1 comments about Matchbox Toys 1947-2007: Identification & Value Guide (Matchbox Toys).

1. Newly released September 2008, this comprehensive guide lists Matchbox toys alphabetically by model name, and cross-references alternate names for easy searching. Includes regular series as well as larger Matchbox toys.

5 comments about Tactical Pistol: Advanced Gunfighting Concepts And Techniques.

1. Suarez is both experienced and opinionated, and this is his best book on using pistols. It is well written, and decently illustrated. The author covers a very wide range of topics, from basics of grip, aiming, loading, etc, to tactical movement in different situations, mental states, anatomy and shot placement, what have you. The book is older than some of the others on the market, and Suarez's own training and practices have moved on (i.e. he no longer insists that larger caliber is better etc). That said, the book is a great starting point from where to learn the basics and then refer to it over time for specific skills and situations. Newer books by Suarez and other authors can then serve to fill in any gaps or for more advanced topics. In my humble opinion this is the most complete and best book by Suarez, and the first one of his you should consider getting.



2. very very good. Interesting book from somebody who has been there, done it and is still there.



3. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in learning shooting from the ground up. Suarez takes a hard stance on technique and ideology in his first book, however the follow on series hits the mark.
   
   Suarez appears to speak from experience, is definitely a focused shooter, and puts the reader in a frame of mind that is engineered towards combat effectiveness.
   
   Some might find the intensity of attitude off putting but the knowledge provided far out weights the aformentioned intensity.
   
   I would definitely recommend this book, along with several others as an addition to a shooters library.



4. The author knows his stuff and presents it in a clear, logical manner. He's a regular cop, not some champion marksman that names all sorts of techniques after himself, like the "Suarez Squat Shot", like some other shooting authors do.



5. This book should be required reading for anyone looking to use a handgun in a self defense manner. Whether you have your pistol in the bedside table drawer, or carry every day, if you intend to defend your life, and those of your family this book is a must read! Mr. Suarez knows his topic. The Tactical Rifle and The Tactical Shotgun should also be on your list.

4 comments about The Codex Nuttall.

1. El códice Nuttall es uno de los varios códices mixtecos que resaltan por su belleza y maestría de la composición.

   Pero son más que simples representaciones. Son una forma de escritura, que aún no se ha terminado de descifrar del todo. No sólo inspiran creación artística, sino también constituyen un legado cultural de nuestros antepasados; en ellos se plasmaron sus conocimientos históricos, medicinales, matemáticos, astronómicos, literarios, etc.




2. This is an interesting reproduction of the original document that is now kept in the British Museum. Essentially it is a historical geneological representation of the Mixtec kings lineage from 838 A.D. to 1330 A.D. Most of the information centers around the great military and political hero 8-Deer Tiger Claw. The Codex Nuttall is very difficult to understand and very little explanation of each plate is given. On the flip side, the pictures if studied carefully, are quite revealing and graphic in nature. As Meso-American art it is a wonderful depiction of Mixtex kings and their lives. The colors are true to the originals and rich with hues of red, brown and green mostly. This is a good book for anyone intersted in Meso-American art, either to reproduce or inspire to create something new borrowed from something old. As an archeological artifact it is a superb collection of drawings that inform as well as visually entertain. If you're into Pre-Columbian life in Mexico or want to learn more about the ancient civilizations that existed, this is a book for your collection.



3. I'm sorry if this confuses you but this book is actually a Mixtec manuscript, not Maya. In the edition I read, the colors are not as good as the reconstruction of the Codex Borgia. The Zouche Nutall codex contains stories of Mixtec towns and persons. The most interesting one is the story of Eight-deer. This books is a wonderful source of information for those interested in Archeology, Art, or simply curious



4. The Codex Nuttall is a graphical transcription of Mayan hieroglyph of uncomparable beauty and emotional impact. The original is exposed at the Peabody Museum; in the book is depicted with hi-fidelity colors and printed on quality white paper. It results very close to the original and better than photographic reproductions available. It is indispensable for all that works with design so as painters, architects, tattoonists.... But it is a powerful tool for who are interested to know about the magical simbolism of the Ancient Mexicans.

   Stefano Bianca designer musician inventor

5 comments about Collectible Costume Jewelry: Identification & Values.

1. Collectible Costume Jewelry: Identification & Values
   I highly recommend this book for the novice collector. This is the first book that I purchased when I began my collection and I still refer back to it. The photographs are vibrant and detailed. The book also has an easy reference guide of jewelry designers and their time frames. A brief history is provided on the costume jewelry industry along with copies of old advertisements. This book helps make collecting fun and exciting.



2. After years of selling on eBay and teaching eBay selling skills for my community's adult education program, I decided to try my hand at buying vintage jewelry on eBay. Armed only with my personal taste in what looked pretty, a few name brands I recognized, and what was affordable, I started buying. When I saw a book on vintage jewelry collecting up for auction on eBay, I decided to research the book on Amazon before bidding. While the reviews were negative, Amazon displayed an array of similar books and voila! I chose this one to begin my education in jewelry collecting. What a great choice for my needs! Special features of this book include a charming introduction about author Cherri Simond's own collecting history, hundreds of beautifully sharp color photos of jewelry with approximate dollar value as of 2005, jewelry designer/maker brand logos, jewelry terminology, and history of major jewelry designers and companies. With prices of everything fluctuating so dramatically today, the 2005 prices in this book are still a good ballpark for suggested comparative value. I learned about major designers whose pieces I now seek, the delicacies of storing and cleaning vintage pieces, and how glamorous high-end costume can be! I keep the book on my computer table and refer to it daily when checking eBay auctions. I recommend this book for other newbies like me - as well as anyone who enjoys "pretty picture books". We can dream, can't we!



3. This is a really good book from Cherri Simonds who knows good vintage jewelry, and shares her wealth of knowledge with the rest of us. The photos are very clear, and there are some excellent examples of the very best in vintage and costume collectibles. In addition, she has a section on identifications of designers and manufacturers which is always helpful if you are in the business of buying and selling. There are many examples of the old advertisements, which are great to learn what was popular during the past decades. The only thing missing in this great work is the flip side photos of all of the works, which I suppose would have made the book far to bulky and expensive. If you are a collector, this is a great addition to your reference library.



4. I bought this book for my grandmother who is a serious pin collector. She has hundreds, if not thousands, of pins! She loves this book and references it often in identifying pins, etc.



5. Wonderful photographs wide range of designers as well as some unsigned pieces. The only issue I have with the book is the value guide is a bit out dated. (book released in 1997! Almost vintage it self!)
   But it will give you a good idea of a value range. The market goes up and down and I am certian this was written when it was up, with today's gas issue the same pieces do and will sell for much less, as I have seen on eBay. The Florenza pieces in the book have a low value and I've seen the prices so much higher than what is marked this book. It does give you a good idea though.
   There is a great varity of types from rhinestone necklaces to bakelite clips to compacts and a few copper pieces. Demis, full parures, broochs, bracelets.. Very well done book.
   Apparently I got a "Library" copy that was dog eared and marked up inside, but all in all I am happy with this book and suggest it to all collectors.

4 comments about To Have and To Hold.

1. 
   In this excellent book,Philipp Bloom tackles a subject that knows no bounds.Anyone who has been a collector of anything knows what a madness collecting can become. Blom covers the subject from the earliest days ,when the idea of collecting was only something that was in the world of the extremely rich and powerful;and covers how through history it has changed to become a pursuit by anyone and at any level;and with the objects being collected being endless.
   Over and over again ,throughout the book ;we see that no matter how great and extensive a collection is;the owner of the collection must face the reality of death,and the collection of objects must pass on as well.The book is loaded with maxims that apply to all collecting;
   
   Just a couple are;
   
   "In order to take objects out of circulation or to devote oneself to finding useless things,one has to be able to afford the time and resources to do so."
   
   "The most important object of a collection is the next one."
   
   "Whatever we collect,we have to kill."
   
   "Can one be a collector without collecting?"
   
   "Show me your library and I'll tell you who you are."
   
   "Every passion borders on chaos,that of the collector on the chaos of memory."
   
   "Those who own more find dying harder."
   
   Reading this book is somewhat like visiting "The Smithonion";but only having a couple of hours to do so.It is well written,so it is still a pleasure.It is filled with interesting stories,unbelievable pursuits,amazingly addicted people,and something new,interesting and different on every page.
   In the last 200 years,collecting has changed so much that it is something that can ,and is, taken up by the "common man" There are no rules and no limits as to what can be collected;and the only limits are time and imagination. Of course,money can be an issue,but not a necessity.
   One of my favorite books is "Cadallac Jack" by Larry McMurtry,about an antique buyer and collections in the southern United States.It is filled with eccentric collectors.Imagine a collector in Texas who filled his house with bird nests. A great read for any collector.
   I have collected several things over the years.Stamps,in my youth.Rocks,Minerals and Fossils,Puzzles,Yo-Yo's,and of course books. I retired at 56,and my "collections" give me endless enjoyment.
   I think the thing that is most thoughtful about this book is the question "Can one be a collector without collecting?" Many people build collections such as playing different golf courses,visiting different countries,sport events,etc. I am also an avid Birdwatcher.I have seen 598 different birds in North America. We call that a "life List" and it is as much a personal collection as someone who attempts to the most World Series or any other events. I consdider my Bird Life List just as much of a collection as my other collections.
   Blom has also included copious notes that give the reader a wealth of references if he wants to dig deeper into subjects he mentions in the book.



2. This is a book that takes you on a fascinating journey, is an enjoyable read and is also historically well-researched, so it can therefore be used by the student or academic as a useful reference. I came upon it quite by accident but now find it a very useful addition to my bookshelf. The story of the Ashmolean Museum's foundation was one of my particular favourites and really made my blood boil! Such stories are not often told about museum collections! I take my hat off to the author!



3. At first I thought this was going to be a survey of some eccentric collectors in history, on which is does not disappoint, but it turns out to be a lot richer and contain some real pearls of wisdom about life in general, and flashes of historical insight.
   
   Reading through the chapters of this book was a lot like rummaging through a private collectors cabinet of curiosities. The chapter titles alone don't provide direction and only after a few pages does it begin to reveal its treasure. Chapters cover aspects of collecting as diverse as: people who collected experiences with women (Casanova), the collecting of body parts (religious relics), collecting memories, American billionaires who bought up European heritage (JP Morgan, Hearst), collectors of mass-produced items (milk bottles, food wrappers), Princes and Kings such as Rudolf of Hapsburg (17th C) who filled his castle with the worlds greatest collections and slowly went mad, collecting as a madness, as a substitute for love, as a form of autism, as psychology, as crime - and in the end, as a warning to all those who take it too far.



4. Absorbing and beautifully written, with a great bibliography to lead you on in your travels through this fascinating genre. Blom does for the general subject of collecting what Basbanes did for bibliophilia in A Gentle Madness. Well worth the read.

5 comments about Turquoise Unearthed: An Illustrated Guide (Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones).

1. If you are a lover of turquoise jewelry, this book is a must. Before you waste money buying reconstituted, stablized or totally 'fake turquoise'...learn about the stone and how it is processed. Also the book is cheaper on Amazon than from the author's museum website.



2. THIS BOOK OFFERS ALL THE INFORMATION YOU WILL EVER NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TURQUOISE. I LOVE BROWSING THROUGH IT AND KEEP IT ON MY COFFEE TABLE. ANYONE WHO HAS A LOVE OR DESIRES A KNOWLEDGE OF TURQUOISE WILL ENJOY THIS BOOK. A MUST FOR THE COLLECTOR!! YOU WILL NEVER AGAIN BUY A PIECE OF TURQUOISE WITHOUT KNOWING WHERE IT ORIGINATED FROM.



3. "Turquoise Unearthed" in a brief but thorough introduction to turquoise that would be suitable for anyone interested in turquoise and turquoise jewellery. Although only 74 pages in length, this book is packed full of information, including a history of turquoise, advice on purchasing turquoise, and a guide to the different turquoise mines in the American South-West. There are colour pictures throughout the book, including colour photographs of the turquoise you would find in each of the mines (yes, turquoise does differ between mines); a recommended reading list at the end; and most importantly, it actually has an index. The only thing that could have made this book better would be some sort of pricing guide. Nevertheless, this is still an excellent book and well worth the money I paid.



4. This book has helped me to identify several pieces I have that I have
   been wondering about. It has helped me to be able to differentiate
   between the real thing and the fake.



5. Turquoise Unearthed is a well written, very useful guide to this most attractive of minerals. The organization by site or mine is helpful to those with Native American jewelry from different sources. This reader found a number of long standing interests and questions satisfied. A small volume, but a "keeper".

5 comments about Miriam Haskell Jewelry (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. Book was purchased as a gift for my mother. Arrived on time, in great condition as it was listed. There was a small tear on the cover - but it was listed this way so it was what I was expecting. I just taped it up! She won't mind as she will be delighted with the book.



2. Let me first say that I have a ton of vintage jewelry in my personal collection and I also sell it in our family owned antique store. I purchased this book and read it from cover to cover. WOWOW, what a great book. So much great information and easy to read. These girls did a wonderful job in the layout of this beautful book. The pictures to say the least are all stunning and really show up great in their book.
   I would recommend this book to anyone that has ANY kind of interest in vintage jewelry. This book really explains how different designers tried to copy the Haskell style. Great reference on how to date pieces and also identify key Haskell style trademarks.
   Thanks for a wondeful book!



3. Serious collectors must have this book on their shelf. Close-up photographs show the jewelry's intricate designs in detail.



4. This is a fantastic resource book for the Vintage Jewelry Collector or Seller. It is wonderfully organized & beautifully illustrated with many large color pictures. The descriptions are concise & precise. Values are given after each description.
   There is also a wonderful & informative section on Identifying & Dating Haskell Jewelry~vintage to present~including clasps & materials. This section also has clear close-up photographs.
   I feel it is an invaluable tool for the serious collector. And well worth the investment!



5. Dealing with jewelry is both to me, profession and hobby. So I also like reading books about the stuff I love, and this one really got past my expectations. It helps getting insight not only in a really interesting branch of the jewelry business, but tells also about the people behind the design. At the same time, the author manages to give a helpful guide to the ambitioned collector of that kind. The book reminds one how much fun it is to create and wear exceptional pieces and tells some stories that are connected with those. The pictures are magnificent. This book is motivation for new ideas and simply fun to read.

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.

4 comments about Hex Signs: Pennsylvania Dutch Barn Symbols & Their Meaning.

1. Didn't have nearly as much information about the history and evolution of the Hex Sign as I expected. It also didn't have very many pictures as expected of these beautiful symbols and important piece of history. Good book but, could have definitely been more.



2. This little gudie is great if you are interested in the Pow Wow practice of Pennsylvania Dutch hexerei. Though these writers are interested in the cultural and commercial aspects of the barn hexes, they do offer an introductory discussion of the hex marks and a brief history of its appearance in teh New World. Totally worth your time to peruse and worth your money to have



3. The authors take a pragmatic approach to the subject of the many round decorations that have graced barns and homes of Pennsylvania for hundreds of years. Especially among Pennsylvanians of "Deutch" or German ancestry, the fancy round "hex signs" are a cultural identification as well a decoration for their barns. Perhaps these signs also have magickal meaning as a ward or protection. The term "hex" means a magic spell in German, and "hexen" means witch. The authors shy away somewhat from a serious inquiry into the magickal meanings and efficacy of protection hexes. They do offer a collection of good photos of many old and new signs, interviews with current painters and discussion of those available commercially.



4. "It is an excellent book on history of Pa.Dutch Hex Signs" Colorful and very informative!

2 comments about Warman's Antiques & Collectibles 2009 Price Guide (Warman's Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide).

1. Great book great color illustrations. Easy to follow guide. would buy again was a great price!



2. Even with the discounted price, the book is a shear disappointment. It is basically a promotion for other collector books. The revised format should be totally discarded in favor of the old format.