4 comments about Fashions and Costumes from Godey's Lady's Book: Including 8 Plates in Full Color.

1. A delightful book to page through. Lots of black & white line drawings and several color plates. This must have been where Scarlett O'Hara got her inspirations!



2. This is an excellent reference guide for Lady Civil War Reenactors who want to create beautiful day dresses and ball gowns. The book has detailed descriptions of each dress. A true Godey's dress was for the lady of wealth, however many women of average means subscribed to Godey's to get ideas for the dresses they wore. Each page will give you an idea of colors, styles and types of fabrics used. This book is a must along with "Who Wore What" for a true insight into women's fashions of the 1860's



3. This book is beautiful. It is a very helpful reference and it is just fun to look at. It was also great to have the description of each of the outfits. This book is much more detailed than the "80 Godey's Full-Color Fashion Plates (1838-1880)" by JoAnne Olian, but then I liked all the full -colored as well.



4. Great book for finding out what they really wore for dressy occasions during the Civil War Era and just prior. Afterwards they did not have the money or the material to do this, but it is lovely to see what they did before the war. Reenacter's who do not wish to spend a lot of money on a gown from the wrong era need to see what is correct before some dressmaker puts them into whatever pattern that SHE likes to make! RESEARCH is the key.

No comments about 1800 Stamps of the World: A Stunning Visual Directory Of Rare And Familiar Issues, Organized Country By Country With Over 1800 Images Of Collectables From Up To 200 Countries.

5 comments about The eBay Price Guide: What Sells for What (in Every Category!).

1. Although this compilation of items is a good start, it is not so thorough as to eliminate the need to browse e-bay for a more accurate idea of pricing. But, it's a good place to start and a great gift for any e-bay aficionado!



2. Whether you're a frequent Ebay seller or only dabble from time to time, every Ebay seller knows that setting prices is central to gaining a successful bid. The Ebay Price Guide: What Sells For What (In Every Category!) is the first reference to compile an array of items and their selling prices, from rare books to video games and jewelry. While it can't possibly hold every item ever listed, it does compile the most popular collectibles, and comes form an online auctioneer whose expertise covers some of the most trafficked Ebay categories. Each category's average sales price is listed along with high and average prices. Introductions to each section include risk assessments, tips on discounting, locating items on other venues, and more. It's a 'bible' no avid Ebay seller or buyer should be without.



3. I mainly use this book for inspiration as a quick reference point for what things are worth. When I take this book into someone's house and quote off some prices...I get allot of happy screams of joy.
   
   Get this book....and get happy
   
   This is one of my favorite ebay books, just love it. A must for anyone who lives and breathes ebay 24/7



4. Handy guide to eBay prices, with useful introductions to product categories to give you a good grounding. Keep a copy in your car when searching for inventory at yard-sales and auctions.



5. I was a little bit disappointed in this book. It did not have in it what I was looking for. I guess it was a bit much of me to think that this book would be all inclusive of every item listed on eBay.

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

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



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



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



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

No comments about The Tractor in the Haystack: Great Stories of Tractor Archaeology.

4 comments about John Townsend: Newport Cabinetmaker (Metropolitan Museum of Art Publications).

1. The gulf between appreciation and understanding is immense and while anyone can look upon a John Townsend highboy and see that it is beautiful, understanding the world in which it was built (which was without electric tools), the builder and the technological aspect of cabinetry makes these fine pieces of furniture all the more awe-inspiring. John Townsend, who was a shining star in the rather large furniture industry in New England of which Newport might be considered the capital, is all the more interesting because his pieces and his life have been documented. This work that was produced by the Metropolitan Museum of art is fascinating even if you aren't a connoisseur of fine furniture. It is brilliant, well written and most importantly full of beautiful color photographs of all of the known John Townsend works along with several other masterpieces of 18th century New England furniture.
   
   I don't know whether its best to call this work an art book, a collector's reference or a history book but it serves well in all capacity. As an art book it does an extremely great job of describing in word and image the qualities of a master cabinetmaker. Being a master cabinetmaker was (is) a talent and a skill not unlike being a great painter. The difference is the medium but similarly unique styles are developed skills are honed and a great deal of personality is brought about in each work. As a collectors reference this book shows what makes Newport furniture and furniture of New England unique and also gives a great catalogue of the work that is currently in existence. Finally as a historical account the book does good justice to describing Newport's furniture industry and what made New England the place where Furniture making would reach its American zenith in the mid 18th century.
   
   I am happy to own this book and know that it will be often viewed and re-read. If you are a fan of colonial America or fascinated by early American Furniture you need this book. While it may appear expensive it is an excellent reference a great book for the coffee table or to be gently placed on your Chippendale lowboy.
   
   Ted Murena



2. This book mirrors the wonderful exhibit of John Townsend's work that was on display at the Metropolitan Museum, and for people like me who make reproductions of Colonial and Early American furniture, it is a source of ideas, inspiration, and goals.
   
   It's also a source for humility. Seeing the work that this man produced without the help of table saws, routers and the other tools of the 21st century is humbling.
   
   The book is definitely worth every penny for those who love the furniture of the period, who enjoy knowing the history behind a particular piece, or who just enjoy seeing objects that are beautifully built with matchless craftsmanship and care.



3. Thanks to DuPont, American Federal Furniture is now much appreciated, and is some of the most expensive period furniture in the world. It's hard to fathom, that not long ago this type of furniture was not coveted at all, it was thought too austere and understated, the wealthy in the ninetenth century and early twentieth century wanted all things French, thankfully they finally came to their sences and now this style is considered one of the most beautiful. John Townsend was a master of the style, along with John and Thomas Seymour and Duncan Phyfe. This book does a wonderful job of highlighting his best work and the text is highly informative and the writing scholarly. If you have any appreciation for great craftsmanship or just love American Federal Furniture, then I have no doubt you will love this book.



4. This was originally written for the Washington Woodworkers Guild Newsletter, Sept 2007
   This lavishly photographed book is a summary of all the currently known and likely works by John Townsend and his shop in Newport in the late 18th century. It is the catalogue associated with the 2005 exhibit of John Townsend's works at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 2005.
   This is not a woodworking book per se. The first portion of the book details the history of Newport, with an emphasis on how it turned into a great cabinetmaking city. The extended family Townsend is then documented, and the links to the Goddards, the other great "name" of Newport cabinetmaking is explained. John Townsend's life is then described in as much detail as is currently available, with some speculation on why and how his furniture is distinguishable from the other major makers in the town. The bulk of the book is photographs of every piece currently known or believed to have been produced by him and his shop, organized by type, and with descriptions differentiating the pieces.
   There is some description of technique: 10 pages of the more than 200 in the book are in the section "Observations on John Townsend's Cabinetwork". Most of the book is about the time and place that these masterpieces were created in, and the pieces themselves. As a furniture design, construction, and appreciation aid though the book has major strengths. These include 110 pages of large high quality photos and descriptions of 47 major pieces, including many very similar pieces made over decades. Being able to see the effects of subtle changes in proportion and decoration, and of different wood grains on otherwise similar pieces, is worth the price of the book by itself. There are also many photos of the undersides/backs of pieces, which provide additional understanding of how structural issues in the pieces were managed.
   For documentation on technical specifics, more detailed references are required. This book contains no plans, and no exploded drawings. There are references to other sources in this book, though most are of historical rather than a technical nature. This book is appropriate as inspiration, for some technical details, and for the very high quality images that could be used to help make reproductions.

1 comments about The Beauty of Navajo Jewelry (Jewelry Crafts).

1. This book is not the complete encyclopedia of Navajo jewelry, but it's not meant to be. It is an excellent overview of the genre, with beautiful photographs of both very traditional Navajo jewelry as well as modern Navajo artists. For someone who wants an idea of what to look for and what is available, this is a brilliant resource. Ms. Bassman's narrative is informative and useful.
   I would recommend this book to any interested in Native American jewelry, but probably not for the advanced collector.

1 comments about Gold Leaf Techniques.

1. This book is only for those looking to use gold leaf for signs. That is this book's complete focus - gold lettering on windows, cars/trucks, and wood signs. It goes into extraordinary detail and is excellent for people wanting to learn how to use gold leaf for making signs.

3 comments about Antique Trader Limoges Price Guide.

1. Antique Trader Limoges Price Guide by Debby DuBay is a wonderful field price guide with over EIGHT HUNDRED photographs of Limoges pieces with prices and complete descriptions. A complete marks section covers all of the Limoges factory marks and backstamps including common reproduction marks. This book has a great chapter on valuation and another on identifying your pieces. In addtion - new documented research by DuBay and her researcher geneologist - on the American artist - specifically E. Miler.
   
   I love Debby DuBay's books on Limoges! This one is just as beautiful, in an easy to carry format with new information and completely different colored photographs of unique pieces of Limoges (and at this price is a must!)



2. Antique Trader Limoges Price Guide by Debby DuBay is fantastic! The only price guide in paper back form on Limoges porcelain. A beautiful book with hundreds of colored photographs of unique pieces of antique Limoges porcelain. The quality of this paper back book is outstanding. A wonderful price guide. Each piece has a current value - DuBay is a member of the Appraisers Assoc of America and is a USPAP appraiser - found by using the comparative market data approach. Each piece has a complete description that correlates with the marks section in the back of the book. Each factory has been researched and their actual marks are photographed and the dates of their use are annotated. Using this easy to read Price Guide a collector can research their pieces; identify which factory produced the piece, date the piece, find the back stamp and marks, know the exact use of the piece, determine if a piece is handpainted piece or transferware or decal and determine the exact value of the piece. I have attended several seminars by Debby DuBay and her enthusiasm is contagious and she is always available to assist and appraise. I recommend the Antique Trader Limoges Price Guide and if you have further questions on your piece I recommend you contact Debby DuBay at 20 Post Office Avenue, Andover, MA 01810 or call her (978) 470-8773.



3. Two hundred and forty pages of color photographs illustrate why the Limoges porcelain has been a favorite of collectors for more than two centuries. The many kinds of Limoges pieces are grouped in their own chapters--brooches, charges, cider pitchers, fish sets inkwells, punch bowls, and others; for thirty chapters in all. Many readers will be surprised at the great variety of Limoges pieces. There is wide decorative variety within each type too. Although each piece is distinguished by detail and rich coloration. Captions for each piece include identification, a note on the coloration (mostly underglaze or overglaze), factory marking, and in most cases a current value. The 26-page appendix Limoges Factory Markings or Backstamps groups hundreds by periods of years with pictures of each one. The author Debby Dubay is a widely recognized expert on Limoges porcelain who has written previous studies and price guides.

3 comments about Kenneth Jay Lane: Faking It.

1. This book has beautiful pictures, but not enough info & absolutely no help on figuring out values.



2. I really like many of the designs that Kenneth J. Lane has produced over the years and loved having a reference book of all his different styles and periods. The prose is of a chatty style that I usually am not too fond of but Mr. Lane is so upbeat and aware of the good fortune that has blessed him that you can't help but like him. The photography is wonderful and it is fun to see photos of celebrities wearing his jewels. The book could have been stronger if it has an addendix of technical information about the creation of costume jewelry or had a reference as to current pricing of some of Mr. Lane's vintage pieces. But I had many a fun evening looking and reading and will definately keep this book available for several more readings.



3. Received item in a timely manner. Book had many nicks and indentations on the hardback cover. Otherwise, content was in very good condition. Thought there would be more older celebrities in pictures wearing the jewelry, but not to big of a deal.