) (Wormsloe Foundation Publication).

1. I am still poring over this beautifully formatted and photographed book, and I've owned it for six weeks. It is a joy to behold and an important addition to current knowledge of textile and quilt history.
   
   It is notable for the new quilts it brings to light and for the sheer number of quilts from the various eras in Georgia's long history. Clearly the quilt search that produced it was far-reaching, ambitious.
   
   GEORGIA QUILTS also should interest quilt historians for the light it throws on quilts of the Deep South. Those seeking trends or commonality of patterns, textiles, quilting traditions, and other elements of the quilter's art now have another important resource.
   
   In short, it is a beautiful book, filled with well-rendered full-page photographs of quilts not previously seen in print, with vintage photographs to provide context. Buy it for the quilts you will see, if for no other reason. It cannot fail to please.
   
   The decision to organize the quilts by something more meaningful than chronology suggests the complexity of the body of quilts and offers options for deeper exploration of trends and issues. In this choice, the editors have the fine KANSAS QUILTS as precedent. A problem associated with such a decision, of course, is a possible lack of consistency in the quality of treatment and approach to the items studied.
   
   GEORGIA QUILTS shows some of the problematic effects of this approach. For instance, some writers speculate more freely than others. When addressing the appearance of a blue-green color popular sometime around or just after the Civil War, the writer states the color visible today is "probably" the result of a fabric fade from a two-step home dye process. Yet throughout the book, this identical color appears in post-Civil War quilts in combination with cheddar and oxblood. The consistency raises questions that need addressing, for this color offers clues for dating and placing historical quilts of unknown provenance. Hardly novel to Georgia, it is seen throughout the Mid- and Deep South in the same general hue. One wonders what a search of cotton mill inventories in the period might have revealed.
   
   Yet, while fewer unsupported generalizations would improve the book, to a large extent, the problem is characteristic of state quilt books because of the number of items that require consideration in a relatively short space. Perhaps all one might ask of such books is a representative sampling, accompanied by an effort at interpretation that will point the direction for future scholarship. In this, GEORGIA QUILTS succeeds.
   
   And if only for the sheer array of quilts, well photographed and well displayed, and the complementary photographs from the Vanishing Georgia collection of the Georgia Historical archives, it deserves a place in the library of everyone interested in American quilts, American history, Southern culture and arts, or the history of quiltmaking.
   
   Here you will find 'Possum quilts, a Circular Saw to beat all Circular Saw quilts, and enough lively examples of the quilter's art to suggest the character of Georgia's culture over time and to give abiding pleasure.
   
   The editors are to be commended on their inclusion of many quilts heretofore not seen in regional quilt books and on their organizational decision. The varied treatments, including solid chapters on feedsack quilts, African-American quilts, and "King Cotton" are informative and introduce either new perspectives or focus earlier ones more sharply. The two chapters on early quilts present fine new examples, brilliantly photographed, and a range sometimes not found.
   
   GEORGIA QUILTS is an excellent addition to the study of Southern culture and American quilt history in general. It is a must-own.
   
   I recommend following this book with Nancilu Burdick's LEGACY: THE QUILTS OF TALULA BOTTOMS. Bottoms was a Georgian who experienced the Battle of Atlanta and lived into a new century, quilting all the while. Though like many Scots-Irish Southerners after the Civil War, her family eventually moved to west--in her case, to Limestone County, Alabama--for better farming land, Bottoms remained a Georgian in her heart and outlook. Her story might well have been a chapter in GEORGIA QUILTS.



2. Fellow quilters understand; its the photos that make or break a book about quilts, and these photos are fabulous. The text is lively and informative and makes me wish to see another exhibit of historic quilts!



3. Great book and very reasonably priced
   
   Received within 5 days to Australia
   
   Well done



4. I'm interested in Vintage quilts, and State Quilt Study Groups publications are a great place to become acquainted with regional quilt patterns and aesthetics prior to 1900. Georgia Quilts is a bit disappointing compared to some other State Quilt books. Relatively few quilts prior to 1900, although some are superb; a Circular Saw that looks positively lethal, and a breathtakingly beautiful Lotus Blossom. Most State Quilt books are organized chronologically, this one is not, so there may be more pre-1900 quilts than I think. There's a lot of space devoted to non-quilting topics- including a chapter on King Cotton, which was interesting, and - not un-associated with quilts. Oh, two of Harriet Powers' fabulous quilts are pictured.



5. from the wonderful plays on words in the title, to the chapter notes at the end of the book, this book is filled with delights.
   
   as two other reviewers have noted, there are wonderful, amazing and rare quilts included in this book. besides the lethal (perfect adjective!) saw quilt, there are broderie perse, pieced, four block, crazy, and string pieced quilts (and a quilt machine pieced and quilted--in the 1860s!). a feature of this book that i particularly enjoyed was the number of late-20th century quilts included. i was left with the impression that georgia quilters had no problems with innovation and individuality. also interesting were the run-of-the-mill quilts, many near disintegration. these not only showed what was used on a day-to-day basis, but give context to the more elaborate quilts.
   
   the georgia history is interesting--i had no idea the state had had a thriving textile industry. there are many fascinating photos, and even diagrams of various styles of quilting frames. there is a very interesting section that compares statistically euro-american and afro-american quilts by subject matter.
   
   since two other reviewers have done such a good job of reviewing this book, i will end by saying that this is a must-have book for quilters.

1 comments about Indian Head Cents Folder 1857-1909 (Official Whitman Coin Folder).

1. This folder is an excellent holder for your coins. Beginners can see progress very quickly which will pique there interest in coin collecting even more.

1 comments about Zuni Jewelry.

1. Even though these are obstensibly for the information of collectors, all the Schiffer books that I have ever gotten are magnificent just for the those who wistfully wish they could afford a piece. The reader can't handle the actual pieces, but it's about as close as one will get in a picture. And if one ever does get enough money to buy a piece, one will know what one wants.
   
   This is full of well-done color pictures and packed with a lot of information about the history and contemporary makers. There are other books with gorgeous shots of turquoise and silver, but the reader of this and the Bassman's other books will come away with some real understanding of the different styles, schools, and the cultural milieu of their creation.

3 comments about How We Invented the Airplane: An Illustrated History.

1. This is a great book. One of my favorite quotes is when Orville was asked when he got the biggest "kick" out of the invention of the airplane, was it the first flight? "No", Orville said, "I got more thrill out of flying before I had ever been in the air at all-- while lying in bed thinking how exciting it would be to fly." For many of us who fly, we can understand this as we spend more time on the ground dreaming then in the air. -- Ross



2. A full quarter century before the historic first flight of a powered, controlled heavier-than-air aircraft, a minister named Milton Wright presented two young boys with a model Penaud "helicoptere." As Wilbur and Orville Wright observed, "A toy so delicate lasted only a short time in thehands of small boys, but its memory was abiding,"

   This wonderful book chronicles the careers of Orville and Wilbur Wright, drawing upon the writings of the brothers themselves and Fred C. Kelly, their authorized biographer and confidant for more than three decades.

   What makes the story of the Wright brothers so compelling is their deliberate, patient perserverance to discover how to make the dream of flight reality.




3. I hate to confess that I didn't even know that the Wright Brothers had written anything later in life. This was so great to read about how Orville Wright and his brother and family really felt about their quest.

   As co-owner of an aviation restoration company that works on older aircraft, this book meant more to me than most.

   What I have noticed about most pilots is that except for those who get involved in the military or through chance - most pilots are almost "meant" to fly from the start. It is something that inspires them from the time they are kids. With the cost of flying and owning an aircraft, not every kid pursues his dream, but for Orville and the rest - once they are up in the sky it makes it all worthwhile.