2 comments about Beretta Pistols: The Ultimate Guide.

1. A worthwhile book if you are as I, a loyal Beretta collector.
   A bit of an overstatement at June 2008...not the "ultimate guide".
   Much has happened of importance with Beretta in the last few years that is not covered well in this book.



2. And excellent book with a lot of information, it brings as especial features a complete description of the guns even it includes the last versions of Beretta Hand Guns until the Model PX4 Storm. The book will be perfect if it includes color images and no black and white pictures.

3 comments about Collectors Encyclopedia of Roseville Pottery (Collector's Encyclopedia of Roseville Pottery).

1. This is a well organized reference to Bush-McCoy. It contains a history of Bush-McCoy; this added knowledge adds to the fun of collecting and allow you to sound more like you know what you are doing. Then there are pages on the different "marks" of the pottery. There is a dated value guide. But I find it easer to do my own comparing. The big plus is the color pictures that show what is available. For those discriminate people that do not just buy anything that says Bush-McCoy there is an index. It is also fun to see you Bush-McCoy pieces in the book.



2. The Huxfords are wonderful authors that have offered, collectors of Roseville Art Pottery, a basic foundation for identifying various Roseville lines. No one author [I personally author a mid-year price guide]has all the answers, but each of us attempt to add to the ongoing data base. The Huxford volumes are an essential tool for Roseville collectors and Dealers.



3. I purchased both the first and the second of the Roseville series by Sharon and Bob Huxford, hoping that I would get a complete guide of all Roseville pottery with prices. Unfortunately the "encyclopedia" was not complete. I guess this is how the authors sell books by not putting together a definitive book on Roseville.

3 comments about Mokume Gane.

1. Ferguson presents a clear, thorough introduction to the Japanese art and craft of layered metals - mokume gane. This book starts with a short introduction to the technique's history, including its confused introduction to the West. Some might find this history section too brief to be very satisfying, but this books value comes from the sections that follow.
   
   Those include a detailed but approachable description of the fusion process, addressing metallurgical questions down to the microscopic and atomic level. Given that background of theory, Ferguson goes on to described the metals used in mokume gane and the process of forming the billets. He also presents detailed notes on how different metals behave together and how they can be finished. Although hobbyist techniques get some mention, many of these approaches require a large industrial shop. (Even the hardiest do-it-yourselfer shouldn't feel bad about buying blanks from Reactive Metals or other sources.)
   
   Then the real fun begins - cutting into the layers to expose mokume's unmistakable pattern and working the material into a finished piece. The gallery section at the end provides all the inspiration you could hope for. Some of the work shown, including many pieces by the author, are breathtaking, but within reach of a modestly-equipped artisan. If you want to know how mokume is fabricated and used artistically today, in the West, you must have this book.
   
   -- wiredweird



2. The book covers the process of creating mokume-gane from start to finish in a clear, informative manner. Having never used this technique before, I used this book as a guide and was very successful the first time. In addition to information on fusion/diffusion, forging, patterning and patination, the photographs of finished pieces and samples are helpful in displaying the effects of various materials, patterns and finishing techniques (some quite surprising). Details about different material combinations and their working properties are also included. I have no experience with other books on this topic to compare to, but for now this book seems to be the only one I will need to continue using this technique. My only criticism is that the chapter order could have a better arrangement.



3. Covers a number of topics that are only briefly alluded to in Midgett's book. Dr Ferguson also uses a different process than the ones covered in Midgett's book. He includes a detailed schematic of the kiln and press apparatus. Using this process, he is able to combine a number of materials not readily available to people just using the common processes.
   
   Short and concise, for the most part. The section of pagination is worth the cost of the book itself. Covers a lot of material that is usually not all available in one place. The color plates in the appendices really show the range and variation possible.

5 comments about Pipesmoking: A 21st Century Guide.

1. Richard Carleton Hacker has taken a direct line to writing everything a person needs in taking up pipe smoking. From the history of pipes, to selecting your first purchase and how to enjoy your pipe for years to come. I have also ordered his "Ultimate Pipe Smoking Video" and am awaiting its arrival. You cannot go wrong in purchasing this book.



2. Richard Carleton Hacker is, in my words, a true and honest teacher and "fellow traveler" in his explanations of all facets of pipes and pipe smoking. He humorously and humbly tells of his learning experiences that led to his vast knowledge of this subject. Mr. Hacker reveals a history, a future, and above all, a presence of pipe smoking that is not only thought provoking, but educational for all.
   If anything is lacking at all in this book, I would say it is the absence of reviewing any G.L. Pease blends in the tobacco section. However, this is a relatively new tobbaco blending line. Hacker would only be stepping too far, perhaps, on relaying information that he may have not tested fully to give an honest opinion. His tobacco reviews are no more subjective than the rest of ours may be. I favor the "English style"tobaccos, myself. Hacker is probably much less subjective than I would be in writing similar reviews. We all have our choices on what is "better" or "not as". Our author encourages the reader to elaborate on his views.
   We all have different views on what shape, grade, or brand of pipe we choose. We are given a resource guide that allows us help in choosing what we may be looking for in a pipe or smoking accouterment. And, I sure gained a better insite into improving my skills as a pipe smoker.
   I believe that Richard Carleton Hacker's "Pipesmoking - A 21st Century Guide" is by far the best that is out there. It's a GEM. I can only look forward to a later addition that may elaborate on his future reviews of the latest trends in pipe smoking.



3. Gives a personal reveiw of major brands of tobacco that is something to use for reference. It is very similar to his other books with some added information. It would be a good starter for someone who wants to start smoking.



4. Typical Hacker book here. Lots of useful info as long as you can sift through his very high opinion of himself. Makes good reading, but don't hesitate skipping the parts where he talks about how important he is to the industry...



5. Typical Hacker book here. Lots of useful info as long as you can sift through his very high opinion of himself. Makes good reading, but don't hesitate skipping the parts where he talks about how important he is to the industry...

4 comments about Double-Barreled Rifles: Fascination in Wood and Steel.

1. a lovely book to keep at the bedside, exceptional photographs and a must for big game rifle enthusiasts



2. In brief.
   
   Horrible translation.
   Lost parts of sentences. Some are repeated.
   Spelling errors.
   Sometimes - incorrect information.
   Almost nothing new.
   Some nice photos.
   
   So, let me advise to look for some other source of the information.



3. Books about Double Rifles are usually expensive and difficult to obtain. This book is neither. I found it to be a beautifully illustrated book and clearly the author has researched his subject.
   My one critisism of this volume is, I feel, that much has been lost in the translation from the original German to English. Some of the terminology has been simplified and it shows. Perhaps a proof reader with a knowledge of firearms and whose native tongue is english could have corrected passages which have been over simplified.
   If you are looking for a more detailed overview of double rifles and their quirks, actions and history then Christopher Austyns trilogy is probably already in your bookcase.
   This is a minor quibble, if you like Double Rifles then this book is a worthwhile purchase even if only for the wonderful photos.



4. This book is quite a good read, though I felt it was missing some information in certain areas, it seemed to cover a great deal of important material. Perhaps I am just expecting too much. As books on the subject of double rifles go, this one is right up there... top shelf.
   Cheers,
   Dr. Stephen W. Templar, Author: rexGun

No comments about Washington Quarters: State Collection, Vol. 2: 2004-2008.

2 comments about Hot Wheels Spectraflame: The Essential Guide (Hot Wheels (Krause Publications)).

1. The book had very high quality photographs and overall it appears to be a worthwhile reference book for HOT WHEELS collectors.
   So far, I have found no fault in it.



2. I have grown tired of the hotwheel books that focus on the entire product offering through the years. The Tomarts guides did a good job of covering early redlines, but it's job was, once again, to cover all hotwheels. The Spectraflame book takes it back to the start, covers the beginning and ends it right there (~'72).
   
   For the redline enthusiasts, this book will be a welcomed addition; good photos, notes, and definite focus. Is it 100% authoritative as a source? Others may be more qualified than me to scrutinize; all I know is my first car was the custom camaro along with a barebones strip track, I remember when the superchargers came out, adding a whole diminsion to track layout. I remember stalking the local stores when the spoilers came out(especially the nitty gritty kitty) I was in the Hotwheel club and received my chrome heavy chevy, while my friend got the boss hoss that I had hoped would come in my box. I had the tune-up tower, the sky show, and a few of the heavyweights, etc etc.
   
   So, I may not be an expert, but I was there and have been collecting off and on through the years. I enjoyed the book.
   
   What it lacks is more information of the track design and concepts. But, by its title "spectraflame", it owes none of that info to the reader.

1 comments about This Was Logging.

1. I thought this was a photography book on log-ing in Northwest Washington. My grand- father was in one of the photo's. I can't re- member the photographer's name. Lost book, sadly, and would love to replace it. John Oftebro

1 comments about Antique Firearms Assembly/Disassembly: The Comprehensive Guide to Pistols, Rifles & Shotguns.

1. Both books I ordered arrived in great condition, and contained
   everything I was looking for!

5 comments about Official Price Guide to Books, 5th Edition (Official Price Guide to Books).

1. As a book collector I was disappointed with this book. The text was generally informative but I found the collectible book listing unreliable vis;
   The author Patrick O'Brian was spelt O'Brien and his first book "Master and Commander" (the most valueable in the series) not even listed.Also a number of collectible authors of modern 1st's were not listed.
   
   Little things like this jaundiced my view of the efficacy of the publication.
   
   A much better book is "Guide to First Edition Prices 2008/9 R.B Russell.



2. I sell used books on eBay and bought this to bring with me when I go to estate and garage sales. I tend to find and make more money with Non-fiction and this book is heavily weighted to fiction. But it's a pretty good resource none the less.



3. The book is in excellent condition and I received it well packaged and quickly.



4. Honestly, I was a little disappointed with this book. I thought it would go more into depth about how to recognize an older valuable book. It was just a list of "valuable books, and what they sold for on the Internet."
   I thought the book would explain how to recognize a valuable book.



5. This book's extensive guide to collectible book pricing is fascinating and valuable in itself, but what I enjoyed even more was the numerous interviews with longtime book dealers. These interviews, sprinkled throughout the book, provide a keen insight into today's out-of-print bookselling and collectibles market. Of course, the experts disagree on some points, but that is all part of the fun -- you get to decide what makes the best sense for you, and apply those ideas to your own book-hunting adventures.
   
   This guide also thoroughly covers genre collecting, the care and repair of books, and includes a glossary and references to many additional sources of information.
   
   So whether you're a book auctioneer, bookshop owner, an online dealer, or simply a lover of collectible fiction or nonfiction treasures, I'd recommend that you read this book from cover to cover and put it on your shelf for future reference. When I read this book a few months ago, I found myself underlining a few paragraphs on nearly every page. It will give you a finer appreciation of how the Internet has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for book collectors and dealers alike.