3 comments about The Chronicle of the Fountain Pen: Stories Within a Story.

1. I bought one book and you charged my VISA Card with 3 (!!!) equal books. It's a shame!



2. The book has a lot of very nice pictures; it is a proof of an excellent taste of the authors who are apparently collectors themselves.
   
   The text, however, was rather disappointing, especially in relation to the claim the authors hold:
   
   "Other books have addressed the history and development of fountain pens, typically, looking at the evolution of individual manufacturers. That approach, however, leaves out two important aspects: the interaction between manufacturers and influences world events had on their designs.
   The whole history of the fountain pen is told as a sequence of small stories about the main events."
   
   The simple listing of some historical events does not give any information about the "interaction" between the different competing companies, let alone a socio-economic or cultural history that puts the design and technology development in the pen industry into context.
   
   The charts that should ensure a chronical overview are rather confusing, as they are organised year by year.
   
   The book has its merits. Had in been advertised for what it is - an impressive collection of pen models with some history on the pen industry - I would not have been frustrated and would most likely have bought the book as well. But the promise of the book - to put the pen industry into its historical context - was not fulfilled at all. Andrew Lambrou's book is still the benchmark in this respect. The timetable in Juan Manuel Clark's book (published by Flammarion) might be much more superficial. But the book does not claim more than presenting collectible fountain pens - which it does, nicely organised according to periods, again more superficial than Lambrou's structure. But it does not matter: You get what is promised. You can take it or leave it.



3. An impressively presented and organized 352-page compendium of information and images, "The Chronicle Of The Fountain Pen: Stories Within A Story" is the collaborative work of Joao Pavao Martins, Luiz Leite, and Antonio Gagean, beautifully showcasing more than 3000 fountain pens. Fully illustrated with 606 full color photographs (with competing models of pens side-by-side revealing both their similarities and their differences), "The Chronicle Of The Fountain Pen" features a timeline of the main events in the world along with the fountain pen models introduced by various manufacturers at the end of each chronologically organized chapter. Here in a single volume is the entire history of the fountain pen from 1865 through 2005, along with small vignettes about them and the uses to which they were put in world history. Enhanced with the inclusion of a chapter on 'Sources of Information', a Price Guide, and a comprehensive Index, "The Chronicle Of The Fountain Pen" is a seminal work of distinguished excellence and a prize addition to any personal, university, or community library collection.

1 comments about Florence's Ovenware From The 1920s To The Present.

1. Not as fabulous as expected. There were few pictures and many values were not given. Values given are outdated and undervalued. This was a disapointment.

3 comments about Speed, Style, And Beauty.

1. If you love car you have to have this book.



2. i ordered this book after reading about it in road and track and its a great addition to any car enthusiasts' library. the photography is stunningly beautiful as is each of the cars in the collection (minus a few at the end). The history and descriptions of the cars are great as well but mostly I got the book to drool over the the pictures. the '54 Ferrari 375 Plus and '58 250 Testa Rossa are probably my favorites, along with the more recent but just as classic McLaren F1.



3. Fans of race car styling will relish Speed, Style And Beauty: Cars From The Ralph Lauren Collection, a gorgeous blend of lovely photos by Micahel Furman with texts by Beverly Kimes and Winson S. Goodfellow. Featured here are some of the most notable cars of the collection, from Bugattis and Aston Martins to Mercedes and McLaren. More than just a book display, Speed, Style And Beauty is a catalog for a major exhibition featuring almost thirty of these cars, and is the first to focus on the car as an art object in and of itself.

5 comments about 100 Greatest U.S. Coins.

1. Lovely book with ample and generously sized pictures (even tho I would love full-page sized!). This is indeed a beautiful coffee table book that will interest even the novice coin collector.



2. 100 Greatest Comic Books100 Greatest American Currency Notes: The Stories Behind The Most Colonial, Confederate, Federal, Obsolete, and Private American Notes
   
   I found this book to be a very interesting read. This book should be in every numismatist book collection. The updated version is a plus, what with the constant fluctuation of prices and weekly auction sales. Even top coin conventions are referencing this book when rare coins are on display and showcased. It was neat to see the "number 52 listed coin" at the recent Long Beach Coin Show. It put things into more perspective for me.. just a little bit more tangible that these coins "really" exist and can be viewed from time to time. Whitman also has top 100 lists for comic books and paper money that are very informative and fun to read.
   It would have been nice to see the published coins in their encapsulated form (if slabbed)in my opinion. Overall an awesome coffee table book.



3. Just an incredible book. Beautiful color pictures and very interesting information on each coin. A complete history on each coin, market value and a very detailed description of each coin. This book isn't just for coin collectors. This book is for anyone who has an interest in the history of U.S. coins. A truly excellent addition to anyone's library.



4. My husband dabbles in coin collecting and while Christmas shopping for something coin-related for him at Amazon.com I found a review of this book that sold me. When my husband opened the gift he was thrilled, saying "this is exactly the kind of book I love!" As a long-time admirer of the beauty in coins, not just the collectability, he is in seventh heaven when perusing the pages of this well-written and beautifully photographed book.I would highly recommend it for anyone with an interest in coins.



5. Pardon the pun but I couldn't help it. Why Amazon shows this as a just-released book is odd; I saw it in a bookstore some time ago. It is, without a doubt, one of the most beautifully realized works to appear in some time. Its 200 pages are divided into description and a stunning photograph. The book appeals to all levels.
   
   At a dinner party its placement on the coffee table is sure to engender conversation..."May I top off your drink while we review the Earring Dollar?" As a historical tome it presents the social, political and economic forces at work when these were minted. And for the coin lover it is pure "gold", a work that is simultaneously interesting, informative and pleasing to the eye.
   
   The list, from a survey of the Professional Numismatists Guild, includes some well-known and some not so popular coins. One may argue with the list but it was composed by the best experts in the field and based on a criterion the uninitiated cannot understand. Of course there is the 1804 Silver Dollar (which we now know was not even minted in that year). There is also (in my opinion) an abundance of gold vs silver and copper. Yes, they are stunning coins and yes they are exorbitantly priced but they are not as well known. How many folks, for example, are aware that a four dollar gold piece was once issued?
   
   Needless to say, the coins presented here are beyond the reach of the ordinary layman - or even the extraordinary one in some cases. But you can look and dream to your heart's content with this edition.

5 comments about The Doll House Decorator: The Complete Guide to Do-It-Yourself Furnishings for Dolls and Dollhouses.

1. I first got this book when I was 8 and still love it. Every time I look at it I find somthing new. It has very good instuctions and is good for all ages. All the projects are with very available, inexpensive things. I'm very happy I have this book and it is very fun to put into use.



2. I was 11 when I was given this book by my parents. That was all it took for me to become completely obsessed with creating these little worlds of tiny people. Granted, this isn't the most sophisticated of all books on the subject, but it is extremely accessible. Now, 14 years later, I still have most, if not all, of the furniture I made by using patterns from this book. The materials are inexpensive and very easy to find - on a child's allowance I was able to do a lot. This is still, hands down, my sentimental favorite.



3. I was disappointed over the quality of the minatures featured in this book. They seemed way too amateur-ish and uninventive. I feel the author could have tried a little harder in making more creative and sophisticated designs rather than boring, suburban-lazy type she displayed in this book. The designs reminded me of those ugly crocheted blankets you see in the typical housewife or granny's home. It's a great hobby with alot of potential; unfortunately, the only people who take it up have no sense whatsoever of aesthetics.

   The up side of this book is that it includes alot of color photos and detailed instructions, if you are inclined to make these dull pieces at home.




4. i found this book by chance in waldens. i have always had a fascination with miniatures and dollhouses, maybe because of my modest childhood. however, my interest in miniatures was sparked by the discovery of this book. boulton does an excellent job with explaining the miniture making process. as always, the DK company provides clear and colorful illustrations on making miniatures. i love this book and would recommend it to anyone who is an advanced miniaturist or novice.



5. My Mother gave her copy of the book to my granddaughter who is 8 yrs old. Now she can't wait to get home from school to work on her latest project for her dolls or doll house. Sometimes it is a Mother-Daughter project but not always.

3 comments about Plastic Culture: How Japanese Toys Conquered the World.

1. This is an amazing book! Eloquently written, with great insights into toys as a whole, this book gives a comprehensive overview of the emergence of designer vinyl. Great images!



2. All the cool pictures of toys I can't have are nice. But it's really better than all the other toy books becuase it explains all about toys and how come they are so cool. I know it was for adult level reader but I learned a lot that my friends don't know! It wasn't hard to read and I wish it was twice the size. My only problem is There was not enough Blythe information even though she's on the cover.



3. Ah, what a wonderful invention plastic is! Nearly limitless possibilities, able to be shaped into almost any form, take on any color, and endure across the centuries. As functional as it is fantastic. Of course, it was only a matter of time before artists took this malleable material into their capable hands, and created something that the inventors of the plastic would have never imagined. In this case, it is toys.
   
   "Plastic Culture: How Japanese Toys Conquered the World" supposes to tell the story of plastic, and its journey from function to fantastic, from commerce to art. Supposes to, because unfortunately the book seems to have fallen victim to a loss of focus, or possibly a conflict between writer and editor. Instead of this history of plastic, and their connection to Japanese culture, what the writer wanted to write about was an artistic movement called Urban Vinyl, originating in Hong Kong and then spreading to Japan and the US. That's his passion, and it shows.
   
   The first half of "Plastic Culture" is rough. It begins with a very brief history of plastic's invention, and its use in toys across the years. There is some brief connection with Japan, introducing the Kaiyodo model makers who perfected the garage kit. There is a half-hearted section on using toys for marketing purposes as mascots, mainly mentioning McDonalds Happy Meal toys and the Olympics. Trying to swing the story back to Japan, Sanrio is covered with their successful line of Hello Kitty figures and other characters. These articles are all short on text, and heavy on pictures, jumping rapidly from section to section without much logic or interest. Its pretty boring, and not very well researched. Then, on page 43, author Woodrow Pheonix begins the section on Urban Vinyl. And it all changes.
   
   The Urban Vinyl movement began in Hong Kong, with a couple of young talents started taking apart GI Joe figures and putting them back together street-style, dressed in the latest Hong Kong fashions and with an attitude that GI Joe never imagined. These two, Michael Lau and Eric So, exhibited their work at galleries, and inspired other artists to see toys as a medium of expression, rather than just playthings. The movement jumped across the water, to Japan with its ingrained toy culture, and then to the US underground comics scene, where artists like Dan Clowes ("Ghost World") and Archer Prewitt ("Sof' Boy") began teaming up with Asian designers to produce unique figures combining all of their talents and visions. Into this comes Takashi Murakami, famed for his Superflat exhibition and one of Japan's greatest modern artists, who sees the concept of creating original works of art in toys, rather than just reproducing existing works in plastic. Yoshitomo Nara, another prominent Japanese modern artist, follows suit. Its fascinating.
   
   If this book had been called "Urban Vinyl," and started with Lau and So in Hong Kong, then been given enough depth to explore the artistic movement completely, it would have been incredible. Woodrow Pheonix has a real passion for this movement, and a deep insight into what makes it tick and how the pieces fit together. His interviews with Murakami and Nara really made me reconsider the way I see toys, and it was great to here these two giants of modern art put forward such opposing yet complementary viewpoints on Urban Vinyl.
   
   But it wasn't, and so "Plastic Culture" is really only half a great book. That second half is really something, and worth picking up the book for. It makes me want to learn more about Urban Vinyl and hopefully someday Pheonix will get to write the book that he should have. I will be first in line to pick it up.

4 comments about Fifty Years of Collectible Fashion Jewelry 1925-1975.

1. I was really disappointed I spent the money on this book. All the price references are in the back, which means taking more time to find them when doing research. I rarely use it.



2. The value in this book is definitely for the beginner jewelry collector. Many jeweler names are mentioned, with colored pictures of some of their designs. This book is a good springboard for further detailed research by jeweler name recognition. The book also holds value for crafters, there are many excellent colored photographs, of unique designs. The book I purchased did have updated prices to 2001. I could not use this book to value any of my pieces except one, and that was worth the price of the book, because I undervalued the beads, shown in the piece.
   I would not overpay for this book, at a good deal, add this book to your order. Probably best as a library reference book. Quick read. Value is in jeweler name recognition, list, and for jeweler craft ideas.
   I have many vintage family pieces that I have no information on identifying from this book, and I don't think this book would aid me in collecting either. I think the prices shown are rather low.
   Mistreglo



3. I started collecting vintage jewelry about five years ago and I had no idea what I was doing. This book really helped me identify a variety of items and their value. Pamela D. Blair, Author The Next Fifty Years: A Guide for Women at Mid-Life And Beyond



4. This book was very informative. It gave the information I needed about some collectible jewelry I am accumulating. It gives a more in-depth history of the manufacturing of many collectible brands than other books I have seen. I would highly recommend this book for vintage jewelry collectors.

5 comments about Jewelry & Gems the Buying Guide: How to Buy Diamonds, Pearls, Colored Gemstones, Gold & Jewelry With Confidence And Knowledge (Jewelry and Gems the Buying Guide).

1. This is a nice book. If you are looking for a good breakdown on what to look for when buying you may find it here. It talks about many types of stones and jewelry, but not enough in some areas.



2. Excellent! This is hands down the best book on the market for the beginning gemstone buyer.



3. If you are buying jewelry/gems for any occasion and don't exactly know what you are doing, this book is a great start. The section on colored gemstones was particularly helpful, as it is harder to find good information on them. The book is definitely a keeper as it can be used for many different purchases.



4. A friend recommended this book and I'm so glad she did! So informative and easy to understand--even for a novice like me! I now have more confidence when I buy jewelry and know what questions to ask a jeweler before I decide to buy. Great book!



5. With the help, guidelines and information from this incredible book I finally felt I could shop for jewelry with confidence and a "sense of experience".

2 comments about Scott 2007 Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue: Countries of the World So-z (Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue Vol 6 So-Z).

1. 
   I really like all of the color photographs of the stamps and how the series are grouped together. It makes it easy to find the stamps and country you are looking for.



2. Any one who has ever thought of collecting stamps in the US, is familiar with the Scott stamp catalogs, the backbone of the collectors world. Yeah, they're a bit pricy, but then look at the work that has gone and continues to go into them! NEW for 2007.....COLOR!!!!! OMG!!!!! Most of the illustrations are now in COLOR!!!!!
   
   I am in the process of inventorying my Grandfather's massive stamp horde to try and sell it off. At ChicagoPex this year, I was drooling over the new catalogs, mumbling something about "color......". My sister wasn't overly impressed with the concept (she's since changed her mind!) and balked at spending that much money for a new set of catalogs. We've been working out of a 1999 set.
   
   Needless to say, I won! Hallelujah! Especially for the "not so informed" or anyone with not so good eyesight, the color makes a HUGE difference! It is SO much easier to find a stamp that you're looking for! I can not thank Scott enough for their huge effort in rescanning every single stamp in existence (that they could get their hands on).
   
   Bottom line......if you're thinking about it, but doing the "well, my catalogs aren't that old yet" or "boy, that's a lot of money to shell out", my advise is BUY THEM!

2 comments about Anime Figures: Tokyo's Hottest 50 Anime Figurines.

1. This is a small book. It measures only 6 x 8 1/2 inches. It also clearly states that there are 50 figures but I only count 45! There is a picture on the front (the small one on the bottom in the middle) of a figure that is not anywhere to be found inside the book! Very misleading. Comes in a cool slip case though.



2. Although I personally never owned a Japanese anime PVC, I've seen them so many times in Akihabara, sold at anime conventions and I can see why otaku really go for them.
   
   These PVC action figures feature anime characters in the sexiest and seductive pose, really good craftmanship and a keen sense of detail on umm...certain body parts. These figurines are the ultimate in fan service but the chance to own them is a collector's dream.
   
   The book features two pages with photos of Tokyo's hottest 50 figurines. Americans will no doubt know Amane Misa of "Death Note", Belldandy of "Ah! My Goddess", Ayanami Rei of "Evangelion" and video game fans who may know Tojo Mitsuru of "Persona 3 and Shieri and Shion of the popular "Melty Blood" series.
   
   The photos by Shimono Yoshio really capture the craftmanship of the figurines. The sculpting are very well done and one thing that these PVC's sure do emphasize a lot are on the female character's breasts and nipples sticking out through their clothing. Also, the fan service of a anime girl with her skirt flowing in the wind and a peek at her underpants.
   
   It's quite perverted if you think about it, especially if you are not into figurines.
   
   But for toy collectors in America who like detail for "Star Wars" figures, especially that Slave Leia and Scarlett or Baroness of GI Joe and how their curvatures are shown and give them a slight fan service, the Japanese figurines make sure that the otaku gets their money worth.
   
   One PVC featuring Shion of "Melty Blood", is shown on all fours in her school girl outfit (maybe looking for something she lost in the ground) and of course, fan service giving a sneak peak of her rear end.
   
   The creator of the model made sure that the curves were well done, especially the lines from her umm..panty region. And Shimono made sure the lighting was perfect to create the shadowing in his photos.
   
   The most jawdropping figure was of an original character named Aizawa Sanae dressed in a cow-like cosplay with a cowbell around her neck ala choker but no bra and the detail in the breast area, the creators went all out in making sure everything looked realistic in a fantasy sense. The figure just screams "Got milk?"
   
   By saying that, by no means is this book for the kiddies. The book and it's slip case cover have a big red words in the back that say "Contains PVC Nudity".
   
   Also, I have seen these figures from Akihabara blogs and I can definitely understand why these figurines are attractive to the consumer.
   
   These figures scream to the otaku... "Buy Me"!
   
   So, if you have any remote interest in PVC figurine collecting especially for video game and anime characters, this book is definitely for you.