5 comments about State Series Quarters Collector Map.

1. I ordered this, the newer product from Whitman called 'Statehood Quarters Map (Hardcover)' as well as "The Official U.S. Mint 50 State Quarters: Complete 100 Hole Collector's Folder, Complete Collection 1999-2008 (Hardcover)". This was by far the best of the three. It includes space for the new DC and Territorial quarters. It looks good and is very easy to use (yes, even though you are merely storing coins, there is a distinct difference in 'ease' of use of the three products).If someone put a gun to my head and asked me to point out a problem with this product, I'd say its the size. But, that being said, it still fits on my book shelf, so if not a hassle at all. Love it, and will return my 'official US mint' copy to get another one of these (Thats for my dad, he collects these coins too). Here are links to the other products I referred to:
   Statehood Quarters Map
   The Official U.S. Mint 50 State Quarters: Complete 100 Hole Collector's Folder, Complete Collection 1999-2008



2. We purchased this for our 9 year old grandson and gave him a bowl of quarters - It made for a peaceful rainy afternoon!



3. I started collecting the state quarters back in 1999 when they were first released. I picked up a WE Harris & Co. book to help me manage my collection and it was an exercise in frustration. The quarters fell out of the book and wouldn't stay in their little holes. I've almost finished my collection and wanted something better to manage it. After seeing the reviews on this book, I picked one up. It's amazing. It actually holds the quarters in. The map is a thin piece of foamboard which doesn't deform much after you put the quarter in. It holds quarters snug and it has a little indentation to help you get it out if you so choose. I am confident that taking the quarters out and putting them back in out won't ruin the book. It's very well constructed.



4. I bought this for my Grand Daughter and it was great. It held the coins in very securely. I'm going to ordr another one today.



5. Very nice product, includes the special territories and just looks very cool. Is pretty big, watch the dimensions before you order!

5 comments about A Guide Book of United States Coins 2010: The Official Redbook (Guide Book of United States Coins (Spiral)).

1. I bought this book because of the low price. When I got it in the mail I could tell it wasn't made right. I emailed Amazon they sent me a new book at no charge. The return process was trouble free. Yes I would buy this book again, and yes I will shop at Amazon again.



2. This was a Xmas gift for my husband since he has just started coin collecting. He loves it and finds it very helpful.



3. I had no prior experience determining the rareity of coins, so this guide was a real help. There are plenty of pictures and descriptions. I first tried using a different guide from the public library. This one is far superior.



4. This was a christmas gift and was well received. Will get a lot of useful information from this book!!!



5. The book is something I get yearly, and is always up to date. My review is mainly for Amazon. After I placed my order, the items were there in two days! Way to go, Amazon staff!

5 comments about Blue Book of Gun Values.

1. This Blue Book of Gun Values is Super. It has really helped me understand the grading of guns. It is easy to find the gun I am looking for and the values of it. I like it very much.



2. This book pays for it's self the first time you buy a gun with it.



3. PRICING IS NOT UP TO DATE ON MANY FIREARMS IN TODAYS CURRENT MARKET PLACE. I PREFER THE 2010 STANDARD CATALOG OF FIREARMS AND THE PICTURES IN IT ARE VERY HELPFUL.



4. THIS BOOK IS VERY INFORMATIVE.....EVERYONE WHO ENJOYS SHOOTING AND FINE GUNS SHOULD OWN THIS BOOK !!!!!!!!!



5. The book was delivered in a timely manner; my husband refers to it every day and was VERY eager to add the book to his library of collectible reference books. He says it's an excellent reference book for anyone researching value of guns.

5 comments about The Official Blue Book Handbook of United States Coins 2010 (Handbook of United States Coins (Paper)).

1. Easy to use catalogue -- most informative
   Helped me get good prices for commemoratibe silver coins



2. Just what I wanted. Will get a lot of good information from it. Top quality product!!!



3. This Blue Book is nearly identical to the Red Book. Here's the main difference, if the coin value is 40 in the Red Book, it's listed as 20 in the Blue Book. That's it. Since I had a 2009 Red Book, it was a big waste of money to purchase a 2010 Blue Book. There is no additional information, the price values are merely cut by 50 percent. Very disappointing.
   
   In addition, the Red is sold with a very nice wired binding for easy page turning. The Red lays flat on your table. The Red has color photographs (Blue is B/W). Don't buy both books. Pick one and you are forever set.
   
   Pricing in the both guides are inaccurate. I watch PCGS and NGC graded coins on eBay. The grade of the coin is without question. I compare the selling price to the book and it is sometimes close, but often well off. Half of the graded coins sold on eBay are more then 40 percent off the Red Book price. So, what is the point of an up to date price guide, if it isn't up to date?
   
   Both PCGS and NGC give free value guides about their graded coins. Just go to their site and type in their serial number stamped on the slabbed coin case, you'll get a price guide. I have found this guide to be more accurate then the book.
   
   The important value of the book is the information and photographs of the coins. The Red Book color photographs are excellent. Great info too. But you only need one of these books because the info is duplicated between the two editions.
   
   I wish the Blue Book would have explained why some coins wholesale for slightly more, or slightly less, than purely 50 percent of retail. Are some classes of coin appreciating faster then others? The book gives no answers.



4. Like another reviewer, I wish this would come in a spiral bound edition. But more to the point, here's my opinion of the book itself. You pretty much have to own it if you buy and sell coins. But the prices in it are considerably lower than the true wholesale price of most coins. In other words, you'll lose money if you sell according to the book. I suggest you get The Greysheet and go by those figures --- that's what your dealer goes by. You then take 15% to 20% off the bid and you'll come close to what "most" dealers will pay. BUT -- much depends on the coin(s) and many other variables not included in any reference, including The Greysheet.
   
   To its credit, the book does start with G4 and not AU like the Greysheet. That is helpful for lower grades. It also gives grading descriptions for each coin. And, it gives the mintage.
   
   I use it mostly to take advantage of the very low prices in making my own online bids. If you go by the Blue Book, you'll never pay too much.
   
   Highly recommended.
   
   - Susanna K. Hutcheson



5. Product was fine, but it took over a week longer to recieve than another book I had ordered the same time.

5 comments about 2010 Standard Catalog of Firearms: The Collector's Price and Reference Guide.

1. 
   Disappointing.
   
   
   Lots of pictures.
   
   Some information.
   
   But not enough information.
   
   So have ordered the next edition of "The Blue Book"



2. I PREFER THIS PUBLICATION OVER THE BLUEBOOK .MORE ACCURATE PRICING AND THE PHOTOS ARE A PLUS



3. For an otherwise helpful publication, in some area eg, Smith & Wesson, there is a lack of separation between generations of models ie, SW Model 29. 5 Screw, 4 Screw, 29, 29-1etc... The difference between a first year revolver and a used current revolver is several thousand dollars. It would have been very helpful to an investor to have an accurate guide in determining the correct model as well as current value. I hope this comment is taken as positive criticism because there is also much useful info in this publication.



4. The best book of it's kind I have seen. Can save a buyer of guns money by avoiding paying too much for a certain model. Good reference book to have around.



5. These were Christmas gifts...the guys LOVED Them. Me, well not so much, but they weren't for me. Thanks.

5 comments about Practical Watch Repairing.

1. This book is very thorough and covers a lot of material. I was looking for something simple to do my own maintenance, and this book goes way beyond. This is geared more for the serious hobbyist looking to sit down and spend some serious study time!



2. This is a very detailed book with good drawings and explainations of proceedures and tools to help you understand what it takes to do watch repair. It's taken me a little effort to understand his style of writting, I think you could call it old english, considering the time and place it was written. A very good book for someone who wants to do any level of watch repair. This book will stay in my library.



3. Paying 5-6 dollars for a 50 cent battery is ridiculous. Buy the tools, and the battery packs for 50 to 75 cents each, and put them in yourself. It's easy to do, just a little practice, and it's a piece of cake.



4. This is a very good book for working on the watches of antiquity... you know, the wind ups. But, if you are looking for a primer on repairing battery watches...LOOK ELSEWHERE!!! The information included regarding modern watches is severely limited. Maybe I'll relist this book and sell it as slightly used.



5. its an old book , so you wont find much about quartz watches, but its fun to read it.

5 comments about Kovels' Antiques & Collectibles Price Guide 2010: America's Bestselling and Most Up to Date Antiques Annual - 42nd Edition (Kovels' Antiques and Collectibles Price List).

1. If you know what you have and it's easily identified such as a name brand or specific logo, date, size etc. then this book may help. Far more of the book should have been devoted to descriptions and photo I.D. such as the side bars throuhout the book show. The one line descriptions and price that fill most of the pages are a waste in my opinion. If you know exactly what you have and want a value then this book may be for you. If you are trying to identify what you have then look elsewhere for help.



2. Bought this product for my boyfriend who had a cold when he got it. He loved it. His daily shower turned into therapy and helped perk him up too. The value on the multipack is well worth it. A great buy!



3. Such a pleasure to see the value in recovered family treasures that would normally be lost or put in a garage sale. This book is so very informative to the average person who has no knowledge of the valur of forgotten things. It has colorful pictures that give you a very good idea of what you are looking for and up to date values. It is a valuable addition to anyones book shelf.



4. I love the Kovels knowledge base, but as my research usually includes finding out what the item is called, I can't always find what I'm looking for. More pictures would help.



5. This price guide is incredibly thorough! There are thousands of prices crammed into this book that cover a huge variety of items. All the prices in the book are actual prices rather than estimates so I feel confident that these prices are giving me an accurate reading of the market.
   
   Besides the prices, I also found the information on the sidebars to be very helpful and enjoyed the many color pictures included. There are a huge variety of items here, but the Kovels do a great job of organizing them so you can easily find what you're looking for. All in all, it's a spectacular companion to anyone interested in antiques and the kinds of prices you should be paying for them. Many thanks to the Kovels for saving me time and money!!!!

5 comments about Complete Price Guide to Watches No. 30.

1. This is the best book made for accurate history and documentation of pocketwatches and wristwatches. Excellent book, I order a new one each year, to keep up with pricing etc.



2. Este es uno de los mejores libros de relojeria, es indispensable para cualquier coleccionista de relojes, alta calidad, informacion valiosa.



3. This book is very helpful if you are collector of pocket watches. I purchased this edition to replace the 2001 version that I have.



4. This book covers just about everything you could possibly want to know. It has been very helpful in my business.



5. A must book for anyone looking for a wide information source on vintage watches. Contains, price value estimates/ranges, and some history.

5 comments about The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession.

1. The majority of people who are intrigued by this title probably love books, therefore, read it to satisfy your curiostiy. However, I found the writing to be adequate but uninspired, the personality of the author drab and prissy and the guy who loves books not all that interesting. The thing I most disliked was the plethora of banal connections made presented as cosmic ironies (for instance, between the title of a book and the thief's situation). Also, the author repeats herself A LOT. What I liked most was gaining insight into the world of book collecting.



2. Good, quick read exposing the underside of the rare book world. A few glaring errors made me wonder if they were intentionally included to increase the eventual value of a first edition...? (See p. 102, where the phrase, "most of them do not cross the line between coveting and stealing" appears twice in three sentences. See also pp. 253-254, where the word "Renaissance" inexplicably appears twice in a row.) If you read Ann Rule's book, "The Stranger Beside Me," and were bothered by the extent to which the author inserted herself into the gripping story of Ted Bundy, you will find the same irritation with this book. (Personally, I don't like to be aware of the author of a book, but prefer the illusion that the book contains a world belonging only to me, the reader.) That said, there is much to learn and much to enjoy here. It is definitely worth reading.



3. Allison Hoover Bartlett took the risk (as did her publisher) of spending significant time and effort writing about a man whom many would rather easily dismiss as a mere "klepto." Instead, John Gilkey, apparently, defined himself to himself and to others through the books he purloined from rare book shops. A mere shoplifter would not have used the Modern Library "Top 100" as his guide to stealing. Gilkey, however, appears to have let his love of books if not literature invent a world where the "have nots" are perfectly justified in taking from the "haves," in this case book dealers who had dedicated their lives to buying and selling valuable books and building important collections at very little profit.
   Bartlett's honesty in approaching her subject, both bibliomania in general and Gilkey in particular, is refreshing. She enters the foray not as an expert but as a student of book collecting and perhaps more importantly human nature. Ken Sanders, her pilot through the early part of her investigation, figures largely in the story as initially a one man crusade to corral and incarcerate book thieves. Using an unwished for promotion to head of security for the ABAA, Sanders launches a network of electronic communication that allowed members of the organization to alert each other to Gilkey's movements. By the end of the book, Sanders has relinquished his post and slowly disappears from the stage while Bartlett follows Gilkey from one prison term to another, questioning her own involvement and objectivity in the story.
   
   If you have ever felt an unreasonable or unhealthy appetite for books, you might enjoy this book as a participant, if not in the stealing perhaps in the fervor. Those who are not avid book collectors or bibliophiles but who have felt driven to collect something may still understand the almost psychotic drive to own and possess one thing, and then another, and another, without ever being able to say "I am satisfied, no more."
   
   In this age of drug wars and blood lust, a book about a book thief might sound anticlimactic. My best advice is, buy the book, enjoy the story, and thank Allison for seeing it through.



4. While the title seemed intriguing, I found the book to be uninspired.
   
   In my opinion, the thief, who is the inspiration for the book, lacked complexity and quirks that I would have expected in story about rare book theft. He was uninteresting to me nearly from the outset, and brought no drama to the story. He's just a guy who doesn't have that 'moral' gene.
   
   The detective (bibliodick) Ken Sanders was an interesting character, and I'd definitely have written the book with Ken as the centerpiece, just following his life in counterculture, his lifelong love of books and finally his career as a rare book dealer.
   
   I'm sorry to say it, but I wouldn't recommend this book.



5. This book is a sterling reminder of just how much I love books. Bartlett's writing was so evocative that I could picture in my mind's eye the bookshops and libraries she described, and it made me want to wander around them for hours. Her descriptions of rare books and their charms are so vivid that I can't see how any book lover could possibly fail to respond to them. As I read, I repeatedly found myself telling my husband just how amazing I thought this book was. He agreed with me. He read it first and told me how much he thought I'd like it.
   
   What is easy to understand about this story is how a book lover could respond to the lure of a beautiful, old book. When I was in college, I had the good fortunate to take a Renaissance literature class taught by a professor who took us to see the rare books at the university library during one of our first classes. I'll never forget wearing white gloves and paging carefully through those gorgeously painted illuminated pages. It was truly an awe-inspiring experience for a bibliophile like me, and I could easily understand the charm of owning such a volume myself. Bartlett coveys how books are more than just paper and ink, they're a viable, physical link to the past. They are objects of memory, symbols of the things that we love and of the people with whom we've enjoyed them. Given this, it's easy to see how a thief could be tempted.
   
   Equally interesting was the story of Gilkey. I agreed with Bartlett in that it was difficult to decide if the man was amoral or suffering from some sort of mental disorder. His obvious disconnection from reality is startling. Were I in Bartlett's shoes while interviewing him for this book, I think I would have been too shocked by him for any sort of coherent speech. It was unfathomable that he could view his crimes as being victimless, that he could fail to understand how his books thefts impacted those who, like him, have a high regard for books but, unlike him, obtain them in legal and ethical ways. Gilkey is an interesting criminal and also an alarming one. While his crimes may not be violent, I found it disturbing to think that a criminal with so little conscience could exist. He's the antihero who fancies himself the hero.
   
   It was also disturbing to me to realize just how little publicity book thefts get. Why is it that when art goes missing, it's a top story, but when invaluable books like this are lost, there's hardly a peep? That books have power is obvious, as made plain by Bartlett's comments about past and current attempts at banning and burning "subversive" literature. I was baffled by how law enforcement can treat the theft of a $5,000 book so casually, when the theft of a TV of the same value would clearly not be something treated with so little concern. What an odd contradiction.
   
   This is a book that I will be sure to recommend to my fellow book lovers. I was utterly fascinated by it from the first page until the very last.

5 comments about Wristwatch Annual 2010: The Catalog of Producers, Prices, Models, and Specifications.

1. An excellent survey of the major European watch manufactures and designers. The graphics are excellent. Very little discussion or writeups on the Asian manufacturers. As someone new to watch collecting I found it fascinating and well worth the modest cost. I loved looking at million dollar watches but I would also like to see writeups and comments on watches costing less than one thousand dollars. I will definitely buy next years edition. Amazon's service was excellent as we have come to expect.



2. Very nice, but nothing new. All information you get it at the web.
   Just to have all information together in one catalogue.



3. As a lover of Horology, I have bought many magazines, books & periodicals over the years. I believe "Wristwatch Annual" is one of the tomes' that has all the pertinent information one could desire with regard to any specific watch or Manufacture. I have been buying "Wristwatch Annual" for about 8 years now, and this edition does not disappoint.



4. Reviewer "Peace Monger" complains that there is no mention or representation of Grand Seiko in this issue so let me point out two facts. Number one, Grand Seiko watches are not available from dealers in the United States, I believe they are only available in the domestic Japanes market. Sure it might be nice to see them in this edition but his gripe is unwarranted since Wristwatch Annual is predominantly targeted to a U.S. readership (and perhaps the U.K.). Look at the dealer ads and service centers mentioned, they are all US based. Second point is that this is the first edition of Wristwatch Annual that has (ever) had a Seiko section. So, at least the brand is represented in this edition. I checked my annual editions bavk to the 1999 edition to verify this. I think this 2010 edition is a great book. Certainly an improvement over the 2008 edition which tried to cram too many watches (eight) on each page versus the six per page in this, and last year's 2009 edition. However, the pictures are still a tiny bit smaller than the pre 2008 (2007 and backwards) editions. Nevertheless, the pictures are nice, the individual watch descriptions informative and many new models are represented in this new 2010 edition. If you are at all interested in high quality Swiss and German manufactured watches, you must purchase this eagerly anticipated yearly book!



5. I have been purchasing Wristwatch Annual for several years now. Although it is not completely comprehensive, it usually has information on new and limited edition models, which are of the most interest to me.
   
   Unfortunately, this year's publication shows mostly regular models that are not very different from the year before. We only get a glimpse of the new or limited edition in a photo in the company profile section.
   
   Furthermore, while it has a bit of information on Seiko, it has none on Grand Seiko, which is as Lexus is to Totyoa.
   
   Overall, the content is just not as good as before.