2 comments about American Flight Jackets, Airmen and Aircraft: A History of U.S. Flyers' Jackets from World War I to Desert Storm.

1. If you are interested in flight jackets, their design, styles and art work, then this book is for you. There are literally hundreds of colour and black and white photographs of aviator leather jackets. World War Two jackets are covered in detail as are Korean and Vietnam period flight jackets. The book is well set out, has large high resolution photographs and is a well constructed hardcover. The only fault I could find with the book is that in many of the photographs it fails to identify the jacket type and specification. It also does not deal with jacket construction or design. As with many of Maguire's books it has excellent reference photographs and information on who used or wore the artical in question, but fails to provide detailed information on the item other than the basics. Still, it is worthwhile addition to a library, although the book is expensive.



2. Perhaps I enjoyed this book so much because of the fact that it's main focus is the WWII era of flight jackets and that is my favorite area as well. If you want historical jackets (KOREA AND WWII), get this book, but if you want just modern jackets then shop elsewhere.

   If I had to be picky about the book, I would have to say that there were too many blood chits on jackets pictured and not enough pin-up work, but that's only if I had to be picky. The authors did their homework for this book as they don't just give you tons of photographs (BY THE WAY, THERE ARE TONS OF PHOTOGRAPHS) but also chronicle the jacket's history and when possible, the owner's history as well.

   Fantastic layouts as the information is presented in a very professional and orderly way. They break down the jackets by theater as there's a section on the CBI theater, the European Theater, Korean theater, etc. Good paper and a nice sized book.

   A bit on the pricey side but I still got it and I would still recommend it to the hardcore fan of the subject. May be too much cash for the casual fan.

4 comments about Japanese Movie Posters: Yakuza, Monster, Pink, and Horror.

1. I happen to collect various art and photographs of entertainment from the early 1900's to modern times and I've always been interested in others collections of art or photography.
   
   "Japanese Movie Posters" is a book that features posters from various genres such as yakuza, sci-fi and monster, samurai, pink, horror, animation and new cinema and goes further by allowing the reader to have a chance to purchase the book.
   
   Similar to other Cocoro Books (DHP Publishing) releases, this book can be seen as a photobook but you do get commentary for each poster and its respective genre. Also, unlike other recent releases from Cocoro Books, this book is about 8×12 and quite large, featuring large full color photos and more.
   
   The book was written by Chuck Stephens, a contributing editor from "Film Comment" and Jinema Junpo", Masuda Tetsuya, a prdocuer and runs the cinema section at the bookstore @wonder and the final person featured is Kairakutei Black, known as a walking encyclopedia on Japanese films of all genres.
   
   The pages feature a large image of the poster and below the image is the title of the film (in English and Japanese), the film studio and year it was made, the director and how much the poster costs. Then a brief information on the film.
   
   So, an example would bey "Return of the Tokyo Drifter" (Zoku: Tokyo Nagaremono" which was releasd in 1966. It was great to see classic posters like this, that go back in the 60's and the same can be said for other genres featured. Especially for the Sci-Fi films such as Godzilla, Mothra, Gamera and Ultra Man films. Great to see those posters.
   
   As much as the book features straight up movie posters, this book is not for the young as it does contain nudity.
   
   Once you get to the chapter of "Pink" (adult films produced by indie productions), then you do get to see quite a bit of the nudity featured on the posters and it's not full frontal nudity but a lot of the movie posters featured a lot of women nude from the the torso up.
   
   I'm sure one of the biggest attractions of this book will be those who are enamored by anime films. Posters from the 1978 "Farewell Space Battleship Yamamoto", 1979's "The Castle of Cagliostro", 1984 "Urusei Yatsura 2: Beautiful Dreamer" and many Miyazaki film posters are featured. But unfortunately, anime posters are limited to only nine pages and I admit that I was hoping to see posters from the late 70's "Gundam" films, the 1982 "Cobra" film, a few other Miyazaki films and more.
   
   Also, another attraction is the "samurai" posters which seem to be the most expensive in terms of collectability. But if there was one thing I was hoping was that there would be Kurosawa Akira posters featured. I know that the book features films from 1960's and up but I would have loved to see the posters for "Yojimbo" or even "Ran".
   
   As for the category "New Cinema", you get newer films such as Kitano Takeshi films and films that I watched in Japan such as "Odoru Daisousassen" have their posters featured.
   
   And featured at the end of the book is an index in both English and Japanese for those looking for a film poster in this book which was cool to see both featured. And as mentioned, a way for fans to purchase the posters online.
   
   "Japanese Movie Posters" is definitely another welcomed niche book from Cocoro Books. The fact that this company continues to bring niche books that appeal to fans worldwide is great and as much as one can see many film or TV drama posters on the train stations or high above buildings, and many around the Odaiba Fuji TV area, for me, it's always cool to see artwork, photography or posters from a film, especially if it was created before I was born.
   
   I did feel that I wish there were as equal amount of coverage for other genres, especially for the coverage of anime films and wished there were posters for Kurosawa-related films. That would have been awesome to see.
   
   But all in all, the guys did a great job featuring the posters and giving information on the films. And as much as it serves as a visual reference for fans interested in purchasing the posters, it also works as a great entertainment book covering Japanese entertainment within the last 40 years.



2. If you buy one book on Japanese cinema this year, this is it. They have done a terrific job of laying out the history of Japanese film in poster format, in correct color no less, with
   a lot of useful information for the Japanese film buff, and collector since many of the posters are available to order right from this publication. My only comment is when will their next
   book be issued? Enjoy!



3. I discovered this new book put out by Tokyo-based DH Publishing by accident. And am glad I did. Chock full of full-page full-color posters of the most wonderfully wackiest of Japan's classic movie posters. There's everything from Horror and Monster to Samurai and Ninja, Pink (what they call soft porn) to Anime, and even some new posters thrown in. My best is easily the Sci-Fi genre, which includes the ultimate Ultraman. Also, you gotta check out some of the Monster posters, like Godzilla and some huge Ice Man creature. I bought two of these, as I knew it would make that perfect present when you've run out of ideas what to buy someone. DH Publishing arigato! I'm going to check out their other books. I hope they're as good!



4. Japanese Movie Posters: Yakuza, Monster, Pink And Horror is an eye-opening, full-color presentation of movie posters representational of the best and the worst of Japan's cinema. From lurid and graphic horror to yakuza movies to posters of Hayao Miyazaki's wondrous words of animation, Japanese Movie Posters offers an unforgettable slice of Japanese popular culture in the twentieth century. Brief yet erudite and scholarly commentaries by Chuck Stephens (contributing editor to "Film Comment", a columnist for "Kinema Junpo, and a freelance specialist in Asian cinema for publications worldwide), Tetsuya Masuda (vintage poster expert and head of the cinema section of wonder antiquarian books), and Kairakutei Black (a Japanese film critic and traditional "rakugo" comic storyteller) offer informed and informative insights into the psychology and media background of the individual posters round out this impressive collection. A unique compendium of cinematic poster art, Japanese Movie Posters is a welcome and highly recommended addition to any personal or academic Cinematic Studies reference collection.

5 comments about How to Make $20,000 a Year in Antiques and Collectibles Without Leaving Your Job.

1. Like other reviewers have said, this book doesn't take into account the Internet factor. But there's still lots of good advice in this book that hasn't changed: What to look for, how to negotiate, and how to get to the good stuff first. These gems will be good for the next century and beyond--as long as people hold yard/garage/tag sales and people use automobiles for travel.
   
   If you want eBay advice, there are hundreds of other books that give you that. But I haven't found one of those books yet that contains the good old-fashioned advice this book has. Plus, some of the old-fashioned salesmanship advice in this book translates well to online venues.
   
   This book reads quickly (read for about an hour before bed and you'll have it knocked out in less than a week), it's entertaining, and it's inexpensive. Pay the cover price plus shipping and it'll still cost you less than $10. You'll probably make your 10 bucks back the Saturday after you finish it. I did.



2. Without a fresh look at the marketplace, this book is completely outdated. While you may glean some "useful" information, this book resides in the mid to late 80's and fails to take into account 20 years of change with the advent of technology and the Internet.
   
   The Internet has changed everything, including how sellers perceive the goods they have. Values, frequently updated online and in current specialty books change the buyers methods of approaching the areas the author suggest for purchasing merchandise.
   
   My premise in reviewing this book includes Johnson's suggestions about garage sales, antique dealers, shops, auctions and dealer shows. I am experienced in all methods of acquiring merchandise for resale online and in newspaper ads. Sellers have a better database of information and use this to gain their advantage. With that said, because of increased competition and the Internet, deals can be had if you find the motivated seller.
   
   The same tools available to sellers should be used by serious buyers/resellers. You must research your niche thoroughly and be armed with information and knowledge so you can get the best price. Use completed online auctions and start a library of books on the information you need.
   
   Having some negotiating skills is important but knowledge is king. Armed with prices your willing to pay to make a return on your investment is number one. Using your time efficiently will help you obtain merchandise to sell quickly to turn over cash to keep your enterprise moving.
   
   Johnson's book can set you on a course of where to find goods but you must visit these places in a learning capacity based on the world of information technology, which is critical and not discussed in this book. You must learn to use the Internet because the sellers are using it to estimate values and profits. Many undersell merchandise and their ignorance is your potential bonanza.
   
   Another example is the abundance of Antique Malls, which have become prevalent and are very commercialized. These places generally have zero negotiating room since the sellers aren't present. The items for sale are usually set at top value or beyond and purchasing from these outlets won't provide you with leverage to make a profit.
   
   Smaller antique shops with vendor booths are more reliable yet still priced very high. Once again the person in the store is not the individual selling everything so it's difficult to negotiate a fair price or come in contact with the actual seller. If you can find smaller venues it's possible vendors are occasionally present or nearby, which will provide an opportunity to negotiate. Sellers are usually willing to lower their prices in my experience, especially when you tell them you're a dealer.
   
   Garage sales are good sources, especially if you visit block sales with each house in a community selling items. It's efficient and you may still find some gems. It's tough work but remains a fairly good source and you can negotiate asking prices downward.
   
   Placing ads on Craig's list is a valuable method in obtaining goods. Once again, this method won't be mentioned in Johnson's book because of age.
   
   Online auctions and online malls are a valuable source of finding good deals for items in your niche. Because Johnson's book has not been updated this method is not listed. It's easy and more efficient to find what your looking for in search engines and most times you can deal directly with the seller. You have more control and accessibility to purchase adequate inventory. You're also armed with information and your top-purchasing price.
   
   Buy this book on the cheap only to gather some very basic and rudimentary information if you haven't any knowledge on how to get started. Find your niche, purchase specialty books to perfect your knowledge and test out the area's Johnson recommends. Live auctions are the best "offline" source to work and Johnson provides some basic information on terms used at auctions. Don't get caught up in emotions or competition at lives auctions, stick to your predetermined price and don't budge. Do your homework ahead of time.
   
   It takes sweat equity as well as an investment. Keep good records, as suggested in the book and implement technology. It's takes time, patience and consistency but a part-time business can eventually become full-time.



3. While some of the information was helpful in a very general sense, much of it was outdated and unrealistic. Overall, not a particularly useful book.



4. If you are interested in getting into the Antiques and Collectibles market, this book gives some good starter tips, even though it is rather old. While it does not cover the incredibly expanding online and auction market, it is a good source for tips on where to find inventory, how to purchase inventory, how to set up a B&M shop/mall space, and how to be "antique" savvy.



5. Overall not a bad book as there is a shortage of books to tell you how to actually get into the business of antiques. It desperately needs updating; it has no mention of ebay or other Internet sources. I didn't like the authors advocation of rude behaviour at garage sales and other venues in pursuit of a "deal" or his obvious mistrust of auctioneers. Perhaps it's a regional thing. Don't make it your only source and read with an open mind. Take the good, leave the bad, and get some good books on sales, marketing, and small business to go along with your technical antiques books.

No comments about Warman's Lionel Train Field Guide, 1945-1969: Values and Identification (Warmans Field Guide).

1 comments about Conservation of Furniture (Butterworth - Heinemann Series in Conservation and Museology).

1. this book is a great reference, plus it endorses many of the treatments and techniques i've been using for many years.

2 comments about The Ultimate Corkscrew Book (Schiffer Book for Collectors.).

1. This is a great book for the collector or anyone with an interest in the subject of corkscrews. The photos are superior and the authors knowledge is evident in the comments and information presented.



2. Donald Bull obviously knows his corkscrews. He has assembled a fascinating exposition on corkscrews which delights your eyes as you turn each page. If you thought corkscrews were just for opening bottles, you're wrong. Donald Bull shows you that corkscrews are works of art as well.

   The layout is beautiful and his corkscrew erudition is undoubtable. You should get a copy for yourself. A work of art.

2 comments about Bud Hastins Avon Collectors' Encyclopedia: The Official Guide for Avon Bottle & Cpc Collectors (Bud Hastin's Avon and Collector's Encyclopedia).

1. I AM VERY PLEASED WITH THE BOOK I PURCHASED FROM AMAZON.COM THIS BOOK DID GIVE ME ALL THE INFORMATION I WAS LOOKING FOR. AND DOING BUSINESS WITH AMAZON.COM WAS VERY GOOD, AND THE PRICES AND SHIPPING WERE VERY SATISFACTORY.



2. As a whole it is fantastic. But, by not listing the men's by name, such as "Leather"; it caused me a lot of time and trouble trying to find it.

1 comments about Standard Companion to Carnival Glass: Identification & Values (Collector's Companion to Carnival Glass).

1. Good book. Small enough to be portable. Illustrations are good with wonderful information about the piece,i.e., colors, maker, year and value.

2 comments about Shotguns for Wingshooting.

1. Fantastic book overall!! Topics covered include side by side to autoloaders to various kinds of ammo for all types of birds. Great read from an honest author!



2. Barsness has written the best current overview of shotguns for hunting: not sporting clays, trap, etc. He is not aligned nor does he show a marked prejudice for a particular type of shotgun like the side by side which is so prevalent today. He explains the advantages and downsides of various guns and does a particularly good job on the very important, if not vital, subject of stock design and fit. Although I think you can find much of this information elsewhere, Barsness brings it together in a very concise format and cuts through the "poppycock." Plus, the photos are great!

No comments about Victorian and Edwardian Furniture and Interiors: From the Gothic Revival to Art Nouveau.