5 comments about Collector's Value Guide to Japanese Woodblock Prints.

1. If only the content could have delivered on the promise of the Title. I think REDO would be in order.



2. ...but indeed, where did she get those prices????? Still a good reference that provides loads of helpful information. A good addition to your Lane, if you are deeper into Ukiyo-e. And the price is absolutely reasonable for the amount of information provided. One of the few references that do not only give information about the classical artists, but also on sosaku hanga and shin hanga artists.



3. If you are looking for a general guide to prices for Japanese Woodblock prints this is not it. I was expecting a much more comprehensive listing, or at least a discussion about how these prints are appraised, but there are only a few price points mentioned. There is quite a bit of useful information, but this is not the good, introductory text that I was hoping for.

   At one point the author says something to the effect of: "if you want to learn about Japanese Woodblock prints, go to a lot of galleries and read a lot of books on the subject." I think I kind of knew that before.




4. I was disappointed with this book. I guess I had expected a fairly comprehensive survey of auction, retail, and internet prices but this contained only brief selections from important artists, e.g. five by Hokusai, three by Harunobu, a dozen or so by Hiroshige. And I agree with another post here about pricing; some estimates are dead on, but many estimates for things I've shopped for or purchased are at least double current retail.



5. I found this book somewhat helpful and useful. But there is something terribly wrong with it, which makes me highly dubious of the writer's motivations. The prices are outrageously high. Every dealer I have talked to, while delighted at the inflation of values for obvious reasons, agrees that the prices are often twice or more the true market value of the prints. I have bought several of these prints in near mint condition in the past year for half the prices quoted here. I suppose I should be delighted that my purchases doubled in value overnight, but ..........

5 comments about Mourning Art & Jewelry (Schiffer Art Book).

1. Great book if you wish to know what you are buying when looking at genuine articles from the Era of the Civil War. Many people try to pass off other totally incorrect items as "Civil War" when they are not sure, so YOU must be sure before you spend your hard earned money. This research is key to saving your funds. Fun too because you can also find great buys this way. Many people will sell their inheritance items for very little as they don't think they would ever wear them, and can't understand why they should hang on to Great Great Grandmother's brooch or pendant when to their eyes it is ugly. Different, yes, ugly? No. Victorian jewelry is very chic these days and people are collecting even the costume jewelry made to copy the good pieces that the common people could not afford back then. These items are still affordable and fun to wear and own. You just have to know what to buy and what NOT to buy. This book will help a lot with that.



2. If you want to read the best book ever written on this subject then this is the book for you!! The Author has researched in detail the history of Mourning and has included photographs that are absolutely beautiful. I saw items in this book that brought tears to my eyes. The reader will learn not only the history of Mourning, they are able to see what people wore, displayed and kept as mementos of their deceased loved ones. This is a complete book of times past. I not only recommend this book for those that study the history of this subject but for those who want to read and see the beauty and sentimentality of those that have gone before! A true experience!



3. I had hoped this would be more than just a history book of mourning jewelry. More examples, much more, would have been the perfect "history" of what was produced during the "mourning jewelry period". I was dissappointed with this entire book.



4. This is the seminal and most comprehensive book on mourning art and jewelery ever written. The photography is outstanding. It gives values for the items. The author has expert knowledge in every facet of mourning covered. This publication is huge, and beautiful, and so unique. You will not regret buying this book.



5. This is an outstanding book. It is filled with beautiful photographs; and is not only informative and fascinating, but quite moving. The overriding impression is the transformation of the pain and grief of loss into works of incredible beauty.
   I would HIGHLY recommend this to anyone interested in mourning customs, art, clothing & jewelry; and/or history in general. Although a bit expensive, this book is worth every penny. I was simply amazed by the number and variety of items pictured, and the text often brought tears to my eyes. These were all the more poignant to me when I lost my own mother December 2004; and this book has inspired me to have a memorial piece made for her.

No comments about Roycroft Art Metal.

5 comments about The World on Sunday : Graphic Art in Joseph Pulitzer's Newspaper (1898 - 1911).

1. I am a fan of the "Golden Age" of American Comics which ran from the late 1930's through the 1940's. "The World on Sunday" is a compilation of some of the best graphic art that appeared in Joseph Pulitzer's "The World" from 1898 to 1911. Most fans of American comic book history know about the history of the early American comic strips of this period. The creators of the Golden Age undoubtedly were influenced by these early comic strips. However, they always were profoundly influed by the rich visual art work that came out in the newspapers of the era. "The World on Sunday" is beautifully produced and is a must purchase for all those interested in American popular culture. Finally, I would also recommend Cordula Lebeck's "Kiosk". In this volume, Lebeck follows the development of popular journalism into the age of photography in the 1930's.



2. Joseph Pulitzer's New York WORLD flourished at the turn of the 20th century and grew from a modern daily paper to a sensationalist publication packed with striking colorful art, from photos to cartoons and drawings. THE WORLD ON SUNDAY gathers over a hundred of the best from WORLD and places them in an oversized presentation to display their color on single and double-page spreads. A chronological arrangement lends to a fine sequence of reproductions tracing editorial and news highlights of the times, while colorful commentary accompanies the pieces and provides the necessary background for appreciation by all audiences. THE WORLD ON SUNDAY: GRAPHIC ART IN JOSEPH PULITZER'S NEWSPAPER (1898-1911) is a top pick not just for art or newspaper library holdings, but for general-interest collections as well: it captures the art, craft and style of a bygone era and is a lush example of newspaper history at its finest.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



3. As a librarian, I am horrified, but unfortunately not too surprised to learn that few libraries have kept back issues of the newspaper put out by one of the great figures in USA publishing. And that's before I saw how beautiful it is! The idea that not only all this information but all this art was nearly lost is appalling. (I'm glad Duke University took it, but I hope the gift requires them to return it if they decide to throw it out.) I've been on the losing end of these fights, and no, one can't always assume that someone else kept the material.
   
   Meanwhile, enjoy a glorious and gorgeous piece of historic publishing. I had no idea that color printing was so widely used ad so good at such an early time. The pictures often show great artistic skill and witty humor. There are also some fascinating bits of newpaper history.
   
   A fantastic gift to the nation and the world. I can only show my appreciation by buying my own copy.



4. A treasure of a lost time and a lost art. Aside from the short-life expectancy and lack of modern conveniences like, uh, cars, ATMs, antibiotics, radio, microwave ovens, television, computers, etc., this book makes you wish you lived back then- when science, technology, and journalism were in their infancy and every day held some new, authentic wonder- not just a smaller cell phone. It's also quite amazing to see how advertisements, typefaces, layouts, and prose have radically changed in a century, and not necessarily for the better- unless you're one of those "Form Follows Function" kooks. A must for all you Luddites out there.



5. This book celebrates one of the high points in American popular culture. In the late 1800's, Joseph Pulitzer, publisher of the New York World, purchased the first great high quality color printer for newspapers. He then used it to publish beautiful color graphics every Sunday. This is both great art and great entertainment. But the story of how the author Nicholson Baker and his wife, Margaret Brentano, tracked down the last surviving complete collection of this work just before it was to be lost forever is just as thrilling. This is an exquisite book that is the product of great work by great people. Get ready to enjoy a true treasure.

1 comments about Maud Humphrey: Her Permanent Imprint on American Illustration.

1. This is a beautifuly done book which truly captures the exquisite works of Ms. Bogart. This is a real collectible. I have collected some of her figures which I love to display and am saddened that they have been discontinued. I hope more will be done featuring her works (i.e. crosstitch books,prints suitable for framing, etc.) If anyone is aware of anything of this sort, please advise. Thanks.

5 comments about GOAT: A Tribute to Muhammad Ali (Champion's Edition).

1. If you love Ali get his own SOul of A Buterfly or the other bio - if you can find it, as it really gest into the soul of this great man, and into his depp and abiding faith, which is a place no one any longer goes.
   
   Of course if any of the three thousand or twelve thousand DO get to Ali and his family it will make up in a SMALL way for all the millions managers and damagers stole form him, and will get distributed to good working charitable and humanitarian organizations that actually help people, as Ali gives it all away to those in need, unless Bush has declared him officially a funder of bad and dubious causes
   
   so if it goes to Ali, live large y'all
   sting like a bee



2. First things first: This book has got talent. It might have once weighed in at a measily 40 pounds (500 pages), but has built up its strength and is now a strong contender. Few could question the book's power when it overcame several best sellers, rising up the non-fiction ranks like a soaring upper cut to truly punish George Foreman's jaw. The only question remaining for the experts is this: Will this book have what it takes to take on in a heavy weight bout its subject ?



3. I had a chance to check out this book at the Tattered Cover of Denver
   
   It is MASSIVE and HUGE
   
   The photographs inside are amazing! It definitely attracts the non-reader, and visual lover, within all of us
   
   The price is VERY steep - only purchase if you're a REALLY big fan
   
   Otherwise, I at least suggest that you find a copy, just to see what a really huge book, about a pretty big dude, is like ----- the book is a feat, in itself - just like Muhammad Ali



4. I revere Ali. I had the honor of meeting him for an author appearance for a previous photo essay book when I worked for a New York-based publisher. The Champion Edition at $10,000 and the cheaper edition at $3000 are antithetical to who the man is, or has been. He has always been a man of the people, and not a sycophant for the wealthy who buy books like they buy shares of Berkshire Hathaway. If there was any information about proceeds from the sale of the books benefitting someone other than the publishers and authors I would feel differently. As it is, this is just an opportunity for those who'd have sent him to jail for avoiding the draft to own him. I'd wager that they care less about what the man stands for than that they can now own something their friends can't afford. If you love Ali and have $3000 or $10,000 to spend, give to a charity in his name.



5. "Goat: A Tribute to Muhammad Ali" is seventy-five pounds of the finest photos, essays and articles on the man himself. The packaging is great, with a box to protect the cover from shelf wear.

   Nearly every photograph in this huge book is a work of art, many of which have never before been seen. The composition and details of the photographs are amazing. I found myself staring at them for hours.

   The hefty price will scare off many, but it really is worth it. Don't forget that it comes autographed by Ali and Jeff Koons. (Meaning it will only go up in value.)

   Overall, this beautiful book really is the ultimate tribute. It rates at least ten stars!

2 comments about Contemporary Painting in Poland.

1. Contemporary Painting in Poland is an absolute delight for all wishing to better understand the contemporary art (painting) scene in Poland. Mr. Noyce provides a brief, yet thorough history of Polish painting, accompanied by insightful profiles of 48 notable, contemporary Polish artists. Excellent examples of the artists' works fill the 236 large-formatted pages. As a Polish-American, I found the book truly inspiring and have reserved a special spot in my library for it.



2. I have both of Mr. Noyce's books covering Polish painting and graphic arts. They represent an excellent overview of current art in Poland. I lived in Poland for two years and purchased many pieces by artists represented in Noyce's books. This book covered quite a few artists I had not known about. From my experience, contemporary painting is not as developed or respected in Poland as the graphic arts and printmaking. This is a great reference guide that I am going to use the next time I am back in Poland.

   It is wonderful to have these books accompanying my art collection.

No comments about A Garden for All Seasons: An Artist's View of the Royal Botanic Gardens.

1 comments about Waterfowl Painting: Blue Ribbon Techniques.

1. An excellent book for anyone interested in the art of waterfowl painting. Great detail pictures will help you get a true-to-life look. The love of waterfowling extends thoughout the entire Veasey family and continues today with Bill's son Michael Veasey and his wife Susan. Michael, a third generation carver, continues to produce the award winning work passed down from his father. ....

No comments about Perez on Sports: The Whimsical Art of Jose Perez.