5 comments about Americana the Beautiful: Mid-century Culture in Kodachrome.

1. There is nothing like great images and insight to bring back a long ago era. This book does a great job at setting the stage! Buy it and enjoy!



2. l have always been fascinated by the 1950s, it was like no other era in history,The American dream, good old fashion values, and families.It was portrayed as an era of blissful harmony and peacful existence for all. When l came across this book by charles phoenix, l was delighted, you cannot be amazed by this book of ordinary people, capturing their lives, on film in excellent quality. The fact that these pictures still remain, in wonderful quality taken by amateur photographers is truefully historical. If you never lived through the 1950s, and l didnt, because lm 35 years old, and your only glimpse of this era is in the movies, then this book is a real gem. His other book, californialand, is equally great book, which he showes more of these great photos of ordinary people living in the 50s. Great historical books.



3. Americana the Beautiful is a trip down memory lane; especially for us Baby Boomers.
   
   These old shapshots are great! What a wonderful trip we took every summer when we visited my mother's family in South Carolina. Remember those luggage racks on station wagons? I remember being on the New Jersey Turnpike one time and luggage thtat was tied to the roof blew off. Dad had to pull our station wagon to the side of the road and pick up a suitcase full of diapers for my younest brother!
   
   I have fond memories of the Dairy Queen and the Good Humor mah. The smell was sweet mixed with raw exhaust fumes! What great times those were!



4. Another selection of snaps rescued by Charles Phoenix just before they might have ended up in the local landfill. In the same format as his excellent 'Southern Californialand' (ISBN 1883318424) and so much better than the earlier 'God Bless Americana' book. The two hundred amateur slides feature a rich seam of everyday life full of white middle class detail (which of course does raise the question: didn't colored folk take photos back then or perhaps they never junk them).
   
   Overall I thought the photo selection was fascinating and grouping them in themes worked well. The last few pages have some intriguing architectural and transport slides like the 1964 flying saucer style State Capitol Bank in Oklahoma City or the late fifties General Motors Aerotrain pulling into a station. On page thirty-six onward there are several pages of people at home showing all kinds of domestic activity, food on tables, kitchens, watching home movies or just enjoying company. It's interesting looking at these photos because they are so unlike anything taken by professionals though sometimes the composition, lighting and color does lift them out of the mundane.
   
   Like 'Southern Californialand' the editorial format works well with photos one to a page, allowing for a deep caption or several slides butted together. My only criticism is that sometimes out of focus images are too large, for example the soft-focus Jefferson Drive-in on page ninety-seven would have worked better much smaller or even rejected. Also captions frequently describe in words what the reader can obviously see in the picture but fortunately many of them also have plenty of historical background detail about things in the photos.
   
   Charles Phoenix has hit on a successful publishing genre and there surely will be more titles to come but until the next one you can follow the latest finds on his website.
   
   ***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.



5. Charles Phoenix has done it again! We've loved each of his books, and the last few we've bought almost as soon as he released them. This one has even more of Charles' trademark old, but crisp, bright and clear, color Kodakchrome slides, all taken by amateur photographers like you and me (or our parents and grandparents!), from all across America, and all with brief, nondistracting, colorful, very witty and informative commentary. It's a perfect gift for a "Fourth of July" Party. You'll laugh as well as be a little saddened by this colorful, visual reminder of our treasured, more innocent and playful past. Cheers and thanks once again to Charles Phoenix. And if you get a chance, check out his website and go see one of his hilarious live shows or tours.

5 comments about Encyclopedia of United States Stamps and Stamp Collecting.

1. This book is a must for US stamp collecting. Use it often to find hidden information.



2. As a newcomer to American Philately I found this work to be
   
   erudite,logical in its layout and,most importantly,very easy to
   
   read.



3. This is a well put together book. It's very informative and entertaining. The full color illustrations are a plus. Overall great value for the money for any stamp collector, beginner or expert.



4. Encyclopedia of United States Stamps and Stamp Collecting is not intended to replace the requisite catalogue, but meant to supplement it. Its sixty-two chapters are divided into three parts. "Stamps of the United States" spans thirty-one chapters and covers definitives, commemoratives, special purpose stamps, and postal stationary. The first two chapters discuss postage before stamps and are well-researched and concise without being simplistic.
   
   "History, Production and Technology" claims twenty-four chapters and covers the history of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, United States Postal Service, and technology of stamp production. The last seven chapters focus on related collectables such as first-day covers, metered mail, seals, and cancellations. Appendix A is a glossary of terms. It is unfortunate that this glossary is not available as a stand-alone publication as it would complement a catalogue well. Appendix B and C are print and web resources. Appendix D is a list of benefactors without an explanation of their generosity.
   
   Each chapter has an almanac, a reference for additional information, and relevant quotes from that period. Some chapters have notes for collectors or examples of postal usage. All of these addendums serve to make philately more interesting for novice and seasoned collectors alike.
   
   Curiously, this publication has no index making it difficult to cross-reference issues that are cited in multiple entries. The term "encyclopedia" would imply that the book contains detailed information on every US stamp issued (until its publication). In this regard it is a disappointment as some issues are not covered at all, and a large number are given perfunctory treatment.
   
   Generally, an interpretative review of the socio-political factors that prompted an issue or public reactions to it is lacking in its depth of coverage. Technological factors essential in the production of stamps are adequately covered and well presented. While the glossy pages enhance the vibrant color reproductions, these pages are not conducive to writing personal notes.
   
   One can debate if the book is truly an encyclopedia. However, it is packed with interesting facts and insights making it a wonderful companion to any philatelist's United States stamp catalogue.
   
   Armchair Interviews says: Great for stamp lovers.



5. I HAVE COLLECTED FOR OVER 50 YEARS AND I AM ONLY AT PAGE 35 OF THIS BOOK AND HAVE ALREADY LEARNED NEW THINGS. GREAT JOB!!!!!ANYONE WITH AN INTEREST IN U S COLLECTING SHOULD OWN THIS BOOK. GARY MARTIN

5 comments about Mexican Calendar Girls: Chicas de calendarios Mexicanos.

1. What a marvelous book! I grew up in a bicultural home in Monterrey, N.L. Mexico, so I am familiar with these Mexican calendars. Although I do not remember having one of these calendars at home, I remember visiting homes that had them. It was fascinating to learn about the talented artists that created them. However, it was sad to see how early on the commercial world was trying to set standards of what a "beautiful woman" should look like. Never the less, these calendars are an important part of the Mexican culture and history. I hope these unrealistic standards are changing - in both Mexico and the USA! (PS - Although there were a few mistakes, the Spanish translation was well done.)



2. Nice texts abouth the authors, and a lot of good images about the mexican pinups, very influenced by the american ones, but dressed in traditional mexican outfit.
   I'm interested in the pinups subjet and that's what I loved from this book. Another good feature is that is bilingual!



3. very well written. interesting historical account of artists and their methods and subjects. have never seen a greater accumulation of beautiful images, colorful-exiting-romantic portraits. full of 'old time' detail and glamour. hard to put down.



4. I highly recommend the picture book on Mexican Calendar Girls. The author really did her homework and touched on an aspect of Mexican Popular Art that played on cultural symbols. From La Adelita to La Malinche and even the venerated Virgen de Guadalupe, this artwork found in kitchens, neighborhood tienditas or bakeries evoked an idealized Mexico and its various viewpoints of womenhood. These images are the cultural equivalent of the Norman Rockwell paintings that evoked an idealized North American culture to generations. Angela Villaba hit a homerun with her book as far as my family was concerned. I gave it to my mother who is an educational advocate for multicultural education here in the Southwest and she could not put the book down.
   Sergio S. Guerrero Jr.
   El Paso, Texas



5. This book is a compilation of the many important roles Mexican women have played in history through the use of calendar art. The photos are colorful and demonstrate the diversity of Mexicanas. What a delightful way to teach the history! This book will surely be appreciated and enjoyed by art lovers, history lovers, women and men alike.

1 comments about Zenith Trans-Oceanic: The Royalty of Radios.

1. Zenith TRANS-OCEANIC: The Royalty of Radios(Second Edition)and The Zenith Trans-Oceanic, the Royalty of Radios: The Royalty of Radios (Schiffer Book for Collectors)(First Edtion)
   If you own a Zenith Trans-Oceanic, you probably own the first edition of this book. If so, you'll love the second edition: not a word has been changed. You won't have any problem finding the new materials: it's all in a new section at the end of the book. As the authors point out, cost considerations precluded revising the text of the first edition.
   What's in the new material? A page or so of updated historical information, a discusssion of the second military model unknown when the first edition went to press, nice photos of Trans-Oceanic wannabe's from RCA, Hallicrafters, and others; photos of some of the Zenith companion radios, and some other items of interest.
   What's missing? Much has happened in the collector world since the publication of the first edition, and an expanded list of parts and suppliers would have been welcome. There's an ever-growing network of resources for Zenith collectors that should be included in the book. Additionally, these radios aren't getting any younger, and an expanded section on maintenance, repair, and restoration would be helpful. More detailed information on electrical restoration would be especially useful along with discussion on building and using battery packs as many collectors want to run their Trans-Oceanics on battery power.
   Should you buy the second edition? Should you buy another Zenith Trans-Oceanic? Of course! If your first edition is getting a little dog-eared, you'll get the same book plus some new material. As a Zenith collector, you'll want to add this book to your Zenith resources. Hopefully, when it's time for a third edition, the authors can do a true cover-to-cover revision.

5 comments about The Official U.S. Mint 50 State Quarters 1999-2008 (P and d Album).

1. This was the most difficult thing to put coins in that I have ever experienced!!! Most of the few coins I could even get in the openings, ripped the page....so the book is useless!!



2. I LIKED EVERYTHING ABOUT IT. THE HOLES WERE SNUG ENOUGH TO HOLD THE QUARTERS FIRMLY. YOU DO HAVE TO BE CAREFUL BECAUSE THE PAGES WILL TEAR.



3. The presentation of these books is nice, but it is very difficult to put the quarters into their slots. Many pages have rips in them because of this. We have 12 of these albums; one each for our grandchildren, neices and nephews.



4. I ordered this album based on the ability to display quarters from both mints and to show both sides of the quarters. The first album was received with a cracked interior spine and evidence of rough handling at the origin - not in transit. Amazon courteously and quickly shipped a replacement but it also arrived with evidence of rough handling, including a sliced edge. I returned the second album for a refund and bought a replacement product at a local coin store where I could inspect the item before purchasing. I appreciate Amazon's service but am disappointed that damaged goods were shipped both times.



5. My wife bought this album for me a few years ago and got me hooked on collecting the State Quarters. This album is very sturdy and insertion of the coins is a simple matter of sliding the plastic cover out, inserting the coin and sliding the cover back. Another nice thing is that you can view the coins from both sides. I have had the other types of albums where the holes are too small and I've had to work hard to press the coins in or the holes are a bit too large and the coins keep falling out. This album beats them all hands down. The other nice thing is that it has 100 places labelled in order so that you can display each state quarter in its D and P mint marks. It's higher priced, but you definitely get a superior product that will last for years.

No comments about Warman's Field Guide to Precious Moments: Values and Identification (Warman's Field Guides).

3 comments about Field Guide to American Antique Furniture: A Unique Visual System for Identifying the Style of Virtually Any Piece of American Antique Furniture.

1. Get this one. It shows and tells what a novice needs to learn about antique furniture. Also...a great refresher for long-time antiquers.



2. This book is good for a quick reference. It is filled with sketches that are grouped into categories (chairs, tables, beds).
   It can help you identify the style of a piece of furntiture, but doesn't help authenticating the piece.



3. Excellent and easy to use reference book, illustrates styles in thier purest form. Does not treat the subject of authenticity but notes characteristics and idiosyncracies of various examples.

5 comments about The Young Sea Officer's Sheet Anchor : Or a Key to the Leading of Rigging and to Practical Seamanship.

1. Everything that you wanted to know about rigging ships with square sails.
   The last part of the book is about ship handling. Now I know the reason the ships are rigged the way they are. You need this book if you build model square rigged ships.



2. This is a great reprint of the training manual for a Royal Navy officer. It has helped my presentation for living history of a US Navy seaman incredibly.



3. Judge this book by its cover! It's exactly what it says it is. This book is full of practical knowledge suited for the young naval officer or merchant seaman. It's one of those books that is just fun to read. Similar to "The Art of Rigging," this book has tons of information about the rigging of sailing vessels not in common use today, but it's fascinating nonetheless. A great volume for those enthralled by the sea, or who enjoy model ship building. Looks great on the coffee table, too!



4. History and ships...
   I Love History and ships, and this is simply one of the best and most enjoyable books I have read. I am still reading it, but it is one of those you want to share immediately. My hobby is building 18th century wood static model sailing vessels, and I have learned a few things already (despite my library of 40+ books on the subject). It hurls you back in time, to enjoy details that would have been forgotten, if not for this kind of book. Like the page that tells the strategy that one should use if the wind changed by three points... or taking in a topsail... or tacking expeditiously...
   If you are a fan of history and the 1700's sailing... you cannot go wrong with this book (and its cheap!)



5. I bought this book because I am a recreational sailor and ship modeler. I found this to be an excellent source of information on the rigging and basic operation of 19th century military and commercial sailing vessels, and it answered many questions I have had about older sailing vessels as compared to modern ones.

   The subject matter is laid out logically, but must be read carefully due to its original 19th century syntax and language, and the tremendous amount of detail discussed.

   The book starts with how strands are laid into ropes, how ropes are made into lines, the basic components of rigging (hooks, blocks, hearts, trucks, cleats), description and tying of basic seaman's knots, moving on to constrction and stepping of the masts, spars and sprits, standing rigging, running rigging, sail construction and rigging for each location on the ship, finishing with anchor rigging. As if that were not enough, the second half of the book is a fascinating treatise on practical seamanship of the day, including coming to anchor, when to use certain sails, reefing, laying to, heaving to and other heavy weather techniques.

   The book is illustrated throughout with hundreds of highly detailed period line drawings. Truly an 19th century version of the Annapolis Book of Seamanship and Chapman's Piloting combined, it is an absolute must for any model builder or student of sailing ships who wants to know "how it was".

3 comments about Vintage Guns: Collecting, Restoring, & Shooting Classic Firearms.

1. A book full of interesting information and beautiful color photos, mainly for English shotguns. Very readable, with the contents arranged in a rather original way. The book needs an alphabetical index at the end.



2. As a dealer who specializes in upper end shotguns, I think I know more than the average sportsman about shotguns... BUT... I was amazed at the ammount of great info in this book. VERY READABLE. If you have any interest in quality side by side shotguns - get it!!!



3. this is an excellent book worthy of any gun book collection; however, it is exactly the same book as Vintage Guns for the Modern Shot. Buy one but not both.

1 comments about Kennedy Half Dollars Folder 1964-1985 (Official Whitman Coin Folder).

1. This book offers housing for all half dollars from the year 1964 - 1985. Overall, a good holder for the average collector, but does not offer protection from dust and elements in the air.