5 comments about Antique American Frames: Indentification and Price Guide (Antique American Frames).

1. What an amazing story of the way period frames came into their own. This book is the perfect way to start an understanding of the value of frames or to enhance your knowledge tremendously. This is a must have for anyone interested in the art of framing!



2. This is the best way to begin or refine your understanding of antique American frames.



3. It struck me as odd that people were tossing these things of craftsmanship and age simply because they didn't think they could profit in a monetary sense. It was the death and destruction of antique frames that has made them rare. So many died, so so many could live. I am sure marketing was the key factor in showing the buyer with the bucks the joy and appreciation of the vintage frames beauty. And so to Mr. Eli Wilner belong the spoils. I found the book enlightening and enriching. Dealers who trade in these wares should buy numerous copies and send them out to their customers for the holidays.



4. I purchased a copy of the first edition of Antique American Frames a few years ago because of a keen interest I have in American painting and antiques. The book totally transformed my perspective on frames, and now when I am shopping for antiques or considering the purchase of a painting, I take notice of the frame. Using the knowledge gleaned from this book, I fancy myself a budding frame aficionado. I was expressing my newfound passion to my cousin and ended up giving her my copy. I often take the book with me to the store or gallery I am visiting, so I immediately orderd a replacement copy for myself. I was delighted to find that there is a currently a second edition of the price guide available, complete with the latest prices. The 2nd edition also contains a wonderful chapter on collectors, both collectors of paintings in antique frames, and, just the frames themselves. I was particularly struck by the analogy of the period frame to vase; when you think about it, vases are valued the world over just by themselves and exhibited empty. You never think about something being missing. I highly recommend the 2nd edition of Antique American Frames Identification and Price Guide as a must-have for anyone who appreciates the power and beauty of American craftsmanship and artistry. Like the final sentence in the new chapter says "at last period frames have come into their own."



5. I bought this book hoping to get some real specific information on buying and selling antique american frames. I enjoyed reading this book because it gave me a bigger picture of how the frame styles developed in America (even though I also felt like Mr. Wilner's chatty tone seemed to talk down to his audience). I agree with some of the other reviewers in that this certainly is an enthusiastic book and creates awareness for people to look at what surrounds the picture instead of just looking at the painting. Antique frames should certainly be studied and written about and noticed and matched with the right paintings.

   I do have some complaints however. I am an antiques dealer and I have some other books in the Confident Collector series. I really don't think this book fits in the same spirit as the rest of the series. I think Mr. Wilner's prices are all off base with the real world of antiques and collecting. They seem to be a self-serving guide to prices in his shop alone. I go to lots of auctions and antique markets in many states and have been in the business for many years of selling both paintings and frames and I rarely have seen frames alone sell for the kind of values he is giving them. I know that prices are going up since more awareness has made people appreciate the so-called art of the frame more. I have seen that there are many exhibits and articles on antique frames in the last few years, and I have seen that frames are starting to cost more as people become more aware that frames can be as important as a painting.I know that people like Mr. Wilner are benefiting the public by educating them on what a good frame is. I agree that some frames are very valuable, like an original Stanford White or a signed artists frame (as described in the book), but it seems that Mr. Wilner's book attempts to make all American frames seem valuable and that just can't be true. It's not true of American furniture or other antiques, they all have highs and lows, so frames must too. Like for example simple black Eastlake print frames in his book are starting at $2500, but those kinds of frames can be found at nearly every antiques mall for well under $500. There is no indication in the text about why Mr. Wilner finds Eastlake frames are suddenly so valuable other than that he says so.

   Also Mr. Wilner's book seems to be the only one in the series that he is the only dealer listed. Other books list other experts and sources to buy or find out more about the specific antique. Overall, I think that for people who know nothing about frames and want some idea of what they are about and to learn some general history, the chapter text is quite informative but the dates of the frames shown are not in chronological order which is somewhat confusing. Unfortunately the black and white pictures are so small and fuzzy and such bad quality that it is very difficult to see the detail in the frames, so how can you tell if you have one of the valuable ones or not?

   The photo captions themselves don't really give much extra information I wish they talked more about the decorative motifs or described the frames better since the photos are so bad. As generalist antique guides go it's a decent overview. I would just tell anyone to take the Price Guide part of this with a very large grain of salt, since the frame prices seem to be on the moon instead of in the real world of american antiques.

2 comments about Cera*mica: Mexican Pottery of the 20th Century.

1. As a long time collector and appreciate of my time spent in Mexico, this book provides any excellent representation of folk art, past and present. Lastima, that they are not more widely appreciated outside of Mexico. This well photographed catalogue opens an opportunity to explore the beauties of Mexican culture. Highly recmmended.



2. I really enjoyed this book on Mexican Pottery. I really think that the layout of this book was perfect, and all the captions for the pictures were very insightful. I feel that I learned a lot from this book, and i can't wait till the author creates another title, because I feel that whatever she produces will be amazingly educational to read. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the pottery, or just anyone who would like to learn a little bit.

No comments about Intimate Worlds: Indian Paintings from the Alvin O. Bellak Collection.

No comments about Antique Phonograph Advertising: An Illustrated History.

No comments about Poster Prices IX: Prices Realized and Index to over 24,000 Rare Posters Sold at Auction 1985-2007.

5 comments about Kaleidoscope Artistry.

1. Leaving politics aside, this book is a lushly illustrated book on contemporary Kaleidoscopes and Kaleidoscope Artists. The illustrations are rich and aewsome, and are of both the outside and inside images of many kaleidoscopes. I'm not aware of a better book in print for kaleidoscope enthusiasts and all interested in the art of Kaleidoscope making.
   To be complete, combine this book in your library with other of Ms. Baker's books--especially Kaleidoscope Renaissance. Kaleidoscope Artistry primarily concentrates on more recent works by many scope makers, and blends well with the older scope info from her previous book.
   Now, to address some complaints by other reviewers: This book is not, and does not try to be, an all inclusive encyclopedia of all active scope makers. Nor is it a philanthropic work of charity. Of course Ms Baker plans on making money from this book--just like John Grisham and Danielle Steele. Ms. Baker heads the Brewster Society, her private business. Like it or not, this society is the closest thing scopemakers have to a guild for their art. You may not agree with the society, but as of yet, there is not another organization which represents artists and enthusiasts alike. If Ms. Baker's distractors dislike the society so much, perhaps they should form their own group and write their own book.
   It is unfortunate that such issues creep into these reviews. This is indeed a wonderful book that will grace anybody's library!



2. Collector Baker provides not just a collection of images, but a survey of new kaleidoscope artists and their techniques. Over 300 color photos of kaleidoscopes accompany profiles of their designers. A gorgeous display of kaleidoscopes and their changing forms.



3. I adore this book. I know others have disagreements with the author and her selections, but even the cover makes an apology to an artist that was falsely harmed. The tree kaleidoscope is a definite "I am sorry" if I ever saw one. The book is great and so are the pictures and stories. I had wished to see a few more of my favorites in here, but do not blame the author who put in a lot of work! I am very glad to see the direction the book has taken as well as the author to make the kaleidoscope world one of true love, understanding, friendship and caring. I do hope this path continues with the disenchanted artists returning to the "family" they were once a major part of. Thank you for this book and it pictures and the stories, but most of all thank you for showing that you hold no grudges toward anyone and that you are truly the "first lady of kaleidoscopes!" I hope that one artist sees your apology and welcomes the hand of friendship you so kindly extended!



4. I want to say this is a great book. I am very glad to see it out now. Have been waiting a long time. I am also very glad that the author made up with an artist, Brett Bensley, by including one of his scopes on the cover no less! I didn't see any mention of his name in the book, but still it is nice to see his work and that the author has made some reparations. I have admired all these artists and hope you will include more of my other favorites in future books. Great job and bless your heart Mrs. Baker for making peace with ousted artists. I see he made peace with you buy removing his negative site as well. Thank you for this great peace offering!



5. I had hoped to learn more about kaleidoscopes. It has great pictures. I just started collecting kaleidoscopes about three years ago. Even a novice, who loves to do research, finds this book lacking. I see that many don't believe it is missing some great artists and scopes, so I recommend great starting points: 1. the author's previous books, 2. [another website]. I do recommend that you look at Boswell's book and if you can get it, Gary Newlin's books. They don't seem to be "putting in plugs" for specific groups and artists, but just want to share information. This book does have some very good pictures and some good comments, but you know who the author loves and not who really should be included.

1 comments about Early Twentieth Century Hand-painted Photography.

1. At long last collectors of hand colored photos have a guide. This book is well organized, with photographers being listed alphabetically, making a particular artist easy to locate. The background and regionality of each artist is discussed, with representative works and titles of each listed as well. There are full chapters each for the discussion of unknown photographers, regionality, and the conservation and preservation of hand painted photos. Particularly helpful is the 15 step guide to cleaning and restoration. This 1/2 inch thick book is crammed full of useful information, and would have earned 5 stars except for a couple of problems. The first is the exclusion of two Western photographers. Burton Frasher, of Pomona, California, and the McCulloch Brothers of Phoenix, Arizona. Frashers Photo is an important part of CA history, and his exclusion here is a serious one. His b&w postcards are well known, and while his painted photos are less numerous, they are beautifully done and deserve mention. The McCulloch Brothers likewise did outstanding artistic work with photos of the Arizona desert, rivaling even the best work of the Bear Studios. There are also some quality control issues. Some of the photo examples did not print correctly, appear out of focus and have little colored lines around them. The paper used seems poor quality, and I felt I needed to take care in turning pages to avoid undue wrinkling. Despite these problems, I still highly recommend this book. Very useful for collectors!

5 comments about The Irish Game: A True Story of Crime and Art.

1. Matthew Hart's The Irish Game : A True Story of Crime and Art is an excellent read about Ireland, art, art theft, and criminal investigation. This is a very intiguing non-fiction book about the theft of art by Johannes Vermeer in 1986 from a great house/museum known as Russborough in Ireland.
   
   Not only is this book a pleasure to read, I walked away learning quite a bit about art techniques, and art theft. Whereas non-fiction, if not done right, can tend to drag, this real story moves along at a brisk pace due in large part to the story, compelling characters, and smooth pace.
   
   I really enjoyed learning about the Irish police AKA the Garda and the techniques they employed to track the art theft's chief suspect Martin Cahill.
   
   I would encourage anyone interested in any of the aforementioned matters, inlcuding but not limited too: art theft, criminal investigative techniques, art techniques, and Ireland, to give this excellent book a try.



2. 
   I don't generally read mystery novels;for the simple reason that when I finish one,I don't really feel that I've learned anything.Sure,there is the suspense, of trying to figure out whodunit;in the final analysis,logic isn't the governing factor;and the author calls the shot.
   True crime is quite a different matter,and I find that getting into the real mind of a real person,is much more interesting.
   Reading this book, one gets a very real insight into crime in the art world. The way the mind of Cahill works is unveiled as well as the way that the Irish police operate. After all,Irish culture is the result of many centuries of the people fighting the establishment.
   The author beautifully sums it up with this paragraph;
   "But the roots of insurrection stretch much farther back in time,into an ancient tradition of secret,peasant societies formed by the dispossessed Gaels in the centuries following the Norman invasion,and persisting into later times. These small,clandestine bands had no chnce of reversing history. Their mission was to exact a steady taxation of terror from those in power over them. They depended on concealment on the complicity of their fellow Irishmen,who shared their language,race and fate. This old tradition of resistance to authority was too deeply engrained to evaporate with Irish independence,and the job of a policeman in Ireland is always at war with the past."
   Along with gaining a good insight into Irish crime; we get a real understanding of the nature of crime in the world of priceless art. I often wondered why criminals stole these items when they are so easily identifiable and therefore virtually impossible to fence. This book clearly explains what goes on here. When a great piece of art is stolen,we also see that it becomes an international crime.
   This book reads like fiction; but when you come to the end ;you are left with the satisfaction that you've really learned something.



3. A delightful book. If you like true stories about the almost perfect heist involving great works of art, then you'll enjoy this book. And like any good book, it is not only entertaining but teaches you something you didn't know...in this case about the world of crime and art.



4. This is the first true crime book I have ever read, and it won't be the last! Hart gives a history lesson of the Russborough Mansion and some of the paintings in it. You don't have to be familiar with art to really understand the heists and why the paintings were stolen. Hart gives you enough overall information; by the end of the book you will be an expert yourself. This book is packed to the max with great information. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants suspense, and historical information about the paintings.



5. Matthew Hart is a charming and engaging writer who can bring any subject to light, and yet THE IRISH GAME is all over the place. Its subtitle, "A True Story of Crime and Art," might as well have been "Nine or Ten True Stories of Crime and Art." You do the math--there are the two parallel sagas of the robberies at Russborough House, which apparently have nothingto do with each other and that's the point. Then there is the story of the world's love of Vermeer, and how he above all other painters is venerated today. Hart compounds the Vermeer story by showing how art restorers have come up with soome farfetched theories of how Vermeer painted, presenting them as newly-discovered facts rather than the wild speculations they are. We also get the robbery of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum here in the USA and the finally the team that made away with THE SCREAM in Norway.
   
   Any one of these storylines could have made a good book. I particularly liked the beginning chapters, which showed the political education of a British heiress and how she found herself deeper and deeper into the ideological clutches of the IRA; her story is worthy of Joseph Conrad, and Hart does it justice, even though he is forced to conclude it after only one or two chapters. The personality of Martin Cahill, whom I remember from the awesome John Boorman film of THE GENERAL, gets some new shadings here too. I imagine Hart had to be discreet in some places, both to protect his sources and to protect himself, as well, from libel suits, and the book is a splendid example of how to insinuate certain things without every having to come out and say them out loud. I still didn't get the title, "The Irish Game," might as well have called it, "The Norwegian Game."

No comments about Modern Style: Jugendstil/Art Nouveau 1899-1905.

1 comments about Steel Canvas: The Art of American Arms.

1. Having been a serrious engraver for just over a year now, I have amassed several books on engraving: mainly the "standards" for engravers: several of the Dover series of patterns, James L. Meek, Nimschke, etc. This has some of the finest and sharpest photos of engraving I have seen. And this book is cheap compaired to many of the others. Just plain beautiful. And --- worth every penny