1 comments about Scottish Stained Glass (Discovering Historic Scotland Series).

1. The first real book - as opposed to pamphlets - about stained glass in Scotland. It's amazing that this book is out of print so soon - you'd think, then, that the publishers might realise it was a popular title. Michael Donnelly's incredibly knowledgeable about stained glass in Scotland, but the book is very readable as well as scholarly. Bit short on 20th century East coast artists; presume this will be rectified in the next issue... It could also do with some large pictures and an extra 100 pages. Publishers please note. A great introduction to Scottish stained glass, though.

1 comments about A History of Glassforming.

1. This book is a nicely illustrated and produced book, chock full of interesting glass technique through history. There are some good technique and apparatus ideas for modern day art glass workers, and lots of interesting information for other fans of glass art. Unfortunately, the writing style is some of the worst I've ever seen in print. It is grammatical, but so unfocused as to be almost incoherent. However, as a part-time glass artist, I find that the scope of glass history and technology revealed in just the illustrations and their captions is so full of unique useful and interesting information about working with glass that this book is well worth perusing. It is worth 5 stars for content, but I'm giving it 4 because of the awful writing.

No comments about Mosaics (Decorative Techniques).

No comments about Glass Throughout Time: The History and Technology of Glassmaking from the Ancient World to the Present.

No comments about Art Deco and Geometric Stained Glass Pattern Book (Dover Pictorial Archive Series).

No comments about Dugan & Diamond Carnival Glass 1909-1931: Identification & Value Guide.

No comments about Roman & Pre-Roman Glass in the Royal Ontario Museum: A Catalogue.

No comments about Identifying Antique Paperweights.

2 comments about Bottles from the Deep: Patent Medicines, Bittlers, & Other Bottles from the Wreck of the Steamship Republic.

1. "Bottles from the Deep" is, I think, the first published (in the paper sense) product of Odyssey Marine Exploration's impressive archaeological excavation of the steamship Republic, and doubtless it will not be the last. Some archaeologists shrink from the idea of a marine salvage firm doing good archaeology, but with the Republic Odyssey has shown how it can be done; the Republic fieldwork is a model for deep-ocean archaeological investigation. What remains is to see how the data recovered are used and shared with the profession and the public. Ellen Gerth's book suggests that Odyssey will do well in this regard, too. The book provides a concise summary of the history of the shipwreck and its excavation, and then plunges into fascinating details about the various types represented among the thousands of bottles recovered. Stephen Sweet's Infallible Liniment, Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup -- it's amazing our ancestors survived the 19th century swilling such stuff. Very handsomely illustrated, Gerth's little book is a contribution to the archaeological literature that's fun to read. Not too big to be a stocking stuffer for one's favorite bottle nut, either.



2. Very enjoyable read. Brief, but succinct in discussion of the bottle types recovered from the wreck. Provides interesting history of the various bottle types. Great photography of the recovered treasures. I read it in a couple of hours. Can't wait for Oddysey to publish more on their discoveries and recoveries. Be sure to read The Lost Gold of the Republic for an excellent presentation of the history and discovery of the SS Republic and the development of the Oddysey Marine Company. It was extremely well written and an enjoyable read. Both books are highly recommended for the shipwreck buff or treasure collector.

No comments about Easy-to-Make Christmas and Holiday Lightcatchers: With Full-Size Templates for 66 Stained Glass Projects.