3 comments about Cleaning Up for a Living.

1. I've read MANY how to start a cleaning business books and this is the best I have ever read. He gives pointers about bidding jobs for residential AND commercial contracts.Tells you how to go about getting business, some of the ways will surprise you.This is just what I was looking for. Pair this with Mr Aslett's Professional Cleaners Personal Handbook and even an experienced cleaner will benefit.



2. Don Aslett covers many of the major points that anyone who wants to start a business should consider. He has obviously gained a thorough knowledge of the subject through many years of practical experience in the business. As a cleaning contractor who started in the same way as Don I disagree with some of his views regarding hiring and motivating staff although this may because of the different countries where we work (Reviewer resides in the UK). He advises buying products from local suppliers in order to recieve a good reliable service. This is always more expensive for the contractor and does not guarantee good service.His points regarding overspending on items such as vehicles etc is well founded and his advice is generally sound. It is an interesting read although to gain more knowledge on the subject an aspiring cleaner/entreprenuer will need to know much more about the subject before considering embarking on a cleaning career and setting themselves loose on an unwary public. He has covered the subject in other books he has written and this may be found there. All things considered his book is readable and quite informative and generally quite good value for your dollar.



3. While the book does give a lot of valuable info to one starting out in the service business, it is not explained in enough detail. It leavea me with a lot of questions that I still can't find answers for. It should be followed by a book that will provide the answers to the serious minded service person. J. J. Robinson Virgin

2 comments about Great Fashion Designs of the Fifties Paper Dolls in Full Color: 30 Haute Couture Costumes by Dior, Balenciaga and Others.

1. I have loved the Tom Tierney books for some time. When I am directing a new play I use his books as reference materials quite often because the images are so easy to see, and really help me to find the right language when I start working with the costumer. This particular book, with its wider range of featured designers and very different looks, is especially nice. The only con, and it is a small one, is that the paper doll forms seem to be somewhat smaller than the forms in some of his other books. Still, an overall wonderful book!



2. This is one of my favorite Tom Tierney paper doll books. The dolls look as if they've stepped straight from a 1950-s magazine, and the outfits are beautifully drawn. The detail is especially lovely on the lace gowns and the colors throughout are superb.
   The outfits chosen for the book are a great summary of the wardrobe of an elegant, wealthy woman of the fifties. The only items which should have been included but weren't are bathing suits and draped evening dresses.

5 comments about Secrets to Collecting Jewelry: How to Buy More for Less.

1. The author makes this book a very easy and fun read for novice collectors. This is a must have if you are new to collecting jewelry. There are a lot of useful facts and a list of companies that have made famous costume jewelry over the years along with their years of production. Some of the definitions are basic, but perfect for new collectors. The book itself is being offered at a nice low price unlike a lot of other collector books.



2. This book is one that I normally wouldn't have purchased because I already have a large library of jewelry reference books. It doesn't have a lot of pretty pictures. It has just enough. It's not big and heavy and it doesn't make me look like an intellectual. It just clearly and simply pictures and defines all those little parts and pieces (or findings and settings, for the purists) of jewelry. And it's small enough to fit in my purse. I constantly find myself running back to this particular book for the correct term or the correct spelling. Why?
   
   Well, there's a very simple reason why Leigh Leshner's Secrets to Collecting Costume Jewelry has become the most useful book in my library. It's simply the fact that the book so well laid out and so easy to use that it's always the first thing I reach for.
   
   Leshner begins with a general discussion of collecting costume jewelry, including where to buy, tools, and some helpful hints and secrets. She manages to wrap up her expertise of years of collecting in less than 40 well written and easily read pages. If you know absolutely nothing about collecting costume jewelry you can't go wrong with her advice.
   
   She spends the next portion of the book delineating the era's of costume jewelry beginning with Victorian times. Although she only illustrates these era's with one or two pieces of jewelry, she has somehow managed to select the most perfect and typical example of each.
   
   From the discussion of eras she moves on to the discussion of manufacturing and techniques used to create different types of jewelry. She gives excellent examples of enameling techniques, shapes of rhinestones and types of findings that our commonly (and uncommonly!) used in costume jewelry. Each has item has one of two small pictures that make identification easy.
   
   The final portion of the book include definitions "Specific types of Jewelry, Materials and Styles". There she defines and gives examples of such items as duettes, sautoirs and prison rings. It's most useful when you come across that oddball piece and you'd love to know what it is.
   
   There's lots more in the book to enjoy, but as a basic reference book it can't be beat!
   
   Dawnjewels



3. My husband picked this up at a discount store on a whim and what a find it was! Great information, great photos, helpful index, very well organized. Author is truly an expert.



4. This is a good book for beginners. It is really an overview. The information is well organized with a table of contents and index so the reader can find the answer to most queries. This book is similar to How To Be a Jewelry Detective although, Secrets has better photography and higher production values. The title promises Secrets and How to Buy More For Less. I am not sure that these claims can be supported.
   
   There is good section on findings. For example, did I buy a fur clip or a dress clip? Secrets to Collecting Jewelry includes clear photos of findings so the curious reader can discover the difference. Another question that pops up monthly on one of the online jewelry forums I belong to is answered here with more clear photos, "What are those quirky ear findings, they can't possibly be for pierced ears!?!". Yes, there is a photo of those quirky wing back ear findings.
   
   There is a section is called Examples of Specific Types of Jewelry, Materials and Styles or what I would call an illustrated glossary. It is thorough from applejuice bakelite to watch pin. There are some really interesting and unique inclusions such as Prison Rings, Book Chains, Kum-a-Part cufflinks, Negligee Necklaces and more. But some inclusions are silly such as a photo of leather and satin and suede cord! Not really necessary even for a rank beginner.
   
   Secrets to Collecting Jewelry has a notable section on Bakelite and Plastic Jewelry the photography is compelling and the pieces selected are lovely.
   
   This review also appears on Jewelry Ring an on-line community for costume jewelry collectors



5. This book is THE textbook you would use if you took a course in collecting vintage jewelry. Leigh gives a definition and then shows you exactly what she is talking about, and she has made this learning interesting and easy. It is great for novice collectors, but even better for brand new collectors.

5 comments about Warman's Costume Jewelry Figurals: Identification and Price Guide (Warman's).

1. When I saw the picture on the cover of the Sterling Cleopatra brooch I knew this book was something special, I ordered it from Amazon and I was not disappointed. Well thought out, RESEARCHED information on jewelry pieces and companies,based on fact not author opinion, unusual brooches that wanted me to email the author and ask her where she shopped and did she need someone to hold her bags! Best of all? No cruddy 1990's yard sale items with over-inflated values.
   This book truly was a breath of fresh air when it comes to the subject of costume jewelry, informative, to the point, and realistic! Kudos!



2. Kathy Flood has a history of collecting figural pins and extensive knowledge of them. The book is delightful and very informative as well as very colorful and easy to read. There are so many items in this book that are rare and unusual, you will enjoy reading it. A must have, for a true collector or even a novice wanting to learn about the subject.



3. Warman's Costume Jewelry Figurals: Identification and Price Guide (Warman's) (Paperback)
   
   I have dealt with Kathy for quite some time and have found her to be extremely knowledgeable about anything regarding pins. She and I converse quite frequently about Christmas tree pins and I have found her to be a true authority on all things "pin". This book is an example of her knowledge and expertise. I highly recommend it to anyone from novice to avid collector. The photography adds to its appeal. Take my word for it this is a great book. Carol Stolworthy



4. As a long time collector of costume jewelry, figurals among my favorites, I have many guide books and was thoroughly pleased to find when I finally sat down to really read this book how well researched the material was and what a gifted writer Kathy is.
   The price ranges are realistic and the variety of figurals featured as well as Kathy's obvious love of her subject will surely prime you to start "the hunt" as soon as possible.



5. Before purchasing this book I had heard from others about its contents and it did not disappoint. There is a lot of information and a whole lot of wonderful costume jewelry ---- wide range of subjects and makers. All in all a very good book if you like figural jewelry.

5 comments about Antique Maps.

1. This book may be informative but if you are looking for color antique maps, this book will certainly disappoint you.



2. A nice book! Well-writen and there is a lot of substance here. This is a very useful reference book, and although a bit weak in the maps of the 19th century (especially maps of America interest), it is overall worthwhile and a good source of old map information.



3. If you must own one book on Antique Maps, this is the one. Bannister & Moreland bring an insightful appreciation of the subject; both in general terms and for the specicivity of a collector. Filled with important details of the major cartographers ;it executes this with a brevity other resource authors should emulate. The information is crisp,readable, and informative without weighting down in anecdotal ephemera so common to works of this sort. Other resource and academic authorities should note the format when attempting a guide to their subject[s]. Highly reccomeneded. As an ex-retail map dealer it was my bible in aiding authentification and fair market value. An invaluable tool to the serious collector and professional; and a highly organized book on cartography for the general reading public.



4. This is a first class introduction to the subject of antique maps. I have over 700 books on the topic in my personal library and I often return to this book to brush up on a cartographer, region, or a particular map. Bannister is an internationally respected dealer and expert on the subject. Do not get distracted by cowardly comments and reviews by someone afraid to leave their name. I regularly recommend this book to those who want to read ONE book on antique maps.



5. This is a disgrace... don't waste your money

5 comments about Batman: The Complete History.

1. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. As a Batman fan, I found it very interesting reading about the history of my favourite superhero - from the way he was created, through various evolutions over the years, and how he (and his comics in general) have developed into the modern style that I am most familiar with.
   
   There are plenty of pictures which are great, and help to illustrate the changes that batman has gone through.
   
   A few slight criticisms though: First, the amount of book dedicated to each era of batman seems disproportionate. As expected, there is a great deal dedicated to his origins and early days, and quite a bit on the campy batman of the 1960s TV show, however there seems to be far less focussing on the way he evolved into the modern batman, and his modern appearances. Specifically, the movies of Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher receive little more than a passing mention, when they could have been fleshed out much more to explain the Dark Knight's successes onscreen.
   
   Also, be aware that this book was written in 1999, and as such is almost a decade out of date in terms of Batman's recent appearances - the most obvious that I would have liked to hear about was the new imagining of batman for Batman Begins etc. However, this is not a fault of the book, but merely of time - but it is best to keep in mind that it is no longer a 'complete' history of Batman.
   
   All in all though, an excellent book for the Batman fan, or anyone with an interest in superheroes or the comic book industry.



2. 
   This book is very thick, nicely done, and chock full of -Holy History Museum, Batman!- lots of amazing photos and comics. It tells you everything you ever wanted to know about Batman. If Bat-History were to be a subject in school, this would be the book in all the desks.
   
   The reason that I only gave it four stars is because there is one very sick-minded and disgusting comic towards the back of the book, that's all about man/woman stuff that no kid should be reading. I tore it out as soon as I saw it, because it's a flaw in this otherwise amazing and beautifully constructed book on the Dark Knight. Also, go through this book with a black marker before giving it as a gift- there are some pictures in it of women who need to learn how to dress themselves better!
   
   All in all, a PRICELESS volume.



3. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Les Daniel's history of the Batman concept as expressed in comic books and strips, television shows (animated and live action) and movies. As a young child I took great delight in the Adam West TV show--blissfully unaware of how really campy it was--the comic books, of course, and all of the Batman paraphernalia that was available in the 1960s. I picked up this book for nostalgia's sake, and did not expect it to be a very sophisticated treatment of the subject. It just looked visually like a lot of fun.
   
   So, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Daniels takes his subject very seriously indeed. He plumbs the cultural antecedents of the Batman concept, and describes its realization in the comic book. He meticulously details the process in which the comic book stories and art for Batman were accomplished over the decades, paying particularly close attention to the key artists and writers involved in the process. He carefully explains the changes--subtle or not--made to the Batman concept over time, and reveals the business and artistic philosophies behind these changes.
   
   It's fascinating to see how this cultural icon evolved over time, like a pendulum moving back and forth from the dark and creepy to the silly and campy. Daniels reveals Batman's role in the 1950s debate over the morality of comic books, and he explains how Batman's creative team sought to deflect criticism that Batman and Robin's relationship was suspect by introducing a "family" for Batman, including a Batgirl and a Batwoman.
   
   Daniels deftly addresses both the art and writing of Batman and the hugely popular cultural phenomenon Batman has been over the decades. It might have been tempting, from a commercial standpoint, to have given a lot more attention to the live action television show and the recent movies, but Daniels treats all manifestations of the Dark Knight rather evenly.
   
   I can understand the concern, expressed by others here, that the busy layout of the book distracts the reader. Admittedly, as I mentioned above, it was that eye candy that attracted me to the book in the first place. And, for me, I did not find all the illustrations and sidebars unpleasant distractions in a book devoted to such a primarily visual topic.
   
   I highly recommend this delightful, and well researched and written book, to all readers who have an undying fondness for the Batman cultural icon.



4. This book chronicles in great detail the history of the Dark Knight, from his comic book debut in 1939 to the various media incarnations of today. While this book does not include Batman Begins or the Justice League animated series, everything that came before is laid out in vivid detail, with some excellent photographs by collector Chip Kidd, who previously collaborated with author Daniels on Batman: Collected, a book about the various Batman products that have been marketed and sold over the years. This is an excellent item to own for fans of Batman of any age (reading skills desirable). Final grade - A



5. This is a real tough book to describe. It's packed with great comics art, paintings, photos, animation art, rare interviews and information. There's a ton of Bat-material from every media, and a comprehensive chronology of the Caped Crusader's comic chronicles. BUT--the layout is strictly a frenzy of "look what I can do with Quark!" Copy jumps several pages at a time to accomodate ridiculously enlarged Bat-heads and sidebars, completely derailing the reading experience. I know some may consider this chaos trendy and artistically modern, but its just the same old "pop art" condescension towards "kiddie books." Obviously readers cannot cope with page after page of words and relevant illustrations, so the "Award Winning Designer" has pumped up the volume with lots of big cropped images and 7-inch wide columns of copy in reverse-type sidebars (the nuns should whack his knuckles with a ruler for that alone--"BAD, BAD, designer.") Content is definitely A+. Presentation is strictly art school C-. This book is worth it for the rare and exciting artwork, but it really could have been so much better. When will the comic companies stop being so ashamed of their product? Books like this just contribute to the presumption that comics are hyperactive adolescent trash and the readers are unsophisticated cattle with the attention-span of gophers who will buy any incomprehensible crap that insults them. Wait a minute...
   
   DC also released a calendar book using the same design aesthetic. Guess what? Same cluttered, crappy, childish look. My advice? Don't buy either product and let them choke on a couple thousand copies. Problem is, they won't blame the design, and will just assume that the Batcraze is over. You really can't win, because the "designer" probably has an MA, and we're all just stupid comic fans. Guess who can't be wrong?

5 comments about Collector's Guide to Dolls of the 1960s and 1970s: Identification and Values, Vol. 2.

1. I am a lover and collector of vintage dolls from the 60's and 70's. This book is an incredibly valuable resource!! It shows pictures from hundreds of dolls - from baby dolls, collector dolls and fashion dolls. It really does have everything!! It also shows an estimated market value. I would highly recommend this book - it is GREAT!!!



2. As if her first book didn't do enough damage to my bank account, Ms. Sabulis had to follow up with a sequel, providing me even more opportunities to indulge my doll-collecting habit (addiction).
   
   Just like her Collector's Guide Vol I, Volume II is page after page of beautiful photographs and informative descriptions of dolls I had or wanted as a child, and also contains many dolls I never knew existed (but now of course must obtain). There's so much there, I find something new each time I peruse it afresh.
   
   Warning: The cost of this book is very reasonable. But unless (unlike me) you have a lot of self-discipline, it will ultimately cost you far more than the initial purchase price!



3. I really could not live without this book! Not only has it taught me more about what I do collect, but it has opened up a whole new world to dolls that I never new exisited. The vibrant color photos are amazing and the descriptions are fun to read. Thank you for the countless hours it must have took to compile such a thorough history of dolls from my era!



4. As a vintage doll collector I would be lost without this authors books for dolls of the 1960 and 1970's. I have had such fun finding dolls that I had long forgotten about or never even knew existed. The photos and information in this book are very valuable to the vintage doll collector. I would highly recommend this book. Even if you are not a collector the book is very fun to have around. People come over and open the book and say I had this doll or I remember my friend had this one.



5. Volume 2 of Cindy Sabulis' great doll directory of the Sixties and Seventies has more obscure dolls than anyone has ever seen. There are the popular favorites like Tressy, but did you ever see the bizarre Peteena,a glamorous woman with the head of a poodle? Betsy Wetsy rubs elbows with the John Travolta doll, but then there's the strange Ginny Bones, all head with a stick body.
   But don't worry: you'll still see Twiggy, Flatsies, Liddle Kiddles, Heidi and the Rock Flowers. But then there's the obscure guys like Mr. & Mrs. Mouse House, Herby Hippy, and Lil' Souls. Just when you think you've seen it all Cindy will surprise you.

4 comments about Warman's Roseville Pottery: Identification and Price Guide (Warmans).

1. I gave this book to my husband, the Roseville collector of the family, for Christmas. He spent several happy hours looking through it. The pictures are great, but there are not enough of them. This is not the be all, end all book for Roseville, but so far it's the best one I have seen.



2. I was very satisfied with the book I received. I received it in a few days as promised and I really liked that.



3. Book was very helpful in finding out about Roseville pottery, I would recommend, pictures are very good also. Gives lots of info.



4. July 5th 2007. Another "overview" book from Warman's. It states updated prices, but there are only prices for what is shown. I'm not sure how useful updated prices would be when you need a price on a piece not included in the book. There are some Roseville lines that are not included.
   
   On the other hand, the photography is the best. The colors and details are amazing, which would make it a great coffee table book or gift.
   
   For collectors; The Bomm book (2004), Mollring's 11th edition book (2006)(B&W pics only), Bassett's Prices book, Bassett's Introducing book and Bassett's Understanding book are the most comprehensive.

5 comments about Quotations of Thomas Jefferson (Quote/Unquote).

1. The "Writings of Thomas Jefferson" is an outstanding book...
   
   Not a classic book, though: it is a compilation of many of the letters that Thomas Jefferson wrote during his long life.
   
   My only regret here, is that many of these letters, are reply to other letters.
   And it would be great to have, in either the same book, or another books, the "Letters to Thomas Jefferson" to better understand the topic, the whole story! Ideally, and easy cross-reference would be available!
   
   There are a few letters, that I especially recommend to my friends, but it is better if you find them on your own!
   
   I hold Thomas Jefferson Writings in such esteem, that I offered several copies (four so far) to my friends.
   
   Thomas Jefferson is also a great bridge between European and American philosophy, wisdom... or lack of it!
   
   This book, should be on your bookshelf, next to:
   
   Montesquieu "Spirits of Laws" (Also "Causes de la grandeur et du declin de l'empire romain")
   Rousseau "Du contrat social"
   John Locke "First and second treatises of tolerance"
   Edward Gibbons "Fall and decline of the Roman Empire"
   And a few more, "golden nuggets of knowledge of recent US/Europe history".
   
   
   
   



2. I will never be able to write a suitable review for this book - the scope of what lies between it's covers is far too great to do justice to in a review, and I am vastly inadequate to the task in any event. So, the one I write today comes from the heart - as one of the "posterity" they speak of as they went forward in their remarkable undertaking. As one of those they "did it for."
   
   The constructive writing of the "Articles of Confederation" was especially intriguing. The pesky issue of slavery presented an immediate and daunting problem early on within the erection of the articles of confederation. It forced an issue never dealt with before, from those educated, mostly wealthy men who would "free themselves from oppression" but had obviously never before seriously considered the oppression of others - or that it would present so large a problem in the overall picture of establishing Independence "for all". They struggled with it, agonized over it; and as can be imagined, could not agree over it. It was spell-binding to watch the process unfold - not from the pen of the "historian" but from the rapidly evolving mind of the Rebel himself - because no matter how you view it, these brilliant men were elitists within their own, considered themselves to be conceived in somewhat of a Royal Nature, too, while at the same time viewing the Crown itself as a symbol that could not longer be tolerated. The "free labor population" (Benjamin Franklin himself would have been categorized into this second group early in his career) presented essentially the same problem to them as did the slaves in the proportioning.
   
   As a result, they found themselves dealing with their own consciences too, something that may have been a unique concept for most of them - an exercise much needed of themselves as they extended their own quest for Independence and found themselves having to deal with "all of us" into the bargain. They knew they would have only "one shot" at establishing the best of it; and amazingly they were honest and earnest in that Quest. (try that today with the political assortment we have now)
   
   In the "republican legislature" and "revisal of the law" section of this original accounting, the struggle for the distinct separation of Church and State is one of the most important conquests ever undertaken; uprising from a birth in the human mind; and clearly demonstrates the chasm of thought processes that existed between Jefferson and other honest, though less broad-minded men who still clung to the "status quo" and did not possess the courage, judgment or the vision to want to support the concept which became a cornerstone of our Constitution.
   
   The 'original papers' poignantly illuminate the intimate, internal working of the mind of Thomas Jefferson for the reader as nothing else can, something the "historical accounting" written by others somehow leaves wanting in the translation. To read the words straight from the mind and the pen of the "original", uncensored language, spelling, phrasing and all - is an experience anyone interested in keeping the torch of the Forefathers burning will enjoy.
   
   This book highly recommended.



3. Mr. Jefferson was a brilliant man. I enjoy reading his works and appreciate this opportunity to gain insight into his logic and thought process as it evolved throughout his lifetime. His intellectualism and that eternal curiosity about his world place him head and shoulders above those men of his time. He bought Louisiana upon the suggestion of Thomas Paine and our nation spread westward as a result. He no doubt made major contributions towards the creation and founding of this nation. Thousands of accolades for his brilliance and achievements are in order. I'm not putting him on a pedestal, there was a dark side. He did own slaves. He was however in many ways morally and intellectually bound by the time he lived in. His thoughts regarding the mentality of slaves scream racism. His solution was to abolish slavery and export them back to Africa. He believed most would never fit in to American culture based on their resentments against enslavement and the racism they endured from white society at the time. His letters to American Indians in which he addressed them as "My Children" and assured them of his eternal blessings belied the fact that their lands were being taken away from them and they were being forced to be assimilated or slaughtered. He did not foresee the industrialization of America and wanted to leave manufacturing to the Europeans to preserve the American way of life. In short, Mr. Jefferson was all too human, who no doubt would be appalled at the antics of modern day Republicans and Democrats.



4. At approximately $10.00 I expected a little more material than this 32 page, index card size book, provided.



5. I have this book (I checked the IBSN#). It's 32 pages of quotes, and that's it. No papers, no index, etc. I think the other customer reviews are innacurate in that they are probably about an entirely different book.
   
   So about *THIS* book, I love it. It's got the well-known quotes like "Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." and lesser-known quotes like "When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on."
   
   It's not a scholarly work. It doesn't have citations to explain where the quotes came from, but it was exactly what I was looking for.
   
   If you are a fan of Liberty, this book is a must buy.

5 comments about The Postal Service Guide to U.S. Stamps 35th ed (Postal Service Guide to Us Stamps).

1. I must say this is the best guide to United States Stamps and it's from the Postal service....get it and you will not be able to put it down.



2. The book is beutifully illustrated and contains up-to-date information on stamp collecting, directly from the source, The U.S. Post Office. It has enhanced my view on collecting.



3. I collected stamps in the 1970s and 1980s as my grandmother was a big collector and I was fascinated by her stamp books, which were terrific. I had a pretty good collection myself just from her discards. But when she passed away over 20 years ago, I lost interest in the hobby. But recently, I pulled out my old stamp book and got the urge to get it back into shape and to get it current. And the 33rd edition of the US Postal Service's book is a great book to use as a guide to get back in the hobby. First, it shows pictures of almost every stamp ever issued by the USPS over the years in glorious color, so it is a great book just to look at. But I use it to see just how daunting it will be to catch up to collecting almost 25 years of stamps because the USPS has issued considerably more stamps on an annual basis than they did before. I also use it as a guideline as to how much I should pay for stamps on online auctions to make sure I don't overpay by too much. The size of the book makes it easy to use as well.
   
   I've really enjoyed rediscovering this hobby and really think this book has made it even more fun!



4. If you are looking for a high and low price for an individual US stamp, this is the book for you. It does not price by the condition of the stamp, but the book will give you some idea of the price range a stamp would fall within.



5. i just thought i'd write in saying what an amazing book this is. i purchacd it a few months back, and even though its from 2003, it combines indivual prices of all stamps, and first day covers. everything is in color and very easy to read and move around in. i find its a bit better then Scott's. as fdc's are included right there on the page.