2 comments about Great American Billboards: 100 Years of History by the Side of the Road.

1. The first thing that came mind when I looked through this book was why there were so many black and white photos. The first color billboard photo is from 1954 for Budweiser on page 136. The previous pages have some color but they are illusrations. Most of the contents seem to be mono photos which can hardly do justice to this obviously colorful medium. The book evolved from the archives of Foster and Kleiser (now owned by Clear Channel Outdoor) and maybe the company didn't need to take color shots for their files. As the contents relate only to F and K sites the word Great in the tile is rather misleading, this is not a collection of well designed posters by any means.
   
   I thought the most interesting part of the book were the chapters covering the Second World War. Companies and the Government went all out to use billboards as morale boosters. There are several examples of recruiting, buy War Bonds, give blood, share you car with a serviceman or War services come first...that's why you can't always buy Wrigley's.
   
   Missing from the pages is any in depth reference to how these huge posters and paintings are produced. On page 154 there is a fascinating photo of a painter working, in 1962, on a huge female face, I assume in the F and K studio and the author mentions contemporary posters using digital imaging printed on weather-resistant vinyl. Production techniques would have made an interesting two or three pages.
   
   Basten's book invites comparison with one by James Fraser The American Billboard: 100 Years which came out in 1991 but I see it is still available quite cheaply from several internet sellers. This has 166 illustrations (with 150 in color) and nicely the editorial tends to feature more award winning and distinctive posters than Great American Billboards, also the text relates to the poster industry, ad agencies and designers. Of the two books I much prefer Fraser's, it's larger and overall a much more lavish production.
   
   ***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.



2. In 1908, Henry Ford introduced the world to his first Model T automobile, and with only 150 miles of paved road in America, the American billboard industry first took hold. Billboard advertising is unlike any other advertising in that the sponsor has only a few split seconds to get his message across. By nature, billboards have historically been about immediacy and impact. One need only look through Fred Basten's chronicle, "Great American Billboards" to see the sudden impact an advertiser's message must convey to be an effective marketing tool. Basten's quest began at a 1995 luncheon where he was introduced to Joe Blackstock, the historian for the famed outdoor advertising company Foster and Kleiser. By gaining access to F&K's vaults. Basten was able to assemble what may be the most comprehensive catalog of billboard photos throughout the 20th Century. From the early days of motorcars and now defunct consumer goods companies, to the years of the war effort of WWII ("Smash the Axis. Pay Your Taxes") liquor, movie ads and cigarettes (including the famous Camel smoking billboard in Times Square) America's billboards reflect the times we live in. Basten chronicles the evolution of outdoor advertising from one-color product shots and clever slogans from the 20's and 30's to the 70's era 'less is more' statements to the 80's and 90's versions of the construction board, where three dimensional installations were used to expand the borders of the traditional board to grab drivers attention. (Shamu, anyone?) Unfortunately, most of the book relies on Basten's access to one company's archives and thus it's examples are more limited than they might otherwise be, but 'Great American Billboards' is nonetheless a look at our consumer society from a unique historical perspective.

2 comments about Lighthouses of New England (East Coast).

1. When I received this book as a gift I expected that it would be another lovely book of New England photos to keep on the guest room bookshelf. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself caught up instead in the beautifully-written text. Who knew there were so many intriguing myths, legends, historical facts, and entertaining anecdotes about the people who built, populated, and even haunt New England lighthouses? This book turned out to be a terrific history lesson and an all-around great read.



2. This book is not only very informative, but full of wonderful photographs. It is an interesting read and lovely to look at.

1 comments about The Gibson Flying V.

1. I just received this book in the mail yesterday and I love it.From design beginnings to a complete model listing with production dates and factories to headstock designs, it's all in here.Theres even a section on the cases! My first lasting impression from the Flying V was as an 8 year old kid in '65 watching "Shindig" and The Kinks came on.They played "Tired Of Waiting" and there was Dave Davies with his Korina V,playing it with his arm in the fork of the body.Well,this book mentions not only when and where Dave bought his V but how much he paid for it(you won't believe it).I've been a V fan ever since from Andy Powell to the Schenker Brothers to Dave Meniketti(the first Yesterday and Today album)and Albert King and beyond.I wish the color section was a bit longer but everything else about this book is outstanding.Great detail about the Hendrix "Flying Angels" as he called them with photos of Jimi in action as well.The "Flying V Wanna-Bees" section is great also with coverage on Epiphone,Dean,Hamer and Ibanez models.This book is awesome and will give me hours of enjoyment.Now if I could just find that used Epi '67 style I've been looking for.

No comments about Tools: Working Wood in Eighteenth-Century America (Wallace Gallery Decorative Arts Publications) (Wallace Gallery Decorative Arts Publications).

5 comments about Peanuts Collectibles: Identification & Value Guide.

1. Wonderful and warm. Shows the heart and soul of Peanuts collecting. It's not just a price guide, it's a friend.



2. This book was an big disappointment, and not as advertised.It only contains an small amount of information on Peanuts Collectibles. I would not recommend it.



3. If you are looking for a single book that displays a wide variety of Peanuts Memorabilia, this is the one for you. I was surprised to see almost every item I've collected over the years presented in this book. The only downside that I found was the lack of space given for plush items, and toys. Nonetheless, you will not be disappointed.



4. A wonderful 296 page book loaded with 2,700 great photos in full color. Packed with information on the characters, copyright data, selling your collection, Peanuts Collector Club. Covers all areas, including banks, books, cosmetics, display accessories, dolls, figurines, housewares, music boxes, seasonal, stationery, toys, and more. Contains year 2000 values. Plenty of text, in addition to the listings. A real treasure you'll enjoy reading and using often.



5. Ten times better than the first, Andrea has put her true expertise into this perfect handbook for all the crazed fans of our favorite Beagle. So many beautiful pictures of Snoopy-Stuff. GOOD GRIEF I LOVED IT. Two enthusiastic paws up.

5 comments about New Orleans (Citylife Pictorial Guides).

1. "Laissez les bons temps rouler" is a phrase that you see and hear all over New Orleans (pronounced "N'awlins"). The phrase means "let the good times roll" and surely they do in New Orleans. I found this guide to be an outstanding introduction to the city for those who have never been there. I intend to give a copy to my mother, who has always wanted to visit New Orleans and has never made it there.

   This book has three outstanding attributes that deserve praise. First, the photographs are sumptuous and brilliant in capturing the many different parts of New Orleans and her moods. Second, the text captures a sense of the city that cannot be seen in photographs. Many of my favorite traditions are described here in loving detail from King Cakes to the best Cajun cuisine (and that "Cajun" refers to the Acadian settlers from Nova Scotia). Third, the book is very reasonably priced.

   Those who know New Orleans will find the book to be better at hitting the high spots than giving a total overview. The rowdiness of drinkers partying on Bourbon Street, women peeling on the balconies to attract tossed beads during Mardi Gras, and grimness of wine-soused beggars and tap dancing children looking for hand outs are all missing. The Crescent City looks in the book more like a section from Disneyland than the real thing. But that's okay. If you want to see the best of New Orleans, it's all here in this book . . . and you can avoid the less attractive parts when you visit there.

   The essays and photographs focus on the spirit of the people of New Orleans, the party-going style, wonderful local food, the city's architectural history, and the major festivals and spectacles. Although I have been in New Orleans many times, I did not know about the Jazz and Heritage Festival at the end of April and the beginning of May, the Crawfish Festival In March, the Shrimp and Petroleum Festival when the fleet is blessed, or the French Quarter Festival. I plan to revisit and time my arrival to include these events.

   "Y'All Are Pretty, Too" is the subject of the book's first article. In the town's generous spirit, a woman admired another woman's appearance in a bar and came over to compliment her. Seeing that the other women wanted to be complimented too, the woman providing the compliment turned as she went back to her table and added as an afterthought, "And y'all are pretty, too."

   After you finish this delightful guide, think about what sort of a guide would capture the best of where you live. Have you seen and done all of those good things lately? Have you recently helped a visitor to find them? Now's a good time to change all that if you haven't. Let the good times roll!




2. There is a reason photographers get equal billing! McElroy's photos are breathtaking. The text becomes secondary as the Big Easy springs to life. Whether as a treasured memory of a vacation, business trip, or a visit to the gulf's most famous city, this coffee table book should be front and center on everyone's table or shelf. McElroy has captured the true essence of the City and her people. I purchased six copies for customers and friends. Whether born and bred, adopted, or just plain passing through...New Orleans is hard to forget. A great reminder of a great city!



3. Laura McElroy's photography is outstanding. I've been to New Orleans on several occasions, and she has captured the city just as I like remembering it. Her splendid photography inspires me to return in the very near future to one of my favorite U.S. city's. If a city can have moods, she has certainly captured them. The light, colors, and facial expressions enhance the experience of thumbing through this wonderful book. I'll be doing it again and again.



4. Laura McElroy's photographs are beautiful and perfectly capture the feel and essence of New Orleans. You almost forget to read the text because you are so caught up in the pictures. I recommend it highly for anyone who loves New Orleans or just appreciates fine photography.



5. I love the photography in this book. Laura McElroy captures all the flavors of the French Quarter. Having not returned to the Crescent City in many years, I think I will look for an opportunity. This book is on my coffee table.

No comments about Our Texas (Our ...).

1 comments about Kovels' American Antiques, 1750-1900.

1. The Kovel's outdid themselves with American Antiques 1750-1900. It is a must for all American collectors. The breadth of coverage is amazing. A beautiful book full of new information. I found the illustrations exciting, by far the best they have done. All who enjoy reading and learning about Americana will love it.

1 comments about The Vanishing American Barber Shop : An Illustrated History of Tonsorial Art, 1860-1960.

1. This book has a complete history of barber shops back in time machine beginning in 1860 thru 1960 which contains hundreds of pictures and photos of barber shop products and advertisements like hair lotions, shaving creams, shaving lotions, barber chairs, hand hair clippers, shaving razors and much more! My dad was a barber, he worked to help customers to getting good clean shave and good hair cuts. He started to worked at the barber shop since 1952 thru 1968. This book make you feel like back in good old days at the barber shop! Excellent book!

1 comments about Indian Trade Relics Identification & Values: Identification & Values (Artifacts and Collectibles).

1. This is a great book if you collect artifacts and want to see what they are presently going for.