2 comments about The Official Price Guide to Collecting Books, 6th Edition (Official Price Guide to Books).

1. I gave this book 2 stars because the reference sections are fairly well written and informative. However, the listing of collectible books for some genres is so incomplete that it is virtually useless to serious collectors. Collectible Science Fiction titles, for example, appear to have been selected arbitrarily. While there are a few token collectibles shown for some authors, many other collectibles have been omitted. In some cases less popular titles are included for some reason.
   
   Some examples, with titles in quotes because italics are apparently not supported here:
   
   Clarke, Arthur C. - "The Exploration of the Moon" is in the list; but "The Exploration of Space", famous for including the first prediction of communication satellites, is not. "Against the Fall of Night" and its successor "The City and The Stars" are also missing. If you search these titles on rare book retail websites such as AbeBooks, Biblio, and Alibris, you'll find a lot of coverage. The rarest editions are priced at over $1000.00, as is the case for "Against The Fall of Night": $1500.00. However there is also a large range of prices for the less rare or well-preserved editions. This pricing makes titles like these very popular with collectors.
   
   Heinlein, Robert A. - "Space Cadet", his second novel, is not included. This is another baffling omission considering its popularity with collectors and its pricing. A volume I bought for $750.00 ten years ago is now getting $3500.00 in the retail market. Once again, there is a large range of prices for less valuable editions and/or copies, making it affordable to a corresponding range of budgets.
   
   Ballard, J. G. - "Passport to Eternity" is the only title listed for this author. "The Wind from Nowhere" and "The Drowned World", his first two novels, are missing. Rare editions of these are typically priced in the thousands of dollars. These too are very sought-after items for collectors. "Empire of the Sun", a somewhat autobiographical novel that inspired the screenplay for the movie of the same title, is not here. "The Atrocity Exhibition", a very controversial collection short titles, is extremely rare and priced at over $10,000 for a first edition. Considering the literary merit of some of J. G. Ballard's writings, the inclusion of only one of his titles here - in this case one less valuable to collectors than his first two novels - is extremely disappointing.
   
   I suppose some might say that this concentration on the Science Fiction genre (with the exception of some of J. G. Ballard's works) is outside the scope of this price guide. If so, it is a very limited scope. In addition, the title and publisher's description nowhere indicate that this listing is largely incomplete for some genres. I felt this was somewhat misleading, and that the word "Official" in the title implied a more complete price listing. "The Official Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide", produced by the same publisher (and with "Official" in the same font!), provides such a listing and thus is appropriately named. "Official Price Guide To Collecting Books" is not.
   
   Have a good one,
   UpRight Ape



2. educational and informative, i would recommend this book to all bibliomaniacs, espeacially those who are just starting out

2 comments about Strike It Rich With Pocket Change.

1. I love this book, It is a great beginners book for coin collectors, easy to read and understand. Only down side is no color pics, all pics are Black and White..



2. This was a very helpful book,written by experts.
   I was able to increase my knowledge of variety coins
   and have some new directions in my collecting.

5 comments about In Flagrante Collecto (Caught in the Act of Collecting).

1. This is the best book I have found on Collecting. The writer gets into the state of mind of a collector, then presents profusely illustrated collections of an almost unbelievable scope. Like - you mean people really collect THIS? Yes they do and it's there. COOL book that will broaden your horizon - and you'll never throw anything away again because someone out there collects it.



2. Reading this book was like day at my favorite swap meet, antique collective or a random search on eBay. I visually recognize the material but appreciate it more for being brought together in groups. The collector's mind automatically seeks groupings and hierarchies of individual examples and this book plays to that weakness easily. The little stories are at times educational and fascinating and at other times too personal and esoteric. My only problem is that after reading this book, I tend to want to own too many of the objects featured.



3. This is a beautifully produced look book. The unusual and very particular collecting subject matter is very personal. Quirky, wonderfully photographed and of superior quality.



4. I have purchased at least seven copies of this fascinating book to give as gifts to a wide variety of friends. For those interested in collecting, the book offers fresh insights into the forces that motivate people to acquire, while illustrating a remarkable diversity of eccentric collections that surprise and delight. For the novice or general reader, the breadth and types of collections are amazing. The book is superbly designed and the objects beautifully photographed and presented. The author is a farsighted collector with an awesome range of historical knowledge and an accessible, highly informative writing style. I highly recommend this book for readers of all persuasions who simply enjoy being intellectually and visually stimulated.



5. The first thing to hit me was how beautiful this book is. The photographs of the thousands of collectibles are delectable. It made me want to run out and find some of this stuff, or find new things to start collecting. The author unfolds her theories about why people collect, and describes many wonderful childhood scenes of Bronx life and early collections of marbles, baseball cards, sewing kits, you name it. Adult adventures collecting all over the world, and the collecting adventures of her friends and family, are included, and make for a wonderful warm biography of a collection of collectors. The descriptions of the original uses and methods of manufacturing of various collectibles is fascinating, and it's lovely to see simple and sometimes disposable things treated with such interest and respect. The history and character of our country shine through in the old graphics and designs of postcards, matchbooks, lawn sprinklers, and countless other items, and after spending time with them in this book, I can feel more deeply what's been lost to more efficient means of production. I'll never browse a flea market or garage sale quite the same way again. It's a wonderful conversation piece, a fun book to have around for guests to peruse. It gives you permission to bring out those old shoeboxes of stuff from under your bed and show them to your pals, even though you're not a kid any more. I loved this book, it was part anthropology, part history of design, part memoir, part encyclopedia, part travelogue, all work of endearing art.

5 comments about Tasha Tudor's Heirloom Crafts.

1. Tasha Tudor just passed away in the last month or so, and this is one tribute to her way of life. Wait until you read the chapter on how she dyes her own wool for her crafts- done the old fashioned way, but it's sort of gross how she gets the shade of blue. I really recommend it. We shall not see her like again.



2. As a Tasha Tudor fan.... all I can say is that I loved the book. The photos are beautiful, and it takes us back to where we all should go... back to nature.



3. If you want a peaceful interlude at the end of a hectic day...if you want to step back into a simpler time (just for a while)....this is the book for you.
   Tasha Tudor lives in the world she wants to live in, the world she has created & kept. This book lets you get to know her & all about the arts & crafts that she loves & wants to keep alive. As a crafter of some of the dying arts, I love this book. Not only does the reading hold your interest, the photography is excellent. A very good read!



4. When I was very young, my first book was "The Tasha Tudor Book of Fairy Tales". I loved the sweet watercolor illustrations of the classic fairy tale stories. It was obvious that Mrs. Tudor loved dogs and foxes and Puss in Boots, and the flower illustrations that surround the text are so perfect and true-to-life! As an older child, I was surprised to find that Tasha Tudor had also illustrated my editions of "The Secret Garden" and "A Little Princess". When, as an adult, I received the book "Tasha Tudor's Garden" as a gift from my mother, I realized that the illustrator lives just as wonderful a life as what she portrays in her illustrations. Now, in "Tasha Tudor's Heirloom Crafts" the reader can find out more about Mrs. Tudor's unique life, a re-creation of the simple and beautiful way of life of the 1800s. There are beautiful photos of Mrs. Tudor carding and weaving and making her own cosmecuticals from the products of her own plants and animals. This is not a how-to book, but a book of inspiration for those of us who love the idea of doing for ourselves and living closer to the land.



5. As with all of the books about Tasha Tudor this one is beautiful. The scenery and written text are enriching in their content. Once again I was inspired by her life and her creative abilities. The only flaw I could see was the fact that there was little explanation of HOW she did any of the things she mentioned. I'm not suggesting she give detailed instructions on spinning and weaving, woodworking and all the other things she is so wonderfully gifted with. But a few more details on how some of the simpler projects would have been fun.

2 comments about Sticker City: Paper Graffiti Art (Street Graphics / Street Art).

1. Graffiti has its poster board roots on city walls, typically - but this worldwide survey documents a new trend: paper works glued to city surfaces. The author is a graffiti artist who traveled around the world surveying street art: some eighty artists' works are profiled in over 7,000 examples of this new 'paper art graffiti, providing both a historical survey and insights into the special demands of the new 'adhesive art' medium. Any art library holding will find this an excellent and unique acquisition.



2. An interesting and well-designed catalog of an emergent art form. I still consider most "Street Art" to be just a notch above blight and usually an eyesore, but this book revealed an imaginative world of design and artistic improvisation. Too bad Banksy's too much the recluse to be profiled here, but his absence is made up for by the wide survey of international "stars." Now I've caught myself paying more attention to the visual "noise" around me, looking for sly creative expressions. Too bad most of the graffiti, scratchiti, and tagging I see is still craptacular, and nowhere near as the intriguing as what's shown off in this book.

2 comments about Matchbox Labels: Over 2,000 Elegant Examples from All Over the World.

1. I bought this as I'm interested in popular graphics and the two thousand samples included certainly capture the flavor of this tiny corner of the printed ephemera market.
   
   The book is very well designed and printed but ultimately I was rather disappointed with the contents. There is a sameness about so many of these labels. The huge number from the old Soviet Union and the Eastern Block certainly look similar, only to be expected I guess but other nations output also seem bland and unimaginative. Perhaps the reason is that most of the labels included are brands rather than advertising labels that are so common today. Strangely none of the labels are dated but I would guess that most of them were produced several decades ago and the cheapness of liquid lighters now has reduced match output.
   
   As another reviewer has commented the absence of North American product maybe also explains the lack of pizzazz and color. The matchbook was the flame of choice for Americans and there are no examples of these included.
   
   This will probably be the standard book about matchbox labels because it is so comprehensive. The American matchbook is another story; their colorful design and huge output over the years will still produce occasional new titles. The one I like best is:Close Cover Before Striking: The Golden Age of Matchcover Art (Recollectibles) with several hundred matchbook covers in an attractively designed book.
   
   ***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.



2. Well designed and printed on quality paper, this well-stocked archive is a decent production for collectors, fans, and graphic designers. It's organization is clear and the color labels easily identified.
   
   However, the most obvious shortcoming, and one that I found frustrating, was the amazing lack of North American selections. Nearly the entire 2,000 examples showcased are from former Soviet Union satellites and Asia. This isn't necessarily a bad thing - as you get a very good sense of Soviet-era constructivism and wonderful Asian simplicity & beauty. But the lack of labels from the United States, Canada and Mexico is sorely missed.
   
   Although unbalanced - I would recommend this to devotees of the genre - if only to expose them to labels that aren't often seen. However, for graphic designers and fans of Americana, I would recommend focusing on selections by Chronicle Books.

No comments about Collector's Encyclopedia Of Madame Alexander Dolls 1948-1965 (Identification & Values (Collector Books)).

1 comments about Indian Artifacts the Best of the Midwest: Identification and Value Guide (Indian Artifacts of the Midwest).

1. If this is the best that Mr. Hotham can find, he needs to look a little harder.

5 comments about Antique Trader Guide to Fakes & Reproductions, 4th Edition.

1. This book was given as a gift but it was received enthusiastically. After the party they picked it up and started to read it carefully so have to assume it was very interesting. This may not be useful to a future buyer, but I did check a few items before I gave the book and it was right on.



2. This is the best book on the subject for the yardsaler and auction buff who wants to know what to look for in a fake vs authentic antique.
   The quality of this book is outstanding.



3. I purchased this book when I became interested in antiques and found myself scrolling the pages of Ebay for treasures. The book is invaluable in pointing out many of the creative ways con artists have ingeniously come up with to defraud the unwary buyer. The biggest flaw of the book is that it is a survey book and hits only a few examples of fakes within a number of widely diverse catagories. I happen to be interested in porcelain and the information the book provided on the few specific areas of porcelain (like RS Prussia and Delft) were first-rate. Unfortunately vast areas of porcelain like figurines in general or companies like Meissen were never even mentioned. This is understandable as the book also covers broadly furniture, bronze, scrimshaw and cast iron lawn and garden items. I would love an expanded series with books specializing in each of the areas listed. As an overview this points out areas of fraud to be on the lookout for. As a specific, unless you happen to be evaluating the exact same item, it is unlikely to be helpful in any one particular fraud question.



4. If you are a serious collector or a dealer this is a must have book! Covers all of the major catagories.



5. This brand new year 2001 super guide can protect collectors from paying good money for fakes and reproductions. The book's 304 pages covers Art glass, Cameo Glass, Depression Glass, China, Porcelain, Scientific Instruments, Art Pottery, Black Memorabilia, Bronze, Furniture, Computer-related, Lamp and, Lighting, Napkin Rings, Silver items, and Toys. There are more than 1,000 great black and white, and a 16-page full color section to help you identify reproductions. The book's 6 x 9" is a handy size to take with you while antiquing. The book can save you far more than its price by protecting you from purchasing only one reproduction. Add it to your library.

5 comments about Guns of the New West.

1. Great book for the CAS crowd. Only problem I can find with it is that it is a bit outdated. Lots of new stuff out there now. I know the new stuff gets reviewed in monthly magazines etc. It is nice to have it all in one place though. Other than that the book is excellent. Authors usual good work.



2. If you are involved in collecting replica firearms then this book is a must.Detailed analysis of each Old West gun and rifle. I enjoyed the report on the Colt.45 SAA and Winchester type lever action. Entire book is in black and white except for four pages in color. Wish they had published more color photos. A must have for replica collectors.



3. Looking for a new gun for SASS or just to have fun in the style of the old west? This is the book you need before you run out and put down the bucks. Doesn't cover all the guns of choice but does present a good selection (It should include the new Henry Repeating Arms Big Boy but doesn't).
   This will also make a good addition to your old west library.



4. The book arrive promptly and in excellent condition. It will be very helpful when I start looking for a SA pistol.



5. For those contemplating entering the popular ever growing COWBOY ACTION SHOOTING sport, Chicoine's new book is the best I've seen too date. This reknowned gunsmith/writer gives you a wealth of facts on the popular firearms of that period and moves right into the modern offerings and clones of those original firearms with outstanding details and thoughts on each.
   
   He covers the most popular handguns, percussion & cartridge,Colts,S&W's,Remington, Starr and others,the popular and most used rifles in the same thorough style, and shotgun too. I doubt you'll have many questions left to answer if you read this one, about making personal choices.
   
   The book reeks with QUALITY,the book is filled with absolutely wonderful photographs of original firearms, clones,new offerings,leather goods for them,a color photo section that is breathtaking.
   
   He then combines all this with a bit of history on the CAS sport, ammunition available for these, tests with the new guns & ammo,lovely photos of CAS shooters right up to the latest items just coming onto the market like the Colt Lightning slide action rifle.
   
   If this great book doesn't "fire you up" to get into this wonderful sport or for your own at "home" shooting ,nothing will.
   
   Daves books always seem to "come out" of the box being "classics" before they get around, This one is no different. The best I've seen on this topic to date.