5 comments about The Art of the Russian Matryoshka.

1. The detailed and collaborative work of Rett Ertl and Rick Hibberd, The Art Of The Russian Matryoshka is a unique and distinctive artbook devoted to the classic Russian toy consisting of dolls that fit inside one another. 330 full-color photographs illustrate and showcase rare and vintage matryoshka, while the narrative text covers the history of this device as well as the steps of its creation today. The Art Of The Russian Matryoshka is especially recommended for toy collectors and a welcome contribution Russian Cultural Studies collections.



2. As an avid collector of matryoshka dolls, I found this book covered it all! I especially enjoyed the pictures and explanation of the lathing and prepping of the blanks. And the techniques used to paint the dolls. This book is a must-have for every collector!



3. Our daughter was so happy receiving the book The Art of the Matroyshka for her school project. The book marvelous! Extreem beautiful pictures, so clear! A good story with much details. Very usable for the school project.
   We also were very pleased with the fast en accurate delivery.
   
   Many thanks, Robert



4. Fantastic book! Color plates are exquisite and the text very informative. A definate must-have for any doll collector!



5. I had visited Russia in 1996 and purchased many matryoshkas for myself and souvenirs. I loved this book, because I saw many of the ones I had bought, and others I hadn't and it was wonderful to learn their history. I also am fond of the store that Mr. Ertl has online and hope to purchase some matryoshkas from him in the future.

5 comments about Old Time Radios! Restoration and Repair.

1. This book is OK and I'm glad I bought it, but the author spends too much time on the theory and history of antique radios. Only about 1/3rd of the book is devoted to troubleshooting, and even that part is a little bit sketchy. I think a person can find better troubleshooting manuals, tube manuals, and other interesting literature for free online if you just spend a few minutes searching. It has been my experience that the New Jersey Antique Radio Club is a great resource.
   
   Mr. Carr wrote a great book, but you can do better online.



2. Very thorough. This is a good book if you want to restore old radios. Gives a good explanation of history, and how the tubes and circuits work. There is a good section on troublshooting and repair. The only complaint is that the author goes into great detail to explain how the circuits are effected using equations in calculus ect. It is just a bit much for the novice to grasp. Otherwise a good book on old radios.



3. If you want a book on how tube radios work, this is a great book. If you want to know how to actually restore radios, not so good.



4. I have been interested in and tinkered with electronics since I was a boy, but I didn't have the knowledge to do any involved repairs. Over the years my family and I have had tube radios that worked fine at one time, then started to hum, with the humming eventually getting so bad it drowned out everything else. I remembered my folks taking one of these sets to a radio/TV repairman when I was a kid and being told it wasn't worth fixing. For years I have wanted to find out what caused this and maybe fix those radios. Some 30 years later I spied this book, bought it, and found out what all that humming was caused by. I have proceeded to fix 3 of those old radios that now work like new, for only a few dollars in parts! This book taught me everything I needed to know to do it. I couldn't be more pleased. I had to re-read some sections a few times to "get it", but the info I needed was all there. I can't recommend this book highly enough!!



5. A very informative book. I recently began renovating old radios have have found this book to be a tremendous help. Although I have a degree in electronics, it was great reviewing tube theory for AM and FM circuits.

1 comments about Sacagawea Dollar Folder.

1. Whitman Coin Folders, long known for quality, archival products, continues its legacy with the release of the Sacagawea Dollars coin folder. The folder includes a brief, four paragraph history of the newly minted dollar coin as well as room to store thirty-six of the coins. All collectors anticipate the release of a new product, and the Sacagawea Dollar is sure to pique the interest of collectors old and new. The Whitman folder provides an economical, practical way to store these new coins.

5 comments about New Testament: 1526 Tyndale Bible, Original Spelling Edition (New Testament).

1. I was very impressed by the quality of the binding of this book, as well as the paper. It has been very difficult putting this little book down. Now I am enjoying reading this New Testament, and it really isn't difficult to understand, even with the original spelling. I highly recommend this book.



2. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
   This reprinting of the first translation of the New Testament by William Tyndale is a true treasure today - as was the original in 1526.

   Through his ardent devotion, careful and diligent scholarship, and fluency in New Testament Greek, Tyndale seems to have accomplished an ideal pairing of literal accuracy and beautiful readability. Even though his original spellings have been retained in this reprinting, within my first day of reading this volume, I was able to become comfortable with these, and they have seldom slowed my reading since. I found it very easy to understand - a much easier and more fluid read than either the current renditions of the King James Bible or the writings of Shakespeare. The only drawbacks I noticed were the unfamiliar spellings (which I quickly moved beyond) and the use of chapter numberings only, with no verse numbers.

   Tyndale's 1526 version was the first translation of the New Testament into English, and personally, I doubt that its overspreading of innate beauty and scholarship have been equalled since. It is said to have formed the basis for much of the 1611 "King James Version", but I far prefer the Tyndale translation. It is worth mentioning also, that the items noted in Tyndale's own errata on his 1526 version have been fully reflected in the text of this re-publication. This is no facsimile version, but a readable English text well-suited for serious study as well as for reading pleasure.

   Someone has pointed out that, historically, it was around the time when written language moved beyond picture-based heiroglyphics to a more objective and stable, alphabet-based, form when the Old Testament first began to take shape; and that it was at the historical peak of precision and beauty in written language that the Greek New Testament was given. It seems that the original translation of the New Testament into English was no less a glorious work of providence and timing, and that Tyndale was ideally qualified for this very thing.

   I believe that, apart from the gift of Jesus' own Presence and Spirit within the hearts of believers through the New Birth, the Tyndale translation of the New Testament was certainly the most wonderful gift that English-speaking believers in Christ have ever been given: God's Word beautifully and accurately conveyed in our own language. I believe this translation to be an authentic, and God-given treasure. I am so glad to have discovered it! I pray that you may too!




3. If one is serious about Bible study and is only fimiliar with the King James version then this little book is worth considering. From the Geniva Bible on the Bible has been written in verses, which lends itself to taking the meaning out of context. This gives a much distorted view of the meaning and spirit of the Bible. There is a reason the King James is "authorized" by King and Church (it was never authorized nor did King James have anything to do with it). It could be manipulated and is manipulated even more so to this day. Just because people have been extracting meaning from the Bible by combining verses from different chapters and even books, for 400 yrs., doesn't make it correct.
   This book is small and the print is small but very readable. The spelling is at times a bit difficult but one quickly becomes used to it. The difficulty is soon over come and the rewards of a fresh view, free of agendas and controle, is worth the time spent. I understand that there is a movement twards studing the Bible in its original form. I think reading this version will help you understand why.



4. This wee 12-mo of the 1526 Tyndale New Testament from the press of the British Library is the closest most will come to the genesis of the English-speaking bible which was to appear 85 years later in the guise of the familiar King James Version of 1611.
   
   The prefacist, David Daniell, is known for his modern language version published by Yale University Press, but this is the original Tyndale-spelling edition for we purists. The introducer, W R Cooper of Oxford, employs his eight pages so profitably as to leave the reader edified and stocked with a trove of bibliophilic lore and conversation from the dawn of the Reformation.
   
   Here begins the second chapter of Matthew:
   
   "When Jesus was borne in Bethleem a toune of Jury, in the tyme of kynge Herode. Beholde, there cam wyse men from the est to Jerusalem saynge: where is he that is borne kynge of the Jues? we have sene his star in the est, and are come to worship hym. Herode the kynge, after he hadd herde thys, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with hym..."
   
   This is the English language in the swaddling clothes of its very infancy. Its rustic power thrills us, even unto these very days...



5. Hard to understand the spelling in some places, but for the most part was easy enough for me to read. It was facinating to read the original spelling version, and compare it to the corrected spelling version. There ARE some debatable differences in the translated words they chose to use!
   This text, along with the 1599 Geneva Bible and the 1611 King James Version, provides a TRUE rendering of God's Word. One can really see how His Word has been altered through out the years, especially when one compares it to the newer bible versions.
   It was also good to read it without the chapter divisions, as this has also lent to the different viewpoints and interpretations. A VERY good book for those in search of the ultimate truth!

1 comments about Studio Furniture of the Renwick Gallery: Smithsonian American Art Museum.

1. All 84 furniture pieces of the Gallery a part of the Smithsonian are pictured in full-page color photographs on righthand pages with comments on them and their makers on facing lefthand pages. One sees immediately on looking through the many pieces what Greenhalgh means when he writes in the Foreword, "Furniture is perhaps more allied to architecture than any of the other individual craft-based arts." This is especially true of this studio furniture made between the early years of the 1900s to the early years of the twenty-first century. While the furniture is self-evidently modern, made basically of wood, never loosing sight of its utilitarian purpose, and its inner details (rather than flourishes, for example), it for the most part it is for the most part within the mainstream of furniture, particularly Victorian furniture and more recently art nouveau and the arts-and-crafts furniture toward the end of the Victorian era. Where the Renwick Gallery pieces depart somewhat from the mainstream it is not in shape simply for the sake of shape nor in riotous colors or assemblage calling into question the meaning of "furniture". Where this furniture departs, it is mostly in whimsical touches.
   
   Looking over the collection, one also sees what Greenhalgh means when he comments this furniture comes from a "furniture world [that] was, on the whole, less cohesive and dramatic than these other genres [e. g., jewelry] and unfolded in a more subtle and complex way." No movement, school, or "intellectual thrust" in American furniture making during this period of roughly a century meant that there was "rather, a number of seams of activity." While basically falling within the mainstream, each piece is nonetheless distinctive in appearance. The many chairs--the collection's largest category of furniture--are each distinctive for length of back, size of seat, shape of arms, and details in these. The chairs are distinctive mainly for their sense of proportion among these variables. Except for a few, they're not meant to be ostentatious, nor call attention to their maker. The impression they give off is that of being well-made; and if they give of any kind of statement, it is that of the nearness of the world of nature and the subtle and to some extent mutable connections between it and the human world.

5 comments about Warman's Jewelry (3rd Edition).

1. A great book, with lots of valuble information, but the index, is not accurate.this makes it very frustrating to look things up....warmans should issue partial refunds to the dedicated customers who purchased the book...



2. AS AN OLDER PERSON, I HAVE 'LIVED THROUGH' MANY OF THE FADS WHICH JEWELRY MANUFACTURERS REFLECT. I STARTED COLLECTING JEWELRY, AND DECIDED TO WRITE A RESOURCE BOOK FOR THE NOVICE. WELL, WHEN I READ MS. ROMERO'S BOOK, I FOUND THAT IT WAS SO INCLUSIVE THAT IN ORDER TO FILL IN THE GAPS, AS IT WERE, MY WORK IS REALLY CUT OUT FOR ME. THIS BOOK IS A WONDERFUL ADDITION TO ANY JEWELRY COLLECTOR'S REFERENCE LIBRARY. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME THE SPACE TO REVIEW IT.



3. "Warman's Jewelry," 3rd edition, by Christie Romero, is subtitled "A Fully Illustrated Identification and Price Guide to 18th, 19th, & 20th Century Fine and Costume Jewelry." The book is full of fascinating and useful features, among them an extensive bibliography, glossary, index, and chronology. There are also a number of appendices, including a hallmark identification guide and a guide to the marks and names on Mexican silver jewelry and metalware.

   The 272-page book is full of hundreds of clear, beautiful full color photos of jewelry. Each photo is accompanied by essential information on each piece depicted. The items shown represent a huge price span; in this book you'll see a $336,000.00 gem-encrusted platinum bracelet, a $10.00 brooch shaped like a poodle, and lots in between. Many types of jewelry are pictured: necklaces, cufflinks, earrings, lockets, scarf pins, etc. Included are pieces representing a broad variety of artistic approaches: whimsical, elegant, gaudy, graceful, fierce, futuristic.

   Also fascinating is the broad range of materials covered: diamonds, emeralds, opals, turquoise, gold, coral, agate, wood, rhinestones, plastic, brass, porcelain, etc. The photography is accompanied by an interesting, well-written text. Jewelry production is placed in historical and cultural context. There are also special sections devoted to jewelry of particular cultures (Native American, Mexican, Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, and Finnish). Interesting trends such as Victorian-era black jewelry and "eye miniatures" are also highlighted. Overall, this is an endlessly interesting and stunningly beautiful reference work.




4. Over the years, Warman's guides to antiques have established a reputation for reliability. This volume is the third (2002) edition of their jewelry guide. It's lavishly illustrated with examples from many styles, eras, and price ranges. It provides a feast for the eyes and a lot of useful information as well.
   
   Romero divides the material according to time period and, when appropriate, according to style and material and country of origin. She gives concise summaries of the essentials of each and links jewelry fashions to world events and clothing styles. Sometimes her discussions are a little too concise for this curious reader ( to be fair, the book is a guide, not an in-depth treatment), but she provides a full bibliography at the end for those who want to dig deeper. There's also a glossary of jewelry-related terminology and a section on marks.
   
   According to the introduction, this edition reflects the increasing globalization of the marketplace and the influence of internet buying. Romero has expanded coverage of Scandinavian jewelry and added discussions of Neo-Renaissance and Beaux-Arts jewelry. Every illustration is in color, and the captions are fully detailed. Several reviewers of earlier editions mentioned that there were problems with the index. These problems seem to have been corrected in this edition.
   
   Any problems I have with this book are mostly quibbles. The author makes a point of linking changes in jewelry fashions to changes in clothing and in social conditions. I wish that she had put in a few period illustrations showing the fashions and the jewelry worn with them. This is probably a little out of the reach of an identification and value guide, but it would have been a nice touch. Nonetheless, this is a wonderful resource for jewelry collectors and, in fact for anyone who thinks they might like to become one.



5. As on online vintage jewelry dealer, Atlanta vintage jewelry dot com, Warman's book was one of the first in my reference library. Sure, it has some faults, but not to the degree to make the book 'useless'. I used to spend my evenings in bed reading through the pages, getting familiar with the vast array of information.
   
   The book includes excellent pictures with clarity, and lots of them. It covers jewelry designs from various eras, beginning in the mid-1700's through present day.
   
   Many people in the vintage jewelry circles may refer to Warman's as the 'bible' of vintage jewelry as it also covers both fine and costume.
   
   In spite of its somewhat unreliable index referred to by others, this hefty book is well worth the purchase price. I'm glad for mine.
   
   Gail Gupton, Author: The 31-Day Diet of Spiritual Enlightenment and Seekers of Truth.

5 comments about Ty Beanies Tracker Third Edition.

1. This book is my bible when buying or selling TY beanies accurate price list, interesting facts and is a must for TY beanie lovers that love to collect these little guys.



2. This book is very accurate, informative and well put together. For some time now I've been looking for an up to date beanie list and price guide and this book is it! It's a great item for all Ty collectors!



3. The pictures are easy to follow and match up the names and values with my Ty Beanies.



4. This is the most informational Beanie Guide I have ever seen. I own several other guides, but this one is one that I will use most often. It has so much more detail than the others; also covers more of Ty's products, not just Babies and Buddies. As I collect my items, I can look them up, check off the ones I already have, see how much they are worth on today's market, see when they were born, retired (if not current). I recommend this to all Ty collectors.



5. Wonderful book. Helped me catagorize and date all of my Ty Beanies and I was so happy with the accuracy of the book. Would recommend to Ty Beanie Baby collectors.

2 comments about New Inspirations in Wedding Florals.

1. This is one of the best books I bought when I decided to do my own flowers for my wedding.
   This is not a book for a pro though. It works best for a beginner like me. It explains nicely step by step how to make the arrangements. It could give more information but even still, there is no better book. There is a first version that I bought and together I got some great ideas.



2. This book was fantastic! It helped beginners create beautiful bouquets, corsages and table arrangements. Great results! It saved us a great deal of money!

3 comments about Antique Trader Royal Doulton Price Guide.

1. This is a good resource for Royal Doulton items not found in the Charlton Standard Catalogue. The two books together will give you a pretty comprehensive resource for identifying & valuing "most" Royal Doulton pieces.
   
   This duplicates a small portion of the info in Charlton Standard, but includes most things missing from it. It is a great resource for animals, Bunnykins, Character Jugs, Flambe, Burslem, Lambert Art wares and more!
   
   To any Royal Doulton collectors, I recommend BOTH of these volumes! (Charlton Standard Catalogue & Antique Trader)



2. Good price guide for many (but not all) of Royal Doulton products (tableware not included). An improvement over Charlton in that it provides colour pictures as opposed to Charlton's mostly black/white.Antique Trader Royal Doulton Price Guide



3. Antique Trader Royal Doulton Price Guide I collect Royal Doulton items and had hoped this book would be up to date, especially on their Bunnykins Series, animals, and figurines. However, most of what I look up isn't in this price guide. It is nicely illustrated. Maybe useful for beginners, but I was looking for a far more detailed price guide.

1 comments about Gunfitting: The Quest for Perfection for Shotguns And Rifles.

1. As a certified shotgun instructor, I found this book provided understandable and useful information to help me respond better to my students.