2 comments about Glock Exotic Weapons System.

1. ....To make a glock full-auto. It is a 58 page book that gives you step by step instructions on how to turn a glock fully automatic including blue prints and schematics, its rather user friendly and easy to do. There is nothing else in this book other than directions to do what I mentioned above.



2. I was VERY disapointed with this book. If all you want to know about is converting the glock to full auto, you might like it, that is all it covers.

1 comments about Marine Chronometer hc: Its History and Developments.

1. This is an excellent history of the development of the marine chronometer from the earliest attempts through to the modern day. Gould was in an excellent position to write authoritatively because he reconstructed John Harrison's original "sea clocks" some of which had lain forgotten and in a very poor state. He not only restored them and got them working, but described them in detail for posterity.

   This book contains a wealth of technical detail, carefully and accurately describing the designs, techniques and principles of the various developments that occurred as timekeeping at sea gradually improved over two centuries. Those who want technical details and explanations will not be disappointed in this book, while those who want to know about the background and the personalities who devoted their lives to the pursuit of accurate timekeeping will find plenty to interest them. The book contains many drawings and sketches of the various escapements which evolved and the other refinements that were invented in the course of the history of the chronometer.

   All those interested in the history and technology of mechanical timepieces need to have this book in their library.

   400 pages, 40+ photos, 85 sketches.

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 Tiaras: Past and Present.

1. What a lovely book. The photos are absolutely superb. So clear. Love the photo's of the owners wearing them. Such a diverse range of designs. The skill of the designers & the jewellers who made them is just brilliant. If you love jewellery this book will not disappoint you.



2. Excellent adventure into an art form using precious metals and jewels to make the perfect man made crowning glory. The text and photos bring a historical context to enjoy the art and creativity this subject requires. The gems , the glitter and imagined glamour make this book a must have along with Geoffrey Munn's definative text published earlier "Tiara's : A History of Splendour" .



3. I was lucky enough to SEE the exhibition at Vic and Albert in London and that is where I got this book. Tiaras were absolutely fabulous and the book transportes the magic and splendor very well. I gave this book to a friend who owns antique jewellery shop and am thinking about getting another copy for myself.



4. Wow! I just got this book, and G.Mann's huge other tiara book. This one is based on the exhibit that was done at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and contains not only old tiaras, but modern ones done just for the exhibit. There is very little overlap between the two books, so I was not disappointed. The photos are huge, clear, and show lots of detail. There's also lots of good information. The other, bigger book is a better deal at $47, but this one's no slouch either, and the price and size would make it a great gift.
   
   [...]



5. I recived this book as a gift. It was one of two books on tiaras by G.C. Munn, this book gives you a look at what kind of Tiaras are being made and worn by todays Women. The Photos are of good quality and sharpness You can see the Craftmanship in each piece.
   If you ever wanted to have your own Tiara this is the closest thing to it.

5 comments about Wayne Goddard's $50 Knife Shop.

1. I bought this because I'm thinking I may want to make a few knives in the future, and I wanted to see what could be done in a low-commitment way.
   
   The $50.00 limit is a bit arbitrary, and perhaps outdated. It really depends on scrounging a motor and making your own grinder/sander. That sounds like more trouble than it is worth, to me.
   
   Other than that, I found the minimal equipment list a useful reference for any future excursions into this craft.
   
   The book has a lot of information about Damascus-style blades made from steel cable; although an interesting concept, I don't care for the look of the blades, so I found that information of less value than the rest of the book.
   
   The procedures for hardening and tempering, on the other hand, made me feel that this part of the process was actually accessible. Before reading this book, heat treating in general was an intimidating mystery. Now, it is just something that requires care and practice.



2. Even though he has not been able to buy an anvil yet, hubby has re-crafted several knives using the methods described in this book. It is only a few months old, but is already very worn and tattered. When ever he gets quite (no metal grinding or scraping noises), I know he has sat back down with his book for more inspiration or a bit of clarification.



3. My best basic book,will answer all your questions,and will get you started and on your way,if you are not new to knife building it will reinforce you knowledge even more..



4. I was hesitant on ordering this book, I've read or bought almost everything I can find relating to bladesmithing or blacksmithing. I got the book, and read it from front to back, then read it again. This book not only offers insight on how to make needed equipment, but also explains how to make knives of both stock removal, forging and wire damascus. I've never read a book on this subject where it felt like the author was talking directly to me, explaining things that I was thinking. This book is definitely one for the beginner smith.



5. I got this book last night and have read it cover to cover. Wayne gives great confidence to the beginner. Just the simple fact that you don't have to go broke to make knives is very fullfilling. Some great shop tips and good ways of looking at shop problems.

   Buy this book and David Boye's book, and you are well on your way.

5 comments about Wristwatch Annual 2006: The Catalog Of Producers, Prices, Models And Specifications.

1. A wonderful resource book, exhaustive coverage of big and small wristwatch producers. This is a commercial book and all company's are written about favorably (not reality). One is best to research products/reviews online in addition to get a true picture of the products represented in this book. This is the best in my opinion of the watch annual books.
   
   The strengths are: clear listing of all watch specs, often interesting blurb about each company, pronunciation list, company contact info, additional resource list (forums, dealers, etc.). Annual does not change that much yearly, might try buying last years annual and saving about 50% for very similar content.
   
   Enjoy this wonderfully rich subject.



2. Of course you can't include everything, but these annuals usually have some glaring omissions of watch lines, particularly American made.



3. I found the catalog very limited. A review should include all products available from a manufacturer or list variations of products displayed. For example, a watch made of stainless steel is also available and not just white gold.



4. After years of buying the equivalent in French and German, this is definitely the best guide, very complete, very well written. The prices are in US$, though. The most expensive watch, a Vacheron Constantin. 1.6 million dollars, production is limited to 7 watches. The mind boggles!



5. Do not expect to find quartz electronic watches from the orient here. This is a catalog of the finest in traditional watch design from Europe, primarily Switzerland, Germany and France. Here are watches that are the ultimate in design, both mechanically and artistically. They are also the ultimate in price, intended for the well to do who wants to make a fashion statement that is also a supurb timekeeper. (I don't know the most expensive watch in the book, but the highest priced one I found was $783,100.)
   
   The book is organized by manufacturer and gives the highlights of their current product line. It is profusely illustrated with color photographs on virtually every page. Of course not every watch of every manufacturer could be included on a book of any size. But then again, that's what the web is for.

2 comments about Unusual World Coins: Companion Volume to Standard Catalog of World Coins Series (Unusual World Coins: Companion Volume to Standard Catalog of World).

1. An excellent reference for unusual coins. The book would be better if a brief history of each coin was also included.



2. This is a coin catalogue worth buying even if you don't have a single coin it lists. The Unusual coins are really unusual in the way they depict human vain hopes, unattainable dreams, and impossible ambitions. You can see here coins from imaginary or lost empires (Russian monarchists struck their coins in 1990), states that have not been recognized by a single sovereign nation (Hutt River Province) or worlds which existed only in the imagination of writers (the Middle Earth) or private mints (Russian euro coins...). All this is a great tribute to human imagination and entepreneurial spirit, neatly presented in the form of a handy volume.
   Naturally, you may actually collect these coins. In this case you will find the typical Krause quality - lots of pictures are missing, some coins are not listed completely (just my luck - I have only 1 euro coin of the 2002 Vaticane euro trial issue and this coin is missing - there is #6 - 50 cents and #8 - 2 euro but no #7 - 1 euro ;) but as it is in the case of all Krause catalogues: you just won't find anything better!

No comments about Samuel McIntire: Carving an American Style.

No comments about 100 Baseball Icons: From the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

5 comments about Blue Book of Pool Cues.

1. Great reference material for anyone interested in collecting cues. Just wish the book was hardback.



2. If you enjoy playing pool and want to find out who makes the pool cues we use, this is the book for you.



3. As this is the 3rd edition of Blue Books, that tells you that people into pool cues have been buying them, with good reason.
   First off, the author, Brad Simpson, has been adding more and more info into each new edition, the 1st ed.(1996) had 465 pages, the 2nd, (1999) 600 pages, and this 3rd edition,(2005), a whopping 913.
   The number of color photos's showing the work of the more well known cuemakers, past and present, living and dead, has also increased with each new edition and, IMO, is the best feature of these books.
   The 3rd edition has a fairly extensive listing of cuemakers and a brief business bio of them. Their current cue offerings, as well as their older and one of a kind cues is provided. The pricing guidelines should be regarded in the most general of terms, as so much goes into the value of a pool cue.
   If your a collector or just someone looking to spend a few hundred dollars on a nice cue to play with, The Blue Book of Pool Cues, 3rd Ed., can provide both useful information and enjoyment at a reasonable cost.



4. This is a great value for content and price! I don't know how it could have been done much better for the cost. Some of the minor cuemakers don't have pictures of their work, but I suspect they didn't submit any to the publisher. It was a big help to me when I went to buy a cue.



5. It's amazing how much my old cue has appreciated in value. I almost sold it at my garage sale. Thanks to Simpson's BLUE BOOK, I got almost 10 times what I thought it was worth. This book is a goldmine.