5 comments about Collecting Swarovski: Identification & Price Guide (Identification and Value Guides (Krause)).

1. While I think this is such a beautifully done book with great photos, descriptions, prices and all, only a few pieces of the Swarovski jewelry are pictured or mentioned. Perhaps a companion book which would feature all the retired Swarovski jewelry pieces should be considered as it would certainly complete the whole Swarovski package.



2. While this book is very informative, with pictures and reviews, it needs updating to keep prices current and more pictures to distinguish varations would be helpful. Still, it is well written and an enjoyable read.



3. I was excited about receiving this book, as my aunt had given me her collection of Swarovski Crystal to sell on eBay for her. I thought it would at least identify all of the pieces in her collection and answer at least most of the questions posed by potential bidders. It did not. At least half of the pieces are not listed in the book, nor does the book answer what I feel are some pretty basic questions posed by bidders. Not a complete waste of money, but had I known in advance, I would have looked for a much more comprehensive book.



4. I had previously owned some Swarovski that I had received as gifts and decided I wanted to start actively collect them. I was buying a lot of the older pieces on the second market and wanted to make sure I was getting a fair deal. This book was exactly what I was looking for. It had the details that I needed to make sure I was getting authentic pieces at a fair price. Great for any starter collector.



5. This book which arrived in a timely manner and at a good price is very well put together incorporating a host of information for the Swarovski collector. The pictures and text are clear and well layed out.

5 comments about Jadite: An Identification and Price Guide.

1. I highly recommend this particular book. The information is easy to read and there a many good quality pictures. You can find specific products and price information with ease.



2. I LOVE MY JADITE BOOK, IT'S VERY INFORMATIVE AND EASY TO USE TO IDENTIFY AND PRICE ANTIQUE PIECES. I COULDN'T FIND THIS BOOK ANYWHERE EXCEPT AT AMAZON.



3. Co-written by expert antiques dealers Joe Keller and David Ross, Jadite: An Identification And Price Guide informatively examines and showcases Jadeite dinnerware from the 1930s to the mid 1970s. Gorgeous full color photographs are combined with a comprehensively researched price guide to make for a marvelous compendium of Jadite works. Highly enjoyable for armchair connoisseurs of practical art and devoted collectors alike, Jadite is exhaustive, authoritative, "user friendly", and enthusiastically recommended.



4. One of the things I hate about price guides is the pricing. So many authors price items by what they have and what they want to have. If they have it, it's worth a fortune. If they want to have it, it's not worth anything. The reason for this is simple. If they want to sell something they have the price has been established and they'll ask the price in their book. It they don't have it and want it they price it low so they can buy it inexpensively. Keller and Ross don't do that. They are out there shopping, doing shows, going to auctions and their prices are generally right on the mark. That's a tremendous help to both collectors and dealers. The other great thing about the book is the photos. There are lots of them so it makes it easy to identify the pieces you have or are looking to buy. I like the organization by category which makes it easy to look up itemsIf you're a collector or a dealer this book is well worth the price.



5. This book has awesome photography with accurate color and well conceived layouts. It is well organized and easy to use as a reference and pricing guide. I would highly recommend this book to both the novice collector and the seasoned veteran.

5 comments about Antique Trunks, Refinish, Repair, Restore.

1. The book provides a wonderful step-by-step approach to trunk restoration and repair for a broad variety of trunks with which you might be dealing, from leather covered to brass mound to metal trunks with embossed tin and those covered in canvas. The guide is conveniently spiral-bound so that you can keep a specific page open when working on the trunk. Finally, I really liked the humorous approach. It's a nice complement to Morse & Edelstein's "Antique Trunks" book.



2. I purchased this book for my husband and he really likes it. We've had an antique trunk in the rafters of our garage for years...not knowing how to restore it. If every antique trunk ever made isn't in the book, I'd be surprised. Not only does it give historical information but exactly how to restore it and a place to order replacement parts. The trunk is out of the rafters and being worked on now. I'd recommend it to anyone...especially to beginners like us.



3. I was surprised first off that's it's not an actual book but spiral bounded. The information was very hard to understand. The information contradicts information I found on a site that suggests this book, so I was dissapointed in that. I hate that I just spent $25 on something I won't ever use.



4. I just want to say that the previous reviewer, I think, was distracted by the folksy style of the author, so much so that he didn't see the nitty gritty. I actually restored a trunk--my first--off Morse's step by step in this book. He offers great help such as tool lists (I purchased the hand tools he recommended) and tips on chipping old paper linings out of the trunk (an impossible task without his wisdom) and also clear instructions on how to shore up wood cracks--two kinds, cosmetic and structural. I was able to restore a Civil War era trunk with a broken back to a nice cosmetic state so that it looks nice in my house. And I made it structurally sound enough to use as my toddler's toy box.



5. A cute book, but contains very little information for all of its promise. The authors are busy making jokes but not talking about the nitty gritty of restoration. Maybe it is to hard to do since every job presents its own challanges. I just found the content thin. I am sorry I purchased it. If I could have found a copy in my local library, I would have saved some money.

2 comments about The Bus Converter's Bible, 2nd Edition.

1. Anyone who is serious about converting a bus or is even interested should have this book in their library.
   I expected a basic "how to" book that would skim over the important topics but that one would be 'Beginners Guide To Converted Coaches' by Larry Plachno which I also recommend for initial reading. When you really get more serious and want to learn about the different systems and what is involved then this book is a must and earns it's claim as a bible!
   There are precious few books and useful articles on this hobby but the only reason that I didn't feel that this merited 5 stars was because some of the drawings, schematics and diagrams were a little small to really read and scrutinize. Maybe a few more pages in the book and larger diagrams next time?
   Whether you are a complete novice or fairly adept, when you are getting serious about a conversion you really should start here and then move on to 'Bus Wiring for Bus Nuts' and 'Plumbing for Bus nuts' by the same author.
   There are other books by Mr Galey as well but I have yet to read them.



2. This book is is a great source of information for creating your own motorhome.Covers topics from raising the roof,plumbing,wiring to interior layouts,etc.Factual information will help you plan and build your motorhome.Plenty of photographs and diagrams.This book will help any would be bus converter.
   If you are thinking of converting any bus read this book first.

No comments about Collecting Oyster Plates (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

4 comments about Standard Catalog Of World Paper Money Specialized Issues.

1. This book along with occasional use of the WEB has enabled me to identify currency from countries that not only do not use english style letters but the number systems as well. The text has both some color and a lot of black and white photos of currency along with a brief description of what the note is called. The pictures enable positive ID of a piece of Cucurrency. The book is a must have for the serious collector.



2. This book is invaluable source of information for both collectors as well as dealers of modern banknotes. The major flaw, however, is the unrealistic UNC catalog values for most banknotes. The majority are exaggerated and no one can sell at even 50% of such CVs. However, the book stands as a unique source and a vault of invaluable information about all modern banknotes.



3. The value of this book is going to depend on what you collect - if you collect China, Mexico, Russia, Latin America, and certain British Commonwealth - then yes, this book is very good and very valuable - WHERE IS ISRAEL? Are you trying to tell me there are no specialized issues for Israel/Palestine - Theres lots of people who can help the editor - myself included. The standard Pick Book doesn' list any of the military issues, all standard issues, and none of the specialized issues, I've even emailed scans of notes to the editors - otherpeople have too. Richard Gatto, Bill Rosenblum, the Israel coin and currency c/ollectors group, the AINA, the INS all people who can help the editors, who don't read Hebrew - well sorry we know the notes trust us. We know what they look like - that is only one of many areas totally uncovered and what about Russia - you have 25000 uncataloged notes to go - why did you quit? work getting a little hard - want to do nothing and get an easy buck? that's what this is about - did yall even try to find the market values on these notes? maybe for some markets, I see htat - not every market. The price a note goes for at auction and what a dealer says a note is worth and gives it to Krause can be different. There are too many price differences, i saw notes listed for $125 from Costa Rica in this NEW BOOK sell for $1600 at auction, so explain to me the $125? is that because someone was hoping to buy one at that price? isn't there a problem here, yall think I'm crazy - I've heard this more than dozens of times. Why not be UNBIASED, report the true values, be accurate? Isn't that what a price book is supposed to be? Overall I like the book - but I'm pretty angry about how the editors dealt with me and other collectors about the Israel section they already had all the information and chose not to include it. They had some of it in the book before but took it out, why? The 3rd edition of Pick 2 has many notes currently not included, why's that? I know they work hard. It's either a great book or a lousy book depending on what you collect. Some things have no coverage at all. Maybe you need a Middle East specialist, these notes are non-existant in this book Did yall even ask Armen what he thought? I think you have too narrow of a group of people who give input into these books. Nobody asked me anything, and I know more about Isreal Paper money than a lot of people, but there are people who know more than me. Even the pre-established books weren't consulted. Seems like the editors think they are above everyone else or just plain working too hard, ok admit you can't do the job. Don't say this is everything when it isn't



4. this book is great in term for those who very very interested in world currency and pro in this field... it may be good to own a copy of this book cause it include a lot of world money that you and me were not born yet... especially note that impress me is the CHINA's CENTURY ... it is like amazing to see those kind of note that never thought of it would be called as "money"...

   anywhere this book is great... and if this book improving its' note with color than it is highly recommended...

   thank you...

   regards,
   Jason Yap

2 comments about Quilting With Style: Principles for Great Pattern Design.

1. From page one the reader is engaged in the creative process that brings us to the 'look' of quilts that has evaded us. Not only does Ms. Marston identify the character of quilting that has drawn so many of us to the art and, until now, been miising from our quilts.....she invites us into and through the process. Amazingly simple techniques are reviewed and once implemented, make 'nice' quilts.....'remarkable' quilts. This one is for any quilter out there who's quilts need "something" or is contemplating their first heirloom quilt. It has redefined my craft and creativity.



2. From one hand quilter to another, "Quilting With Style" by Gwen Marston and Joe Cunningham is fantastic! It's concise, down to earth, and LOTS of information on the actual hand quilting Designs! It's about time!! They emphasis the importance of the quilting being as beautiful as the piecing or applique of the top itself. What brings a quilt 'to life' and how to choose your designs to accent your quilt top. It's a MUST READ! Karen Bush, Professional Hand Quilter

No comments about The Great Collections (Modern Custom Knives).

5 comments about The American Quilt: A History of Cloth and Comfort 1750-1950.

1. I love this book, having received it last week. I read it cover to cover by the second day it arrived. I have already picked it up again to research a specific quilt type. A wealth of information and wonderful color photographs of numerous quilts. I recommend this book highly for those of you who are looking for inspiration, as there are no patterns. All in all, quality reference material.



2. I'm very picky when I purchase books because I want them to be worthy of my time, money, and shelf space. This book fits all of my needs! It contains excellent information about the history & culture of quilts and has fabulous photographs. It's 264 pages have a welcome spot on my shelf.



3. As a history buff, Civil War reenactor, and (very) beginning quilter, I wanted a basic reference book to help me learn about quilting styles and techniques from the Colonial through Victorian periods. This book provides that information and much more. In simple yet evocative language the authors lead us through the development of American quilting and discuss how social, economic, and political circumstances affected how quilts were designed and constructed over the years.
   
   This book is a fascinating glimpse into the past, tracing the evolution of our country through the stitches of quilting. The supplies and tools that were available at any given time, together with the imagination and ingenuity of women at each point in history, resulted in the emergence of new techniques and designs. It's amazing to page through this book and see how something as seemingly simple as a quilt block takes on a whole new meaning in the context of its time. For example, in the 1840s, a time of migration to the West: "As family and friends were uprooted and separated from one another, a great many women carried quilts composed of blocks with precious messages from those left behind, whom they would likely never see again."
   
   Chapters include:
   
   Fabrics - fiber production; weaving and dyeing; fabric printing; fabric designers
   
   1750-1825 Preindustrial America - how the settling of the colonies related to trade and in particular the production of fabric; seaports; the role of women in the New World; quilt styles of the period including whole-cloth, medallion, and mosaic piecework
   
   1825-1850 Rise of the Cult of Domesticity - how social and economic changes were reflected in the fabric arts; women working in the mills; friendship and album quilts
   
   1850-1875 A Tranquil Nation is Ripped Apart - reform movements; effects of the Civil War; children's and dolls' quilts; new block designs; indigo and white designs; influence of the sewing machine
   
   1875-1900 The Grand Epoch - prosperity in the centennial period; effect of availability of education; crazy quilts; log cabin quilts; decorative styles shown at the Centennial Exposition of 1876; Hawaiian quilts; mourning quilts; fundraising quilts
   
   1900-1950 A New Century of Quiltmaking Begins - influences of the World Wars, Depression, and the New Deal; small piece "competitive" quilts; fairs and exhibitions; African-American women's quilting; Amish quilting; flour and feed sack quilting; 20th century quilting personalities
   
   Additional resources include tips on dating and investigating antique quilts, how to conserve and maintain antique quilts, where to view antique quilts, and more.
   
   'The American Quilt' has hundreds of beautiful color plates of quilts, quilt blocks, and textiles. This is a lovely and engrossing book for anyone interested in American history or women's history, as well as in quilting and other fabric arts. Highly recommended.



4. The benchmark of quilt book histories. Anyone interested in the history of quilting in America should include this book in their library. The photographs are striking and the accompanying explanations add to the reader's knowledge of the quilter's stories. The author's have given the quilter a priceless resource to which I refer often.



5. Thank you so much for the fast shipment and the wonderful book!!!

4 comments about The Big Wedding on a Small Budget Planner & Organizer.

1. I bought this book because I had never been married before, had no money and no one to tell me how it's done. It absolutely saved me! There was an A-to-Z checklist that included everything I wanted/needed plus things I hadn't thought of.
   
   My daughter is getting married in 2008, and I'm using it again for her wedding!



2. This book is somewhat useful, but I found it disappointing and I am returning it. It is comprised of mostly forms and blank pages to write notes etc. I can but a notepad for that! Some hints are helpful, but this is not the book for me.



3. Thanks to Diane Warner's book, my husband and I were able to have a wonderful wedding. She covers everything you need to consider. It helped me to stay organized, keep my sanity intact and we were still able to make the house payments. I can't thank her enough!



4. Diane Warner has been there and done that. She has alternative tips for ways to have a dream wedding without going into Ch. 11. Her ideas don't seem "chintzy." According to Warner there is a whole universe of talented friends out there, from florists to photographers to musicians. If you like her book, enjoy NOTES FROM THE M.O.B. (mother of the Bride) by Sherri Goodall, great ideas and humor from the POV of the mother of the bride.