5 comments about No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines, Plates, More... (Mi Hummel Figurines, Plates, Miniatures & More Price Guide) (Mi Hummel Figurines, Plates, Miniatures & More Price Guide).

1. Even though it's proclaimed by expert collectors as the absolute source of information about Hummel figurines, Robert Miller's reference work is easy for amateurs as well. He provides insightful guidance in determining value and quality as well as interesting tidbits about production and variations in the figurines. His work is referenced by many sellers in internet auctions, but is also helpful in figuring out just what you already have. As a rank beginner, I had no problem in following his material and ascertaining the value of an inherited collection. It was also useful in helping me determine additions that I wanted to make to the collection.



2. not only is this a complete guide -- but it is so easy to use -- anyone owning or buying Hummel's should have this -- I only wish I could find Guides like this for my other collectables --



3. This book is very well illustrated, well layed-out, easy to use, and the pictures are very beautiful. It's full of information, explains more than I expected, and it is a MUST for Hummel collectors.



4. I have all, since the first publication, of Robert Miller's Price Guide to MI Hummel Figurines, Plates, Miniatures and More.
   Mr. Miller has all the knowledge one would expect & want to find in his books after much research and many trips to Germany to gain this knowledge. This is THE HUMMEL BIBLE! I highly recommend this book to all Hummel collectors or to anyone interested in the collecting of fine arts. Very well written with explicit details about Sister MI Hummel's life in Massing, Germany & her schooling. Each known Hummel is pictured & tells of the Master Artist who molded each three dimentional figurine from the drawings by Sister beginning in the 1930's to the present TMK markings. A great investment for Insurance purposes when appraising your figurines by The Hummelking!



5. I have one and will give you information on the Hummel Silk Carpet.(The Book lacks this information)
   On the back is a tag stitched to it saying:
   
   M.J. Hummel
   ORIGINAL HUMMEL SILK CARPET
   HANDKNOTTED IN BEIJING, CHINA.
   
   ARS AG, ZUG, SWITZERLAND
   
   LIMITED EDITION :10 /50
   
   Also there is a tag attached to the SILK CARPET written in both Chinese and English
   ZHE JIANG SILK RUG
   
   I am giving this information because the book does not have a picture of this HUMMEL SILK CARPET and not sure about the information I just posted.
   VALUE UNKNOWN but it is Very Beautiful

1 comments about Pearl Harbor : Ready To Read Level 3.

1. I am buying multiple copies of this book to use with my third grade classroom this year. I always have a group (mostly boys - but the hardest to motivate to read) who love anything that has to do with war and fighting. Well, with the release of the movie this summer, I am sure this book will be a hit. I plan on using it in small group instruction. It is a Level 3 book in the Ready-To-Read Series. It will spark a lot of interest in looking up topics in the encyclopedia or on the computer.

2 comments about Lladro Authorized Reference Guide 2006 Edition.

1. I PURCHASED THIS BOOK TO DETERMINE THE CURRENT VALUE OF MY COLLECTION.
   THIS INFORMATION IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE IN THIS GUIDE (WAS AVAILABLE IN ALL PREVIOUS GUIDES- 2003-2004.
   THE ONLY THING WORSE THAN THE BOOK IS THE RETURN POLICY OF AMAZON AND THE SUPPLIER OF THIS BOOK. WE HAVE TRIED FOR AN HOUR ON THE INTERNET TO GET A PHYSICAL ADDRESS FOR THE SUPPLIER WHERE TO RETURN THIS BOOK. AMAZON WAS NO HELP AT ALL. WE WILL NOT BE DOING BUSINESS HERE ANYMORE.



2. This reference is not intended to be a price guide for secondary values on Lladro figurines, and does not present itself as that - and has never been that. This new edition is set up as the prior editions and is a complete reference to all the pieces produced by the Lladro brothers from Valencia, Spain. Over 4000 porcelain objects from 1941 through the latest productions of 2006 are included. The figurines are organized by theme for easy identification. Each entry includes name, photograph, reference number, height, activity status (retired, etc), issue year and price, last retail price if there was a change, plus retirement year and price. All this info makes collectors completely informed regarding the status of the pieces and would serve as a reference in determining collectibility and value - based on rarity, status, and last retail.

5 comments about The Furniture of Gustav Stickley: History, Techniques, and Projects.

1. I found that the material cutting list was inconsistent with the measured drawings in the book. If you buy this book, be sure to make your own drawings and cutting measurements prior to cutting. It seems that the authors have not either tried to build from their plans or have not checked closely the measurements. The book has some very good projects...just be aware of this problem.



2. I found that the material cutting list was inconsistent with the measured drawings in the book. If you buy this book, be sure to make your own drawings and cutting measurements prior to cutting. It seems that the authors have not either tried to build from their plans or have not checked closely the measurements. The book has some very good projects...just be aware of this problem.



3. I found that the material cutting list was inconsistent with the measured drawings in the book. If you buy this book, be sure to make your own drawings and cutting measurements prior to cutting. It seems that the authors have not either tried to build from their plans or have not checked closely the measurements. The book has some very good projects...just be aware of this problem.



4. Excellent book describing how to build authentic mission style furniture. The designs are classic, much better than the slop in "Arts & Crafts Furniture You Can Build". The first project, a simple mirror, is classic. Highly recommended.



5. This book is a wonderful "picture book", but you might want to seriously produce your own drawings and measurements before building the projects. I have been building the end table/bookcase and have encountered so many errors, some of the critical, that I have given up using the book's drawings. Other than its EXPENSIVE inaccuracies, I love the book, but would caution everyone to thoroughly check the drawings before cutting any wood.

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!

5 comments about Inside Out.

1. John Ramsey Miller's first novel, THE LAST FAMILY was an amazing suspense thriller and I waited patiently for another offering. I'd heard rumors of a new Miller novel for the past several years, and I was delighted to find out that he had three novels being released in six months. The main character is a US Marshal, Winter Massey, a single father raising a blind 13 year-old son.
   
   I bought and devoured INSIDE OUT in one sitting (here comes the sun time), and over the course of the next weeks read it over again slowly to savor it. All of Miller's plot twists were intelligent and unexpected and just when I knew I had things figured out, Mr. Miller jerked the rug from under me. His books move at the speed of fright, but he develops his characters so they feel like real people. Miller's style is crisp and there is not a wasted word or a word too many. My only disappointment was that the story ended. Don't get me wrong; the ending was dead-on and wholly satisfying, but I was left wishing I could follow the characters beyond the last chapter. Well, I was able to do just that. The second book in the series, UPSIDE DOWN, was even better and took up with the Masseys a few months later. I was able to rejoin the characters I had grown to care about in the first book and follow the perils of the most amazing young girl in modern fiction. On Aguust 28th I intend to be reading my copy of the final book in the series, SIDE BY SIDE, and I know it will be wonderful.
   ...And then the wait begins for the next dose of Miller



2. Very good. I read two of his books in one weekend. I am waiting to get the third Winter Massey book from my mom. They are excellent.



3. This was the first book I read by the author John Ramsey Miller. I was pleasantly surprised. The hero/main character of the story is a U.S. Marshall who is still grieving the loss of his wife. He's then forced into protecting a mob assassin turned federal witness and his naive wife, all the while fending off other killers who he has no idea how they have found him on a supposedly "safe" island. The reader ends up joining him in wondering who are the good guys and who are the bad guys. Good read.



4. John Ramsey Miller rocks. His plots twist and turn, zig and zag. His pacing is whip-smart. His characters are intelligent and believable, and his powers of description formidable.



5. This was a pretty good but sometimes confusing novel. I just finished reading and all I can think of is how confusing it was at times. I just wasn't as satisfied as I was with this author's previous effort (The Last Family..totally awesome read). That being said, I did like the Massey character and look forward to reading what comes next with him. I just hope it doesn't leave me scratching my head.

5 comments about 2008 Standard Catalog of World Coins 2001 to Date (Standard Catalog of World Coins 2001-Date).

1. I got two books and shipment was very good. Books arrived in good condition. Thanks.
   Cem Barlok



2. If there is a coin started from 1980 until 2006 (this book will not mention that this coin has minted from 1980, it will show this coin's mint from 2001) so from my point view this is confusing - at least should give a note for this.
   so if I don't have books for previous years, 100% I will not know that a particular coin have previous mints.
   
   regards



3. So here we go again... The second edition of a largely unnecessary book (if Krause could drop the "patterns, pieforts etc." sections in the 20th century volume, the two volumes would fit perfectly in one) which seems quite dated the very moment it is published - only in case of some countries you get issues up to 2005. The policy of dating the catalogue "for the coming year" makes the gap even more painfully visible.
   At the same time the second edition does not fill blank spaces left in the first one. Let me give you just one example - Belarus, a country which issues only commemorative coins in moderate mintages but an impressive number. Let's look up the most popular denomination - copper-nickel 1 rouble. 2001 - 2 out of 4 are missing, 2002 - 4 out of 5, 2003 - listing complete, 2004 - 5 out of 10 missing, 2005 - 1 out of 10, and that is the end. Nothing from 2006 and 2007. You don't believe me? Don't take my word for it, check the website of the National Bank of Belarus. It is in English. The editors apparently did not.
   That's the catch - most of the information this catalog is missing is readily available on the Internet. Updating the catalogue would take a week at most and that would include looking up current coin prices on eBay. Because the prices are just as dated as the rest, they don't take into consideration the rise of silver and gold and the fall of the dollar in relation to other currencies.
   However, so far no one has done it better and that is the saddest part. So if you don't have the week to browse the Internet, and want information on recently issued coins in a reasonably handy volume, go ahead and buy it. Just remember that the editors did not have the week as well, and you, at some point, will have to do their research anyway.



4. Standard Catalog of World Coins 1901-2000 (Standard Catalog of World Coins)This is a generic catalog. The price was competitive and the shipping reasonable.



5. This animal is good for pointing out many coins that may be missed in the smaller magazines and at trade shows. However it is a catalog, about the size of a phone book and with so few advertisers that they are negligible.
   
   There are no fancy color pictures just coins and lots of them divided into countries; so many coins that it can make your head spin if you are not searching for a particular theme. The shallow part of the book is the depth of time.
   
   This version came out before the Euro however I am collecting Notgeld and trade dollars.
   
   When I write reviews I look for a stumper or two. Well this book passed. I looked up the "Wailbligen 100". Sure as shoot'n there it was with an explanation and references to Porcelain coins.

5 comments about Backroads of Pennsylvania (Pictorial Discovery Guide).

1. If you are looking for places to drive around PA, this is must have. The photography is amazing. It shows hundreds of places that you can visit on 1 or 2 day drives. It reminds everyone how diverse PA is.



2. This was a nice looking book, but I bought it for my grandmother, expecting it to be more of a tour/guide book. It's more like a history book, and not really what I was looking for so I returned it. It's not the kind of book you'd be able to look at while on the road (like say have the navigator point things out - too wordy for that). It does have some really nice photos though. Also, when I received the book the cover was a little worn, even though it was supposed to be new, so another reason I didn't want to give it as a gift.



3. The photographs in this book are fantastic. Judging by the picture of the photographer in the back he took them with a large format camera, and it shows. A few even seem more realistic than if you were actually there when they were taken.
   
   All in all, the book is money well spent for anyone with a bit of wanderlust and easy access to Pennsylvania.



4. purchased item as a gift. It seems very useful for those interested in seeing things off the beaten path



5. When I "searched inside this book," I found a text section on "Holtwood" & "Conowingo" Dams, not far from the Maryland border. I'm from around that area & have always been in awe of its beauty, so when I ordered this book, I was hoping there would be at least one nice photo or two of those places. Much to my disappointment, there was not a single one! The other photos were still good, but a great injustice was done by not showing that beautiful area!

2 comments about Furniture Restoration: Step-by-Step Tips and Techniques for Professional Results.

1. this lovely book is filled with incredible examples of fine furniture, as well as step by step instructions, with specific tools and materials for restoring, rehabilitating, or recreating the pieces.
   a wide variety of styles and techniques are presented here, and these are applicable not just to furniture but to panels, walls, and other substrates. an inspiring, must-have book for the decorative artist!



2. Furniture Restoration step by step Tips & Techniques for professional Results was too much aimed at antiques. We just wanted to learn how to re-upolster a simple sofa.

2 comments about Mokume Gane.

1. Covers a number of topics that are only briefly alluded to in Midgett's book. Dr Ferguson also uses a different process than the ones covered in Midgett's book. He includes a detailed schematic of the kiln and press apparatus. Using this process, he is able to combine a number of materials not readily available to people just using the common processes.
   
   Short and concise, for the most part. The section of pagination is worth the cost of the book itself. Covers a lot of material that is usually not all available in one place. The color plates in the appendices really show the range and variation possible.



2. The book covers the process of creating mokume-gane from start to finish in a clear, informative manner. Having never used this technique before, I used this book as a guide and was very successful the first time. In addition to information on fusion/diffusion, forging, patterning and patination, the photographs of finished pieces and samples are helpful in displaying the effects of various materials, patterns and finishing techniques (some quite surprising). Details about different material combinations and their working properties are also included. I have no experience with other books on this topic to compare to, but for now this book seems to be the only one I will need to continue using this technique. My only criticism is that the chapter order could have a better arrangement.