3 comments about The Official Red Book: A Guide Book of United State Coins 2009 (Guide Book of United States Coins) (Guide Book of United States Coins) (Guide Book of United States Coins).

1. This book has all the information that I need in finding what to look for in the grade of a coin and the price of that grade. I always go to this book before I buy a cion, to see if the cost is in the area listed.



2. #1 Best Selling Price Guide is a MUST:
   
   The official RED BOOK a guide book to United States Coins R.S.Yeoman ed. Kenneth Bressett, 61th edition, Whitman, 2009.
   
   Best in organization, easy of use, pictures, illustrations, & data, also the most popular. Whitman's RED BOOK is an essential guide, indispensable requisite and required handbook with up-to-date numismatic information.
   
   Best of the best in the area of numismatics have contributed to this volume, the most notable, respected, knowledgeable and distinguished numismatist were consulted for the 61th edition.
   
   165 plus prominent coin collectors auctioneers, and museums contributed directly to the 2009 Red Book Guide, Bressett, Jeff Garrett, Tom Hallenbeck, Steve Contursi, Ira & Larry Goldberg, Bill Fivaz, David Akers, Silvano DiGenova, the Smithsonian Institution, Heritage Galleries, the ANA money museum, Stack's Rare Coins, Superior Galleries, the United States Mint, and several dozens more.
   
   The guide has some problems, notable some errors occurred and as I mentioned earlier "All" prices guides without exception are outdated by the time is printed, mainly due to market conditions, collector interest, commodities volatility, speculators, currency value, supply & demand, among others.
   
   Numismatics is a hobby as any other do not expect a handsome return on your investment, at least not a monetary one. Have fun. Good luck.



3. This is a must be coin book for U.S. coin collectors. Very informative and much improved edition compare to the previous issues. I would highly recommend this to everyone collecting U.S. coins and its territories!

5 comments about Old-Fashioned Halloween Cards: 24 Cards.

1. I ordered this booklet of postcards for my boyfriend because he loves vinatge halloween postcards and other collectibles. I was surprised when I received this booklet because it has 6 pages with 4 postcards on each and they are perforated for easy removal and are very glossy. My only complaint is that I would want the postcards to be heavier stock i fear of them tearing or crumpling in the mail. I would recommend getting two of these books, one to tear out the cards and mail them to friends and family and the other to keep as a coffee table book. It will surely bring back memories of Halloween and keep your friends talking about old memories. I was very impressed with this buy as was my boyfriend. :-)I definetly recommend it!



2. These old-fashioned Halloween cards are spooktacular enough to make any recipient smile. A great way to say Happy Halloween in style!



3. If you like old fashioned Halloween graphics this book is for you. The format is made to allow you to tear out the cards. If you can bear to part with these gorgeous cards they can be send US mail. Or if you love Halloween as I do you will want to keep these to use as inspiration in costumes and perhaps decorating. Very pretty graphics.



4. I was thrilled when these arrived.
   They are so lovely I almost wish I had ordered another set to cut out and use while saving the other.
   The cards are a nice quality stock and have a shiny finish to them.
   The colors are bright and cheerful.
   I am beyond pleased.



5. 4 postcards per page, printed in beautiful rich color on heavy stock. perforations between cards - you will probably want to use a paper trimmer to get a nicer edge before using them. A nice variety of wonderful vintage halloween designs featuring children. great for postcards, or as decor!

4 comments about 2009 Standard Catalog Of World Coins 1901-2000 (Standard Catalog of World Coins).

1. For an amateur this is quite adequate as it contains most of the major coinages of the world. Due to the extensive coinage systems of the world's many countries, these "manuals" are now separated into blocks of years. It is worth the price.



2. 
   Excellent book. Best review of currant coins. In fact, it is the only in depth series I am aware of.



3. If you collect world coins, you need to purchase the Standard Catalog series from Krause Publications. The 20th Century book that I purchased came with a DVD. I kinda look at this as a "2 for 1" deal as the DVD has the same contents as the book. I noticed that the prices on some coins went up while others went down. With the DVD, I can look up countries almost as fast as the book (there will be some of you who will experience either fast finds or slow ones depending on your computer processing speed). Overall, I only hope that Krause will include DVD's in future editions.



4. This is a book a coin collector simply cannot live without. Over 2000 pages packed with information on coins. Obviously, there are better catalogues for specific periods or territories but none so comprehensive. At some point your collection will reach the level when other catalogues are necessary but when you decide to go beyond your local coinage there is no better start. If you really concentrate on some period or country, you will soon outgrow it. If you begin to broaden your numismatic horizons, this is your guide and you may need no other.
   This is a book like an old friend. You know his shortcomings (not all were corrected from previous editions, some chapters were made even worse - if you collect Belgian coins don't buy this issue - some coins are missing!), you know he is not really up-to-date (whatever he may claim), you know that he gets more and more forgetful every year, you know he can be terribly obstinate and stick to his mistakes for years. But you reach for him in need because, well, you haven't got a better friend.

No comments about 2009 Standard Catalog Of Baseball Cards (Standard Catalog of Baseball Cards).

5 comments about The Official U.S. Mint 50 State Quarters: Complete 100 Hole Collector's Folder, Complete Collection 1999-2008.

1. I recently purchased the Official U.S Mint 50 State Quarters folder for my grandson who has been collecting
   the quarters. The folder was exactly what he was looking for. It was certainly the right price and because it
   was "official" made it even more exciting for him to have.



2. I had a large coin book, but wanted the 100 hole for the 2 mints. This worked perfectly. It would have been nice to have them (D & P) side by side, but it folds up nicely, better than my last one. Yes, the quarters can be hard to place in the book, but for me, they stay put. I do not like the thin backing under the holes. I worry that if I push too hard, I might tear right through. I am still pleased with it, and have ordered several. It has made the quarter collecting more fun.



3. this is an excellent book to keep your state quarters in , a very nice folder showing both p asnd d mints- well made.



4. It is not a hard cover like it said it is. Philidelpia mints are on one side and Denver on another. I would have like to have seen the two mints together. Otherwise, coins fit in slots great and has interesting facts to read on the interior cover.



5. Wow, great fun as a little project with my daughter to teach them about saving and collecting.

5 comments about Renovating Old Houses: Bringing New Life to Vintage Homes.

1. If you have an old house, then you should own this book. Perhaps you don't want to tackle the problems of owning an old house yourself, but hire out instead. If that's true you should still read this book. You'll be more informed and know what the repairs might entail and what questions to ask your contractor. I use this book as a guide for my own repairs and its been invaluable. Simple, clear illustrations of what's inside the walls of an old home is very handy!



2. First things first.... This is not a fix-it book for the average homeowner. It is a renovation guide for older homes and covers everything from stone foundations to slate roofs and provides whole slew of major structural repair information. So if you are wanting to learn simple home repairs, like fixing a leaky faucet or quieting a squeaky floor you would do better to look elsewhere.
   
   My first house was built in the 1890s and because I was very young and didn't know anything about how old houses were constructed, the construction behind those plaster walls, in the basement and attic looked shoddy to my uneducated eyes but it didn't matter to me, I was just grateful to be a home owner. My father told me this is how real craftsmen built homes during that era. He added: "Son, this house will be around and doing just fine LONG after you are gone!"
   
   Even though I old that old house a long time ago, when I saw this book I knew I just had to have it. It takes a look behind the scenes of old houses and shows how they are broght back to their past glory no matter how much neglect they have suffered. Whether you currrently own an old house, previously owned an old house or just have an interest in construction methods of eras long ago, this book is perfect for your bookshelf!



3. Mr. Nash has written a wonderfully detailed and informative book that, I feel, is a must-own for anyone who owns or is looking to purchase an old house.
   
   As someone who grew up in the building trade, I found my how-to construction and woodworking knowledge incomplete when my wife and I recently purchased our 1884 Victorian home. This book provided exactly the information I need to understand and recognize the challenges I will face when I perform the renovation. Since approximately 1950, homes have pretty much been built the same which is where my experience lies. But old houses were built in a different way, with different materials, and incorporated much different ornamentation and detail than modern homes. This book explains those differences and offers a myriad of excellent suggestion on how to bring old homes up to modern house standards.
   
   Each owner of an old house has the same questions to answer, such as whether to repair or replace the original windows, whether to repair or replace the plaster walls, how to best increase insulation of the house without creating moisture issues, how to determine the state of the electrical and plumbing, etc. This book discusses each one of these issues, presenting the pros and cons of any decision in a way that is very informative and easily understood.
   
   Though the author's experience and many of the examples given in this book seem to be based in the upper north-east regions, I found very little that was not applicable to my southern-Missouri residence. I may not have to worry much about frost heave on my cellar walls, but moisture is an issue where I will be taking many of Mr. Nash's recommendations to heart, especially his "Ground Roof" option which I have not encountered before.
   
   All in all, this book will give those new to home renovation much needed information on how to recognize and deal with most all problems that will be encountered during a renovation, and will provide those who already have renovation knowledge additional concepts and tools to solve issues that are more prevalent to an old house.



4. This book is much like 'How to Keep Your Volkswagon Alive Forever', in the sense that yes, it is a how-to book. However, it is also a guide; not just to renovation/restoration but also to yourself: are you, like Nash, the die-hard romantic, the perpetually patient, are you - as Nash puts it- "..a peculiar kind of maniac who is one part ability, one part inventiveness, two parts determination, three parts romanticism, and six parts damn foolishness."?
   If you just stood up, proudly, and yelled YES! with your fist high in the air (or at least in your mind, you did), or if you want to be, or know someone who is, or want to make sure the world is never bereft of these fine old houses (and full of soul-less tract homes and 'live-work' lofts), then do not hesitate one dang-gone second- buy this book. buy two, so when the first is covered in saw dust, concrete drips, laquer and stain; you (or others) can still go home and read Nash's superb writing.



5. My review is based on information from others who have this book. They say it is well written and quite helpful. It is a Christmas gift for someone else and therefore I have not personally looked at it.

5 comments about 500 Tiles: An Inspiring Collection of International Work (500 Series).

1. Great book - great price. Gave me lots of ideas for my own projects. I was able to create original works using similar ideas to those others had made.



2. EXCELLENT review of many techniques, styles and approaches to clay tiles. Well presented with very good reproduction. A great addition to any potter or artists library. Expanded technical data would make this edition even better, but I still rate it a "9"...



3. This book is a bounty of styles and artistic ideas for what tiles could and may become, with an open mind and some creative techniques. As a beginning ceramicist, this is exactly the sort of thing I was looking for; as I wanted to break out of the traditional 4x4 square and make something wholly unconventional. I wasn't sure if my ideas would work, but after seeing what others have done I am inspired to make my dreams a reality. Thanks to books like these, I can let my imagination run wild and my only limit will be time and creativity.



4. Among the very best of the Lark Books "500" series. Brilliant color and design, not limited to traditional tiles and encouraging to the artist craftsman.



5. I must agree with the previous reviewers, the work in this volume certainly merits "Inspiring" being in the title.
   
   As the juror states in the book's introduction, so much of the fun of this book is seeing the widely varied approaches the artists have taken with this format: figurative, abstract, painterly, sculptural, small-scale, architectural.
   
   Full disclosure: my work is also included (p 409), and I am honored to have been selected and published next to so many visionary artists.
   
   What a pleasure it has been to explore the works contained here, some by artists I know personally, or by reputation, and still others I am encountering for the first time. Highly recommended!

5 comments about Bead Romantique: Elegant Beadweaving Designs.

1. The book had nice designs, but a lot of variations of the same thing. Not what I expected from this author.



2. I am a beginner in jewelry making, and at this point unsure which part of it to specialize on (I am leaning towards wireworking, but this book looked too beautiful to pass up). This book has so many gorgeous pieces that you can easily customize as you get better. It is definitely a bit of a challenge for a beginner, but with a bit of patience and research, I think you will be proud of what you can accomplish with this book.



3. I would recommend this book to all beaders, if only for the eye candy. The jewelry is amazing and the photography is fantastic. I haven't made anything from the patterns as yet, but they look to be very well written and sensible.



4. I am as addicted to books as I am to beading! Two of my favorite books are by Carol Wilcox Wells and though I have purchased many books since hers have been published, this is the first I would rank as highly as I rank hers. It is filled with inspiring, beautiful, and most importantly, ORIGINAL designs. It is a book that is a wonderful addition to an intermediate to advanced beader's library. The projects are fun to create and the directions are clear and easy to follow. I liked this book so much I bought 3 more to "gift" my beading friends with!!



5. The theme of the book is romantic, almost Victorian looking pieces. Most of the supplies called for are really easy to find in local bead stores, and the rest can be found searching online.
   The beginning of the book has some basic information about the supplies used, including what the author likes and dislikes about some threads and needles, and what the best application is for them.
   Then you get into the rest of the book, the projects. They are stunning. They range from very easy and elegant chain and wirework projects, simple beadwoven projects with some lovely surface embellishment, and then some incredibly dramatic looking bead woven pieces. The color photographs are inspiring and the instructions and diagrams are very well written. Many of the projects are meant for the intermediate beader.
   Don't be daunted though, the back of the book has stitch diagrams, and the text of each project is well written step by step.
   My favorite thing about the projects is that a few of them combine techniques. Chain as an accent on a beadwoven necklace for example. Some of her designs are completely unexpected pairings of techniques and beads that turn out looking amazing.
   Like I said, most supplies can be found easily at a good local bead store, and some projects are entirely made of easily found supplies, which is always nice in a book like this. The V Scallop necklace for example, you may have all the supplies you need on hand, or be inspired by it to make something similar with the supplies you do have on hand.
   My personal favorite project in the whole book is the intricate motif constructed Victorian Diamond Cuff. It looks difficult, but it's actually made of diamond shaped motifs that look easy enough one at a time.
   If you're an intermediate beader looking for inspiration and ideas, or a beginning beader looking for a challenge, I recommend this book.

5 comments about Your Guide to Cemetery Research.

1. I love this book. Helpful for the geneaologist as well as the cemetery lover. Great tips on preserving tombstones, care of them, and researching those interred. Very helpful.



2. This book on tombstone research isn't perfect.Yet,it is one of the most popular and facilitative ones around.The design styles and marking patterns reveal much about when the stone was cut and their popularity for their day.In the old days,cemeteries were places were the family gathered for Sunday picnics and honored the lives of their forefathers.Inscriptions were witticisms and caveats to living,reminders for the mourners.God's acre ,the final resting place for the deceased.This book offers the reader great insight into what the novice researcher should look for.The meanings behind the symbols.Among stonecutters of yesteryear,their was an understood secretive code for the intombed and interred. For example,a 'lamb' indicated the passing of a child and with a 'half-moon' indicated it was a second-bourne child.Another example,upside-down torches connoted a ceasation of a family line,with no further namesake to carry the surname.Hour-glasses and skull headstones were popular during the seventeenth century,and has a renaissance of popularity among some of today's taphaphiles.Many of the headstones of twentith century became rather mundane.With the linear belief of modern monotheistic mankind,an after-life or the idea of rebirth, was seen as nonsense.Elaborate tombstones and sepulchral sarcophaguses are still the best way to honor the lives of the parted and praise for the good.These cenotaphs for the missing perished ones,bone-chambers of the deceased and grave-plaques of the buried; are earthly reminders of "who" our ancestors were before us.This book is one of the best to help the living ,respectfully chart and navigate around the addresses of the hallowed necropolis.



3. This is the book I recommend to everyone who takes my Cemetery Art classes. There is information on how to use cemeteries as research, how to research cemeteries, how to perform gravestone rubbings properly, how to even make a cast of a gravestone, gravestone symbolism and so much more. It's the best book on cemetery research I've come across. Sharon's writing is friendly and inviting. This is a MUST!



4. Your Guide to Cemetery Research is clearly written and comprehensive. It is an important tool for the geneologist or historian and includes many resource materials. It will be valuable to me in writing a series of articles on an important historical cemetery. Clear and cogent writing.



5. Very complete and informative. Good list of sources to look for information.

1 comments about Standard Catalog Of Lionel Trains, 1970-2000 (Standard Catalog of Lionel Trains 1970-2000).

1. This book is a huge disappointment. What a letdown after the first two volumes in this series. This third volume amounts to nothing more than a photo album. Beyond the item number and name of the item, there is virtually no text accompanying the photos. A value guide is also included for each item. There is not even a photo for some items, just the item number and name of item. While I recognize that this must have been a huge undertaking, it would have been better to break it down into several volumes and include more information. There is a Greenberg Guide covering the Kughn era from 1987 - 1995. A volume covering 1970 - 1986, and another covering 1995 - 2000 or 2005 that actually contains some information would have been much better. Save your money and use the Greenberg pocket price guides.