3 comments about A Guide to Indian Jewelry of the Southwest.

1. This tiny 46-page book is big on information. In it, you'll learn to recognize tribal jewelry styles and techniques. Although the first native American to learn silversmithing is not known, it appears to have begun among the Navajo in the 1850s, then was passed to the Zuni and Hopi.
   
   When the railroads opened the Wild West, silverwork began to respond not just to the tastes of the silversmiths themselves, but to the travelers looking for a souvenir of their encounter with the exotic Southwest inhabitants.
   
   The Navajo developed their style of setting large stones into cast, hammered, and stamped silver. The Zuni made clusterwork their forte, setting small turquoise stones in silver, called petitpoint and needlepoint. You'll learn the differences among mosaic, channel, and overlay inlays, about Pueblo fetish, and Santo Domingo heishi. The book shows both old and modern jewelry styles and is pocket-sized for easy reference when shopping.



2. This is a great book for someone becoming acquainted with jewelry of the Southwest. The book contains background information about the region and the distinction between the Hopi,Zuni,and Navajo jewelry, as well as some other silver-smithing techniques used by the Indians



3. Was purchased as a gift for a friend with a new interest in Native American jewelry. This book provided clear, well organized information about styles, discriminating 'fake' from 'real' and history. I think it will help my friend as she shops for Indian Jewelry in the Southwest.

4 comments about Making Marks: Discovering the Ceramic Surface.

1. This book is an exhaustive compendium of all different surface decoration techniques. The second paragraph of the "Book Description" in the "Editorial Reviews" for this book gives you a good idea of the range of topics in the many chapters. Each one of these topics is treated comprehensively, and also includes many color photo examples. It is a very thorough and well-done book.



2. This is an exciting book, it is not just about painting marks on surfaces. The list of options is quite comprehensive from liquid slips, clay colour modifications, carving, underglazes, slip-trailing, lustre-ware and of course impressions and incisions made by tools. Robin Hopper is a master of clay due to the years he has be absorbed by it. He has used good quality work by various potters to display the different forms of decoration.
   
   Surface decoration is always something you need to think in advance about before making the piece. You need to be clear what you want to see in the end, these choices will affect how smooth you want the surface to be and of course the decoration needs to be a custom-fit aesthetically for each piece. Discourse about these matters is found throughout the book.
   
   Glaze technology is discussed in this book, though not to the depth a total beginner would like - total knowledge could be gained in a technical course.
   
   This is one of those books that you can keep using as your understanding grows depending on where you are. Always interesting and inspiring to read about other surace decoration forms gaining knowledge all the way.
   
   This book would also be good as a guide in a set course, chapter by chapter you could do projects eg Chapt 1: Drawing, Chapt 2: Sign & Symbol, Chapt 3: Pattern & Space, Chapt 6: Marks of Slash, Scratch, Carve & Cut etc.
   
   All in all, a wonderful storehouse of so many ideas to have at hand !



3. Hi,
   I am the author of this book. The first review in the list of five gives a glowing report and yet rates only one star! I feel that this is a mistake. All the other reviews give the book five stars. This might be detrimentally affecting sales. I feel sure that the reviewer did not intend the single star rating with the review that he or she has given.
   
   Perhaps you can check this out. Thanks



4. This is really the most extraordinary ceramics book that I have ever seen. I am so amazed at the quantity of ideas for surface treatment that I don't know where to begin and I can't wait to get started! An absolute MUST for anyone who needs ideas and a boost of enthusiasm, or for anyone who feels like they are getting bored or are just stuck in a ceramics rut. What a fun book!

5 comments about The Magic of Crazy Quilting: A Complete Resource for Embellished Quilting.

1. Good comprehensive book on crazy quilting -- from basic construction of crazy quilt blocks to stitch diagrams and materials suggestions. Also includes drawings of how stitches would be used in crazy quilt blocks.



2. In my opinion this is the BEST book out on making Crazy Quilts. I have four others but this is my favorite. You'll love it.



3. I prefe the books by Judith Montano. This was well written and illustrated. It was for the beginner, ideas were limited.



4. Just received this book and it exceeds my expectations. Made my selection due to the reviews of this book and thanks to all for the comments because this is a great choice. I wanted a book that gives basic instruction on making crazy quilts plus some of the more frequently used stitches,and thats just what I got. Author gives 20 pages to show different stitches and their various possiblities on a project. Inspiring photos, and suggestions for applications of crazy quilt method. This has been a find for me, doubt anyone will be disappointed with this books and all it has to offer. enjoy.



5. The best part(s) of this book are the stitching techniques demonstrated right along with the sample quilt(s). You're able to see how the stitching will look as the quilt comes together. Beautifully done with excellent diagrams and photos. The historical information is also very good. A great book to have for your quilting repetoire.

5 comments about The Craft of the Japanese Sword.

1. This book is an excellent introduction to Japanese swordmaking by looking at modern masters and how they make swords. If you are just beginning an interest in Japanese swords and how they are made, this is the book for you. The book takes you through the process of forging the blade, polishing, making the habaki and finally the scabard. This book is highly recommended!



2. It's a good book, good information!
   Photos should be color, that's the only thing I don't like!
   But anyway, I like it!



3. An excellent book. It has all you need to know to either understand the craft of the sword or to begin your own explorations into the craft. Or both.Craft of the Japanese Sword is well written and illustrated, with an emphasis on the artisanship and detail of each step in creating these beautiful works. Ken wa hito nari.



4. An excellent book, getting a bit old now but still extremely relevant.
   
   Well written with excellent descriptions and photos.
   
   Good to see Yoshindo Yoshihara is still alive, but he looks a bit older than the book photo!
   
   I throughly recommend this book to anyone starting out in Japanese swords.
   
   Steve



5. Worth every penny. It doesn't go very deep in each subject, but enough to better understand and appreciate Japanese swords. The described forging techniques are detailed enough in my opinion for someone who wish to start trying forging his own blades (most probably knives for beginning). Lots of stuff can't be learned by books, and this one is no exception, but at least you'll learn basic forging techniques instead of starting from scratch, on your own.
   
   It has a great deal of information on Japanese swords, how to identify them according to the era they were made, etc.
   
   I highly suggest this book for every Japanese sword enthusiast.

5 comments about Old Fishing Lures & Tackle: Identification & Value Guide.

1. As a lure collector, I have several identification guides.
   This book gets used more than the rest, simply because it is more an identification guide than a Value guide. (Sure, it has book value included(which means nothing compared to auction values), but, it also has way more information on the lures and companies themselves than most other ID books).
   If you are looking for a complete library (if you want almost any lure identification at your fingertips--or in your head , as you learn about them all--), then you should definately include this one.
   But (always a "but"), this book doesn't cover too many of the "small name" companies out there, or folk arts, nor many flies. But, if it's a top name company (Heddon, Creek Chub, South Bend, Shakespeare, etc.), you will find it in this book, up until 1975.
   You cannot go wrong with this book...and if mine ever wears away with use, I'll keep purchasing new copies as needed.



2. We have a previous edition and wanted to update. This edition does not have anything but lures, no reels!



3. i have started to collect lures and this book has been very helpful good book great shiping fast service



4. This is a great reference book. All the colored photo's are a great update from the 6th edition. The book contais basic history on lures by manufacturer. This is a must have for lure collectors.



5. Great book if you are into collecting and/or buying and selling fishing lures. Tons of info, pictures, and values of lures. Definately worth every penny.

5 comments about Warman's Matchbox Field Guide: Values and Identification (Warmans Field Guide).

1. Upon reading this new book from Tom Larson,it has finally shown that there is room for a pocket guide amongst all the other "big" heavy Matchbox collector books. This book can be carried easily anywhere you want. Study up on your Matchbox hobby as you go about your travelling. Carry it to Toy Shows, diecast conventions, and even to the local antique auctions. It is small,light, full of brightly colored, well shot photos of all your favorite Matchbox cars and trucks. There is even some rare vehicles,sets, and other accessories shown. With accurate Price quotations for "Mint In Box" models,you are surely to enjoy this work for years to come.
   For the price, you can't beat it!
   Definitely worth every penny.
   Finally, a beautifully compiled Matchbox toy car collectors guide.
   It will be a hit, Just watch.
   Thanks Tom :)
   just another fine book in the Warman's series.
   Kudos to Krause Publications for jumping on this one.:)
   
   sincerely
   Burney Reid
   "Diecast Enthusiast"
   Coquitlam, B.C.
   Canada



2. This book is very welcome as it will increase many people's enjoyment of collecting Matchbox models. Due to its easy availability and reasonable price it may even attract some more people to this wonderful hobby.
   
   With its compact size it is ideally suited for carrying around to toy shows and flea markets, where it can be used as an aid in identifying models one might come across.
   
   While experienced collectors may be slightly disappointed at the lack of detail and some embarrassing and sometimes misleading mistakes (which have no doubt been caused by the tight deadline pressure under which the book was written), this book is perfect as an introduction for beginners.
   
   The quality of the many pictures is first class, and the introductory pages in the front section of the book, including a well-written summary of Matchbox history and useful collecting tips, are a must read for anyone interested in the subject.
   
   Congratulations to Tom Larson on this fine achievement!



3. Most Matchbox guide books are encyclopedic in size. This is the first one I've found that is easy to take with you to toy shows, garage sales, and flea markets. The photos in the book are outstanding. The helpful collecting tips are well-written and are sound advice for collectors. All in all, I'm very pleased to recommend this book. Mine already has considerable wear, and I'll probably be needing another one by Christmas (hint to family)!



4. It's hard to believe that so much information is packed into such a little book. It's the big little book for Matchbook collectors. The photo quality in this book is second to none. Although the prices of these gems are always in flux, it is great to have an updated price guide. The history, collecting tips and listing of online resources contained in the book are treasures in and of themselves.



5. I recently started collecting die cast vehicles so the primary reason I was interested in this book was to know just what's out there. This book mostly covers the real old stuff, there's only a brief coverage of the post Lesney produced vehicles. Maybe collectors like Larson are mainly interested in the old stuff of their youth and this certainly would be a great little flick through book (it's not small enough in size to fit in even the pocket of the most obese sized person's clothing) for collectors of that era but a lot of us younger "newbies" are also interested in the newer stuff too. This book is published in 2008 so there really is no excuse for at least a good sample of vehicles up to 2007 not being here. Every Matchbox car I own is not listed in here.
   
   I'm more into the entertainment themed vehicles myself and I was really interested to know what other Character Cars were manufactured besides the ones I've come across. I've stumbled across a few different Matchbox vehicles marketing various movies and wondered if Matchbox has a range that rivals what Johnny Lightning has out there. I am familiar with the Star Cars but whenever you come across there on an online site they are still in the blister pack and I would have like to have been able to see what they look like loose to see how close resemble actual vehicle in show/movie. I really just wanted a guide that shows a wide selection of what's out there (I realise a complete guide is all but impossible). This book holds none of those answers that those like myself interested in later vehicles are after.
   
   This book does have very nice photographs of the small number of vehicles it does cover. It's size does mean it fits nicely into the palm of your hand if you want to carry it around a garage sale or something but as mentioned it's way to big to fit in a pocket. It is also fairly heavy meaning elderly people who struggle to hold thicker heavy books (a demographic that is where the older Matchbox models make up a large percentage of collectors) would struggle to flick through this. Those readers would be better of getting the full size version instead.

5 comments about Washington Wines and Wineries: The Essential Guide.

1. While this book may be very informative, it looks and reads more like a textbook and lacks the excitement and entertainment value of its subject matter. The book could be significantly improved simply by adding color pictures of wine labels and/or the wineries themselves rather than black and white pictures of only a handful of labels (which makes the book look dull and cheap). Prior to actually reading the book, I originally purchased it as a gift for out of state friends to give them along with a mixed case of Washington wines as they are unfamiliar with wines from the Pacific Northwest. However, after reading through the book, I decided to find another book that would give my friends a better sense of Washington wine country as well as a visual journey of this beautiful region through pictures.



2. Paul has a great deal of experience with the Washington Wine scene, and it shows. This should be called the Washington Wine Encyclopedia. The book is full of very current and relevant information about the blossoming (and Booming) Washington Wine industry, and the top 25% (His Opinion) of the wineries. I found the history portion of the book fascinating.
   
   If you have any interest in the Washington wine industry, this is a must read!



3. I WOULD SUGGEST THAT ANYONE WHO WANTS TO KNOW MORE ABOUT WASHINGTON WINES, HAD BETTER GET A COPY OF THIS BOOK. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT MR. GREGUTT KNOWS THE WINEMAKERS AND THE WINERIES HE WRITES ABOUT. HE HAS BEEN DOING IT FOR YEARS, AND IS A RELIABLE RESOURCE FOR THIS INDUSTRY. KEN D.



4. This is a great, unconventionally written wine book. Paul Gregutt covers Washington state by talking about the history, the top vineyards, the varietals, and the top wineries. He gives ratings to wineries instead of specific wines. Sometimes it feels like his praise is too strong because he does not specify which wines are good values versus just plain good wines. But overall this is a great reference guide. If you are looking for a buying guide, stick to Robert Parker; if you want to learn about wines in Washington, this is where to start.



5. If I could sit down with Paul in a tasting group I am assured that I would be utterly amazed by the amount of information he has tapped into that makes him so vital to the Washington wine industry. As a writer, investigator, connoisseur, & diplomat of all that is worthwhile in the Washington Wine realm. Rest assured you will have the upper hand on a vast extension of information from the distant past to our now proportionately thriving world of grapes in the Scabland's to the valleys in the Yakima, Columbia, & Walla Walla wine regions. Enjoy, MD

No comments about Guns Illustrated 2009 (Guns Illustrated: The Journal of Gun Buffs).

5 comments about Everyday Fashions of the Sixties as Pictured in Sears Catalogs.

1. This wonderful book provides a nostagic trip back to the 1960's, but more than just invoking fond memories, provides a glimpse of that changing decade through fashion. The early 60's ushered in mink stoles for $500.00, lady-like gowns and proper high heels. Towards the end of the '60's fashion takes on a distinct change, reflecting that turbulent time in the U.S. Gone are the wasp-waist dresses, and in come the "hippie" styles of striped bell-bottom pants for both sexes, mini-dresses and go-go boots modeled by Twiggy look-alikes. And the prices! A gorgeous pair of colorful leather flats were about $6.00, leather boots sold for $14.00. Of course, some of the styles are positively heinous according to current standards, but many have stood the test of time and would not seem out of place today. I love to scour old styles when I design my own clothes, and if you are a fashion designer or just love clothes, this is a wonderful reference guide.



2. Great book for those interested in sities fashion. No interpretive text or historical context-- this book is purely an assemblage of some of Sear's catalog most enduring and representative patterns of sixties attire. Ripped straight from the catalogue pages, this book is just filled from cover to cover of catalogue models and accessory displays. My main criticism is that I would have liked to see a book representing not only Sear's catalogue, but other popular stores of the day. In addition, the book could have been longer and more colorful. While I like the idea of black and white photos on the semi-gloss pages, most of the photos are more fuzzy and gray than crisp black and white. Only two pages are actually in color... which is a disappointment and not what you'd want from this time period. Half of fashion interest in the sixties is the bold use of color and pattern never seen before the period.



3. This book has great pictures. It is not as comprehensive as I would have liked, but is still a very helpful guide to 60's fashion.



4. Vibrant color was one of the most important aspects of fashions of the 1960's. Sadly, the color is a missing aspect of this otherwise wonderful volume.
   
   However, if you are looking for a trip down memory lane, Everyday Fashions of the Sixties as Pictured in Sears Catalogs is a great way to recapture the era. It brought back fond memories of my school days.
   
   If you are not a Baby Boomer, you might be very surprised to realize that many of the styles we wore were much more conservative and flattering than the media's reinterpretation of 60's style. (Oh! How I want those shoes!)
   
   Highly recommended for fashion research or pure entertainment! I'd give it another star if there was more color!



5. The decade-by-decade images from all the books in this series are, IMHO, required references for those interested in fashion and costume design in the 20th century.

5 comments about Women, Art, and Society (World of Art).

1. This book does conatain some truly valuable information, unfortunately it is also full of so much useless information that you become completely overwhelmed.



2. The information in this book should be in every Art History 101 text book, but unfortunately it isn't! It does read like a good text book and there are lots of illustrations (although there could be lots more). Chadwick is in expert in her field. Anyone interested in Art History should know what this book covers...



3. I was very pleased to see the GREAT condition that this book was in. It looked BRAND NEW. Thank you for the great product at such a low price!



4. Fine classroom text, interesting read:
   
   This book with m. Slatkin's book to assist with organization, are good classroom texts and both excellant reads.



5. The shipping was fast and I received it just in time to start my class. It was in excellent condition just as promised. Thank you!