1 comments about Warman's Antique Jewelry Field Guide: Values and Identification (Warman's Field Guides).

1. This book is not for the novice collector. It does provide very detailed descriptions of antique jewelry. The photogrpahs are clear and vibrant, but not all pieces had a matching photograph. It is a very handy size that you can take along and refer to during shopping. I recommend this to those who are familiar with antique jewelry and would like a quick refernce guide to take shopping.

1 comments about Collecting Antique Marbles: Identification and Price Guide.

1. I is a good reference book for marbles. A bit dis-jointed and hard to follow. Pictures are not as clear as some other referance material but book should be in a marble collectors library.

5 comments about Historic Costume in Pictures (Dover Pictorial Archives).

1. As a costumer for the high school i find it difficult to find books that are comprehensive with pictures of enough time periods to find what i am looking for. This book shows enough examples to get the styles across, unfortunately it is in black and white but it is still detailed and wonderful.



2. This is another book of Victorian redrawings of historical garments and outright inventions and fantasies where ancient clothing is concerned. While it might be useful to theatrical costumers, Victorian recreationists, or those interested in the history of costume illustration or interpretation, it is of no use to those doing historic costuming or interested in costume history.

   If you want accurate representations of historic clothing, get a book with reproductions of art from the time period of the clothes you're interested in.




3. If you're a serious student of costume history, this book is not for you. But if you're a beginning re-enactor, or you work with them, it's an excellent source for getting the "feel" of a period. It is typically Victorian in line, as are many similar books still in print. BUT it's comprehensive through many time periods, shows accessories well (which a lot of similar books do not), and makes for a good beginning point.

   I've found it very useful in getting beginning costume students to pick a period for further research.




4. If you are interested in the proper history of costume, this book is not for you. It was created in the 19th century, when costume history was at its beginning and it reflects all major faults of the researchers of that time. Many things, claimed to be true at that time, are now proven to be completely wrong. Personally, I have found some blunders in this book. So, if you want to do a thorough and accurate research for your costume, refer to the modern researchers, authentic paintings and manuscripts. Definitely not this book. It is like using 14th century manuscripts for studying modern English.
   But if you want to compare the work of modern and Victorian authors - go ahead, this is a wonderful example.
   This book can also be quite suitable for those, who are interested in theatrical costume, where looks come first and authenticity does not matter.



5. This book is a reproduction of the 1907 book "Costumes of All Nations" (3rd edition), which in turn was reproduced from a series of plates produced by Braun and Schneider in "Zur Geschichte der Kostume" between 1861 and 1890. Unfortunately, in the process, all of the text (both the German and English) was removed (as was the color). So we have no way of knowing what went along with these drawings.

   Furthermore, there are no references of any kind, so you can't go back to the "original" painting, or source to verify the information. It may be helpful for getting ideas, but not for any serious costume design.

2 comments about Matchbox Labels: Over 2,000 Elegant Examples from All Over the World.

1. Well designed and printed on quality paper, this well-stocked archive is a decent production for collectors, fans, and graphic designers. It's organization is clear and the color labels easily identified.
   
   However, the most obvious shortcoming, and one that I found frustrating, was the amazing lack of North American selections. Nearly the entire 2,000 examples showcased are from former Soviet Union satellites and Asia. This isn't necessarily a bad thing - as you get a very good sense of Soviet-era constructivism and wonderful Asian simplicity & beauty. But the lack of labels from the United States, Canada and Mexico is sorely missed.
   
   Although unbalanced - I would recommend this to devotees of the genre - if only to expose them to labels that aren't often seen. However, for graphic designers and fans of Americana, I would recommend focusing on selections by Chronicle Books.



2. I bought this as I'm interested in popular graphics and the two thousand samples included certainly capture the flavor of this tiny corner of the printed ephemera market.
   
   The book is very well designed and printed but ultimately I was rather disappointed with the contents. There is a sameness about so many of these labels. The huge number from the old Soviet Union and the Eastern Block certainly look similar, only to be expected I guess but other nations output also seem bland and unimaginative. Perhaps the reason is that most of the labels included are brands rather than advertising labels that are so common today. Strangely none of the labels are dated but I would guess that most of them were produced several decades ago and the cheapness of liquid lighters now has reduced match output.
   
   As another reviewer has commented the absence of North American product maybe also explains the lack of pizzazz and color. The matchbook was the flame of choice for Americans and there are no examples of these included.
   
   This will probably be the standard book about matchbox labels because it is so comprehensive. The American matchbook is another story; their colorful design and huge output over the years will still produce occasional new titles. The one I like best is:Close Cover Before Striking: The Golden Age of Matchcover Art (Recollectibles) with several hundred matchbook covers in an attractively designed book.
   
   ***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.

5 comments about More Workbench Silencers.

1. The only criticism I have of this little book is that it was way too short; I wanted to see more of these elegant designs.
   
   My favorite was the silencer for the Maverick 88 bullpup shotgun firing 575 grain subsonic slugs. With some aluminum tubing, sturdy PVC pipe and fittings, steel wool, and a clamp, the author puts together a heavy-duty silencer capable of withstanding and suppressing the blast of a 12-gauge shotgun. Although an easily-constructed "disposable" silencer, it has the lines of a professional model that was designed for that particular weapon.
   
   I don't know what the other reviewer's problem is; anyone who knows anything about silencers can attest the soundness of these designs. (Maybe it's George Hayduke trying to disparage his competition!)



2. You will be better off doing a search on the net. I will say this positive about the book...it proves anything can actually get published. If you spend a couple of hours on the net you could write a better book...



3. The designs in this book are simple, lo-tech, and surprisingly effective. Being a good do-it-yourselfer helps, as does a good assortment of hand tools (which if you don't own, you will end up owning by the time you finish the book). Some of the designs are open to improvement, and adaptation to other circumstances. Additionally, they can be adapted to what supplies you have available. It makes for interesting trips to hardware stores.
   
   Remember safety first. Start with wide tolerances, which reduce effectiveness but increase safety. As your skills become more precise, reduce the tolerances. Oh, and of course, don't do any of it, because it is illegal.



4. I bought this book out of curiosity. Upon reading this book, I am not impressed. I am not an engineer, nor do I claim to be, But in my opinion,
   there is no information in here that anyone who even knows what a suppressor is does not know already. I am dissapointed with my purchase and wished I bought other literature.



5. Mr. Hollenbeck's first how to book on silencers was terrific, and this one follows suit. The instructions are easy to follow with clear pictures. You can't go wrong with this book.

5 comments about Art Nouveau Jewelry.

1. This book far exceeded my expectations for the price! The only minor criticism I have is that I wish ALL the photographs had been in color. A great deal......



2. i wanted to know more about art nouveau jewelry and this book really helped me for that purpose.
   it has lots of pictures and info about whatever there is to know and see.
   the only dissapointment was that majority of the pics are in black and white. You miss out on all the enameling work colors..
   also i expected to see more from lalique.
   overall though its a good book for starters.



3. A very good book about this period, no other one has covered the subject as this one.



4. I pondered over purchasing this book for probably two years. This was due mainly to the fact that there was no way to really view the content of this publication. Frankly, the authors offering of an inside look of their book was ridiculous. Show me some pictures!!! I really hate to purchase something that I can't see! Finally, I bit the bullet and purchased Art Nouveau Jewelry. I was stunned by the volume of beautiful color pictures. This book turned out to be just what I was looking for, basically a pictorial presentation of jewelry from that era. I search constantly for any reference material that I can find on this subject (Art Nouveau era jewelry) and this book is one of the best that I have found. So if you are a jewelry designer like myself and are always looking for inspiration, this is an excellent book for your collection.



5. This book covers the specific influences of various European countries and the US in jewelry design during the Art Nouveau period. It covers the designers and their pieces with spectacular photographs of pieces that will knock your socks off. It is a fabulous reference book, but also one that you can curl up with on a rainy day and sip cocoa. Handy guides to identification - makers marks and signatures. Prepare to be wowed.

1 comments about Standard Catalog of Modern World Gold Coins 1801-present: 1801-present (Standard Catalogs).

1. PLUS:
   Excellent guide, good value. One of the essential numismatic guidebooks.
   
   Easy to use and well organized. Is an updated version of the venerable Krause Standard Catalog of World Gold Coins (hardcover), except is missing the 1500's, 1600's, & 1700's.
   
   MINUS:
   Pictures are all in B&W, some pictures are poor quality, available only in paperback.
   
   
   Numismatics is a hobby as any other do not expect a handsome return on your investment, at least not a monetary one. Have fun. Good luck.

5 comments about Painted Ponies.

1. This an excellent book giving a good insight into the history of carousels from their early beginnings. Crammed with beautiful photographs of the various animals and some rare photographs of the carvers and their workshops. A must reference book if you are into carousels.



2. OK I gotta give the book a great review as one of the authors is a very dear friend. (Marianne Stevens) I love the photos of the carousel that she purchased from my cousins!
   
   Seriously though this book is an absolute must have for anybody not only interested in Carousels but also in amusement park history. It's a wonderful coffe table book with to die for color photographs and fascinating information.
   
   Even children will love this book! It's beautifully done with glossy photos. Absolutely super.
   
   Warren Crandall



3. Awesome book! An absolute must for anyone interested in American Carousel Art! Loaded with close up photos of all the love of labor that went into these beautiful animals! Brings back many memories of the Great Danbury Fair in Danbury, CT which now unfortunately is a shopping mall.



4. This book is a must have for any carousel enthusiast or anyone interested in the art of wood carving. All major carvers/manufacturers of the golden age of carousel building are covered. The photography is wonderful and there is a census of operating carousels in the back of the book. Since the book is written in 1986, many of the carousels that are listed have dissappeared. Check National Carousel Association for an updated list.



5. This is an excellent A-Z book on everything you would want to know about carousels. It's very well presented and very informative and makes a great coffee table book. Highly recommended if you're interested in the subject.

3 comments about Standard Guide to American Muscle Cars: A Supercar Source Book 1960-2005 (Standard Guide to American Muscle Cars).

1. This book really rocks! They've got A TON of cars in here, great photos, cool writing by John Gunnell. I really like his writing style. Lots of cool information and period reviews of the coolest cars Detroit ever produced.
   
   I had a copy of the previous editon of this book, and the 4th Edition is a great improvement. 400 pages! This is a great bargain on a really well-done book.



2. This is a big book.Its mostly color photos throughout.Each car has 1 page devoted to it,1 color photo (sometimes 2 photos)and plenty of information.Its a great book.
   
   The standard of these books from this publisher has improved over their former black and white photos and low quality paper.Now these books are printed on very high quality paper and plenty of color photos.
   
   This book is an overview of American muscle cars.It helps knowing whats out there.If you wanted specific and detailed information on your favourite model you should consider looking at books that cater for specific models.This book is a gem and an ideal book to start with.



3. Just a great book all around. So may great cars to look at and read about. If you want detailed information on a single car or generation of a car then look elsewhere, but for pretty good commentary and loads of pictures, this book is an excellent read, and reference.

5 comments about Quotations of Thomas Jefferson (Quote/Unquote).

1. I have this book (I checked the IBSN#). It's 32 pages of quotes, and that's it. No papers, no index, etc. I think the other customer reviews are innacurate in that they are probably about an entirely different book.
   
   So about *THIS* book, I love it. It's got the well-known quotes like "Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." and lesser-known quotes like "When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on."
   
   It's not a scholarly work. It doesn't have citations to explain where the quotes came from, but it was exactly what I was looking for.
   
   If you are a fan of Liberty, this book is a must buy.



2. At approximately $10.00 I expected a little more material than this 32 page, index card size book, provided.



3. Mr. Jefferson was a brilliant man. I enjoy reading his works and appreciate this opportunity to gain insight into his logic and thought process as it evolved throughout his lifetime. His intellectualism and that eternal curiosity about his world place him head and shoulders above those men of his time. He bought Louisiana upon the suggestion of Thomas Paine and our nation spread westward as a result. He no doubt made major contributions towards the creation and founding of this nation. Thousands of accolades for his brilliance and achievements are in order. I'm not putting him on a pedestal, there was a dark side. He did own slaves. He was however in many ways morally and intellectually bound by the time he lived in. His thoughts regarding the mentality of slaves scream racism. His solution was to abolish slavery and export them back to Africa. He believed most would never fit in to American culture based on their resentments against enslavement and the racism they endured from white society at the time. His letters to American Indians in which he addressed them as "My Children" and assured them of his eternal blessings belied the fact that their lands were being taken away from them and they were being forced to be assimilated or slaughtered. He did not foresee the industrialization of America and wanted to leave manufacturing to the Europeans to preserve the American way of life. In short, Mr. Jefferson was all too human, who no doubt would be appalled at the antics of modern day Republicans and Democrats.



4. I will never be able to write a suitable review for this book - the scope of what lies between it's covers is far too great to do justice to in a review, and I am vastly inadequate to the task in any event. So, the one I write today comes from the heart - as one of the "posterity" they speak of as they went forward in their remarkable undertaking. As one of those they "did it for."
   
   The constructive writing of the "Articles of Confederation" was especially intriguing. The pesky issue of slavery presented an immediate and daunting problem early on within the erection of the articles of confederation. It forced an issue never dealt with before, from those educated, mostly wealthy men who would "free themselves from oppression" but had obviously never before seriously considered the oppression of others - or that it would present so large a problem in the overall picture of establishing Independence "for all". They struggled with it, agonized over it; and as can be imagined, could not agree over it. It was spell-binding to watch the process unfold - not from the pen of the "historian" but from the rapidly evolving mind of the Rebel himself - because no matter how you view it, these brilliant men were elitists within their own, considered themselves to be conceived in somewhat of a Royal Nature, too, while at the same time viewing the Crown itself as a symbol that could not longer be tolerated. The "free labor population" (Benjamin Franklin himself would have been categorized into this second group early in his career) presented essentially the same problem to them as did the slaves in the proportioning.
   
   As a result, they found themselves dealing with their own consciences too, something that may have been a unique concept for most of them - an exercise much needed of themselves as they extended their own quest for Independence and found themselves having to deal with "all of us" into the bargain. They knew they would have only "one shot" at establishing the best of it; and amazingly they were honest and earnest in that Quest. (try that today with the political assortment we have now)
   
   In the "republican legislature" and "revisal of the law" section of this original accounting, the struggle for the distinct separation of Church and State is one of the most important conquests ever undertaken; uprising from a birth in the human mind; and clearly demonstrates the chasm of thought processes that existed between Jefferson and other honest, though less broad-minded men who still clung to the "status quo" and did not possess the courage, judgment or the vision to want to support the concept which became a cornerstone of our Constitution.
   
   The 'original papers' poignantly illuminate the intimate, internal working of the mind of Thomas Jefferson for the reader as nothing else can, something the "historical accounting" written by others somehow leaves wanting in the translation. To read the words straight from the mind and the pen of the "original", uncensored language, spelling, phrasing and all - is an experience anyone interested in keeping the torch of the Forefathers burning will enjoy.
   
   This book highly recommended.



5. The "Writings of Thomas Jefferson" is an outstanding book...
   
   Not a classic book, though: it is a compilation of many of the letters that Thomas Jefferson wrote during his long life.
   
   My only regret here, is that many of these letters, are reply to other letters.
   And it would be great to have, in either the same book, or another books, the "Letters to Thomas Jefferson" to better understand the topic, the whole story! Ideally, and easy cross-reference would be available!
   
   There are a few letters, that I especially recommend to my friends, but it is better if you find them on your own!
   
   I hold Thomas Jefferson Writings in such esteem, that I offered several copies (four so far) to my friends.
   
   Thomas Jefferson is also a great bridge between European and American philosophy, wisdom... or lack of it!
   
   This book, should be on your bookshelf, next to:
   
   Montesquieu "Spirits of Laws" (Also "Causes de la grandeur et du declin de l'empire romain")
   Rousseau "Du contrat social"
   John Locke "First and second treatises of tolerance"
   Edward Gibbons "Fall and decline of the Roman Empire"
   And a few more, "golden nuggets of knowledge of recent US/Europe history".