5 comments about 1,000 Hats.

1. This is an amazing collection of hat photographs. Inspiring if you just love hats or are looking for ideas for hats to make. The photos are well taken and clear and accompanied by what they are made of and their approximate value.
   
   There is a little history of hats but I would not classify it as a history book. This book is a book of photos, very well taken photos. I would guess that this book is aimed at the vintage collector but is also a good resource for the milliner.



2. This was a gift...My sister loves hats...This IS the perfect present for someone who adores them too!



3. I can't speak to values of hats or text....but if tons of wonderful images of hats are what you are looking for this book is it. Fashion is definately my love, but if I had to pick one accessory I love the most it would be hats.
   Cheers



4. I guess I hoped this book would be as good as "Vintage Hats and Bonnets 1770-1970" but alas, it isn't. Not much history, just lots and lots of pictures. Over half the book is hats from the 1940'-1960's, which is great if you like those years. Also, I think some of the early hats stated from the 1870's are really 1950's, they certainly look modern for the 19th century. Sorry, but I was disappointed.



5. This book made me want to wear hats and play dress-up. It is an engaging look at millinery history and trends that will tempt any hat lover or fashion enthusiast.
   Shephard's books are quickly becoming essential additions to the fashion historian's library.

4 comments about The Master Jewelers.

1. "Delicious", sumptuous... full of beauty! This book is for anyone who loves to look at jewelry at its best!!



2. The book offers insight into the most important jewelry designs and the artistic talents of their creators. It gives an overview and biographies of the most important jewelry artists of the recent history and how their businesses got started: Cartier, Tiffany, Van Cleef and Arpels, Lalique, Verdura, Bulgari, Boucheron etc. The photos are wonderful; I only wish there were more of them. A great book for anyone wanting to learn more about the most important jewelry creators and jewelry pieces. It is also a great way to start your own favorite jeweler/jewelry book collection and get more specific books.



3. I really enjoyed my first scan of this book and look forward to many more in-depth visits. The jewelry is absolutely breathtaking. The color photos are extremely well done.



4. It may seem an era long gone by but the art work is as vital and enthralling today. The photos are numerous and magnificent and it is a valuable addition to anyones library.

5 comments about For the Love of Old: Living with Chipped, Frayed, Tarnished, Faded, Tattered, Worn and Weathered Things that Bring Comfort, Character and Joy to the Places We Call Home.

1. Oh Mary...........we love you so.
   The book is an inspiration to us all. I can only get through a couple of pages before I have to head for the nearest "junk" or antique shop to get a fix.
   If you like this book, you will like all of her great books. You will not be disappointed.
   I can't wait for the next one to come out!
   Hurry, Mary.......we can hardly wait.



2. I received this as a gift on Christmas. The cover was absolutely lovely. I couldn't wait to look inside. YIKES! The photographer did a terrific job, the book itself is very pretty, great colors, could make a lovely coffee table book. However the content is TERRIBLE!!! . I agree with the reviewer that all those pictures of the tatered dolls and other items/artifacts are very creepy indeed. Frankly it just looks messy, gloomy & dusty. I adore old things, books, beautiful photographs and antiques but this book is horrible. Unless you have seen this book in person and like it, DO NOT waste your money. I cannot imagine paying 50 dollars or even the amazon discounted rate. Buyer Beware on this one....



3. I always love this author's books even though she tends to decorate even shabbier than I do. This particular book is just a work of beauty for the coffee table, I love the cover. There is a blue opera chair inside that tears at my heart with its beauty. I love inside the covers, the way she tells a story about her family and about why she sees beauty in some of the most beastly things. It is always interesting to see how others decorate and I believe Ms. Randolph-Carter is a green decorator indeed, taking recycling of old things to a new level.



4. This book is beautiful. It is a coffe table copy. One you want to use for display. I was drawn with interest to someone who sees beauty in such old things. The book is very unique. I'm glad I have a copy.



5. I loved Mary Randolph Carter's book American Family Style so much and this book seemed to me like a part two of that original book. Although this book wasn't filled with pictures of her family it was filled with the same warmth and comfort as the original. Even though it may not be filled with exactly the things I might put in my own home it is something I enjoy reading. You can tell the author truly LOVES these lost, rusty, beautiful things. I truly can appreciate that.

5 comments about American Character Dolls: Identification & Value Guide.

1. This is a great detailed book featuring many of the beloved American Character dolls! It has helped me tremendously with my doll collection.



2. Very nice book & lots of information i have been looking for these past few years.



3. You can order an autographed copy directly from Judith by going to: www.americancharacterdolls.com
   
   You cannot buy an autographed copy through Amazon.



4. A most comprehensive and well-researched book! Having contributed to the Tressy section of the book (look for pics from my collection!), I must say that this guide is a must have for Tressy collectors as well as for those who collect other American character dolls.



5. Judith Izen has written another wonderful book! For collectors of American Character dolls, it's a book that needs to be on your bookshelf. It's well written and researched with great photographs. We can only hope that Ms. Izen will continue to share her love and knowledge of dolls with more books.

5 comments about A Century of Indiana Glass (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. LOTS OF GLASS THAT YOU SEE EVERY DAY, BUT NOT SURE OF WHO MADE IT!
   THIS IS A GOOD BOOK FOR DEALERS, FOR IDENTIFICATION. NOT SURE THE PRICES ARE ACTUALLY WHAT THE ITEM WILL BRING IN TODAYS MARKET, BUT GIVES YOU AN IDEA OF WHERE TO START...



2. Craig Schenning has done a great job of identifying Indiana Glass patterns, including information on dates of production, colors, and lists of known pieces with current prices. Also included are several patterns originally produced by other companies but whose molds are known to have been acquired (and produced) by Indiana in later years. Lots of good color photos, although you may have to look elsewhere to identify etchings and decorations. The best book I've seen on Indiana glassware.



3. A very good and thoroughly interesting collectors book to have.



4. Indiana Glass is one of my favorite companies. I love the different types of glass that they created and am thrilled that there is finally a new resource out there about the company. Hopefully, this will educate old and new collectors about the wonderful glass they created. I can't wait to see more from this author.



5. Informed about this book by an article in the Antique Weekly. So happy to have found it on Amazon at a more than fair price. The book is excellently done. Loads of information. Extremely informative. I'm a new collector of Indiana Glassware.

5 comments about Medieval Costume and How to Recreate It.

1. This book, to me, is really neat in that it actually shows you the measurements for simple costume projects.



2. It's a nice book, it covers all the areas of the medieval society... but briefly.
   It has a lot of images, and some sketched patterns, but it's of no great use if you're a newcomer to both medieval clothes and sewing techniques.
   Used together with some other books, it can come in handy.
   With goods and bads, it worths its price.



3. Medieval Costume - yes. Sorta. I guess. She doesn't give much in the way of proof for her costuming conjectures. Lots of drawings and narrative, but really no citations worth mention.
   
   How to Recreate it? Not at all. not a bit. Not even so much as a cutting diagram or a single discussion of how to cut, sew, assemble or reproduce the garments.
   
   Very disappointing.



4. Even if I am french I can use this book to realize medieval costumes. The patterns are very good and the explanations quite easy.



5. I'm of mixed feelings on this book .
   First, if you don't own a single costuming book, then get it, just for some inspiration.
   
   The best reason for anyone to get the book is the illustrations......over 200 period illustrations to use for inspiration.
   Granted, they're in black and white.......so you don't get the colors to see, but Ms Hartley often describes the colors, so that helps.
   She has provided a number of pages of detailed line-drawing illustrations to help explain/show how cloth was cut and sewn to create various outfits.
   As such, they are helpful, sometimes.
   Ditto, other times they are off the mark.
   
   Some of her interpretations are, shall I say 'creative' without adequate proof in her period sources to support her theories of construction.
   With that, I have some major problems, but if her purpose is to give a resonable facsimile for stage interpretation, then her theories are adequate.
   If her purpose was to provide accurate historical information, then she is often being misleading in regards to the needs of the serious historical re-inactor.
   i.e. she interprets the 'modesty panel' triangular insert, in a 15th c. gown as a 'vest'. Granted, she says "a small triangular vest" so maybe her idea of a vest, and mine, are merely a difference in understanding. But her perception of a Hellsgate overgown is off the mark. Because the upper portion of the winter worn ones is often covered in, or lined with, fur, she incorrectly interprets the upper portion as a totally seperate garment, calling it a 'sleeveless jacket/coat' and both her line drawings and her text clearly indicate she genuinely believed it to have been such, stating : ".........shows a sleeveless jacket which must have been comforting in drafty halls-it may be fur-lined, or only fur trimmed- but it is definately part of the jacket. The front seems to be stiffened by light strips of wood or whalebone (I have major problems with this, as it has no sound basis, at all. Stiffening elements were used, in later times, as means of support, but were not needed for this garment, which hung loosely. Her interpretation is apparently based on the stiff appearance of the panels, but this is due to the heavy weight of the (Attached)skirts holding it vertical)..... and the jacket secured to it firmly by metal studs or clasps. The whole jacket is essentially a sturdy little affair, and though in some cases it seems to have been worn as part of the robe, we believe it was always made and put on seperately."
   
   Her line drawings shows it as a simple fur-lined vest (with a normal sleeveless opening......which her period illustrations do not support, at all ) and a line drawing of one (vest) with a button-front panel down the center, which she has taken the creative measure of showing 'how' it was 'surely' attached to the edges of the front vest opening, by way of 4 buttons at the corners of the front insert, going through button holes, in the vest, barely concealed at the edges of the fur edging along the front edges. There is absolutely no historical evidence to support this theory; she had, clearly gotten it in her head, that this was a seperate jacket, and is attempting to demonstrate how the period variations might have been achieved, to support this silly idea. I need to add that in many of her other line drawings she seems to rule out the cut of the cloth pieces being a shaping factor, and, instead, resorts to the use of darts to show how to achieve a fitted look. Only in two incidences has she shown the use of gores to widen a skirt. In at least two cases (of men's garments) she has done something interesting with the cloth directly below where the cut goes into the body of the cloth, to isolate the sleeve for sewing the underarm seam. She has, instead of cutting it from the body of the garment, (to use as sleeves, etc.) left it, open and seamless, to wrap the front, back around the sides of the body, and the back panels, forward over those to create a double layer of cloth at either side of the torso, (for warmth ?) held in by the belt. I've never seen the first bit of period source to support this theory, nor does any of her period sources provided in the book, support it. She also shows an interesting theory on the cut of a laborer's shirt with high collar (under her chapter on 'Artisans' oddly enough) Cuts are made down either side of what is to be the high collar, and the cloth, to either side of the collar, is folded down over the shoulders in a manner like the side panels earlier mentioned, and stitched into place. Once again, she tucks in darts to shape with. She also elaborates on her 'padded shoulders' theories by showing two other drawings of "shoulder flaps" again, un-supported by any evidence in the form of period illuminations, etc.
   
   Dispite all of this, believe it, or not, but I Still LIKE the book !!!
   It's well worth the money in period pictures, if for no other reason.
   
   I also like the fact that she's steered away from the usual emphasis on royal garments, and has concentrated her efforts on the clothes of the everyday common man, dividing her chapters to cover individual professions. Her line drawings are excellent, even if off-the-mark at times with her theories of construction......she has nicely isolated some interesting details of accessories to go with the different professions and situations, as in the clappers, etc. that the lepers were required to announce their approach,...her text in these things, elaborates more on the assorted situations, with helpful historical information.
   
   All in all, my single largest problem with her concise little book is when it comes down to her attempts to introduce her own theories as to construction; using her line drawings to try and prove how her theories might have been achieved, while she neglects to provide period sources to give visual support to her ideas. As a quick guide to theatrical costuming, it has it's merits. As a first costuming book for Medieval Historical re-inactors, it is valuable for the period illustrations, but her interpretations often need to be taken with a grain of salt, as many will not fly if entered in an A & S costuming competition, judged by informed judges...so you be the judge of how valuable this book may be in your library. I have over 100 costuming books in my own, and I'm still glad I added this one, if for no other reason than as a sometimes bad example,....but, again, the period illustrations are well worth the cost of the book. R.D. Wertz/Shara of Meridies

2 comments about Conservation Treatment Methodology.

1. Truly, enjoyable reading if you're interested in the field of conservation. If you can see a cartoon pop-up of conservator's head, well, Barbara Appelbaum explained all. Many good stories, and some technical stuff actually add real flavors. Good stuff, indeed!!



2. I am delighted to have this book. Barbara Appelbaum has thought through and presented many ideas I have met over the last 30 years as a conservator, but that no one before has put into this kind of focus. She demonstrates the kind of thinking that is critical to responsible care and treatment planning. Thanks you, Barbara, for giving us the benefits of what you have been doing and teaching all these years. This is an enormous contribution to the conservation field. The content is insightful and practical. The book should be read, owned and used as reference by everyone who owns or takes care of art objects.

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 Automata and Mechanical Toys.

1. The book certainly has nice and inspiring pictures of great automata. To a certain extent, some of the concepts of automata are defined. But largely, the chapters are devoted to eccentric and creative automata artists who inspire more by examples than theories.



2. This is the best book on automata since Flying Pig opened it's doors. Peppe shows how to build your own test board of mechanical movement and provides examples of the best current automata for inspiration. The "test board" is finely crafted, covers a wide range of movements and it's fun to play with too.



3. Depending on what your interests are, this can be a valuable addition to your library. It is not for collectors, in my opinion, and most of the examples are on the "folk art" side: crude, kitschy, and sometimes even made of junk. There are profiles of a few builders who make complex automata demonstrating fine craftsmanship, such as the wonderful Keith Newstead and John Grayson. I would have preferred to have some detailed explanations of how some of their automata work, though. The REAL strength of this book is if you are beginning to make your own automata and would like to have a "kit" to experiment with. The book contains full sized plans for an experimenter's "kit" which is really nice. I have Robert Addam's "How to Design and Make Automata" and CMT's book, but they both only have crude drawings with no dimensions. I made photocopies of the parts and then used Xylene to transfer directly onto plywood and cut the parts out on a scroll saw, saving a great deal of time and giving me a nice litte platform for experimenting. This alone makes the book a must have for the beginning builder.



4. This has got to be one of the best books on the subject of automata and mechanical theatre. There are lots of great color pictures and diagrams to build your own automata. Worth the money!



5. This book is everything you could ask for in book on contemporary artistic automata.

   Each chapter has a brief summary of the topic in question -- say tools and materials. Next, each chapter moves on to showcase the work of two or three automata artists with many pictures and a page or two of information about each artist.

   The photographs of automata in this book are outstanding. You can really get a sense for the devices, their construction, and most especially, their finishes.

   If you love automata, want to see more of them, and want to learn about some of the top automata artists in the contemporary scene, this book is a must-have.

5 comments about How to Restore and Modify Your Corvette, 1968-1982 (Motorbooks Workshop).

1. If you are new to Corvettes and restoring them, beware that the author probably has little better knowledge than you do on the subject other than going through one project himself, which hardly makes anyone an expert.
   
   If you are not new to them, you don't need this book.
   
   The book is filled with: dubious, almost flippant advice "..the softest possible (suspension) spring should be the best"; blatant omissions (discusses the merits of numbers-matching 'vettes but doesn't even mention the multitude of fraudulently stamped motors in the market; and incorrect statements "As horsepower and rpms increase, torque decreases."
   
   The book does have good pictures and diagrams, just be careful reading it.



2. As an owner of a 1981 Corvette looking to learn more about his Shark, and the restoration process in general, I found this book to be an outstanding addition to my Corvette library.
   
   This is not exactly a how to book, but is more of a tip and information filled guide that follows Richard Newton through the phases of rebuilding his 1968 Corvette. For example, it will not tell you how to rebuild your small block, but it will give you tips on the rebuild process, and recommendations for enhancing performance.
   
   This book is great for those who want to learn more about how their Shark is put together, and for those that are contemplating a restoration project.
   
   For the hands on owner I would recommend in addition to this book: the GM Corvette Assembly Manual & Service Manual for your year and the Corvette Restoration Guide by Richard Prince.



3. As an enthusiast of Corvette's this book impressed me.A good size book with plenty of advice,photos in an easy to understand format makes this book worthwhile.
   "MBI" books are known for their high standards and this book maintains it.
   If you're interested in these model Corvette's,an owner you will find this book helpful.The size of this book is a bonus and great value.
   I also recommend these books too:
   1)"Corvette C3:Buyer's Guide 1968-1982".
   2)"Corvette 1968-1982"(sports car colour history series).



4. This book offers a unique perspective on Corvette restoration. The author restores a 68 Corvette and summarizes the process throughout the book. The car is kept looking stock, but has been fitted with some high-performance modifications such as a high-torque motor and racing-style suspension components. This book gives the reader an alternative view that differs from the factory original restoration.

   One major flaw to his plan is the lack of a track test data section like those found in some automotive magazines. Do all of these modifications really result in a Corvette that is faster and handles better than a factory original? That question is never truly answered. This book is actually a compilation of how-to articles that first appeared in Corvette Fever magazine in the 90s. Thus, it is saturated with product plugs for everything from car parts to spray paint.

   Another problem that shouldn't go without mention is some bad advice given by the author. For example, he takes a 30 yr. old fuel tank, dumps a can of sealer into it, and puts it back into the car. When you consider the overall cost of a project like this, a new fuel tank is a drop in the bucket. He also tells the reader to use a brass punch and a hammer to install the fuel sending unit. Don't try this. They make a special tool for this purpose. You wouldn't want your prize restoration turning into a prize inferno. Overall, this book contains some good information that you don't find in other restoration books, but it could use a newly revised edition.




5. have not seen or read the book...but need help with my car.