No comments about Car Collecting: Everything You Need to Know (Everything You Need To Know).

5 comments about Superman: The Complete History.

1. As with Daniels's other comics histories, this is a beautiful coffee table book, thoroughly illustrated and full of much fascinating trivia about the medium. When reading it, though, it's important to remember that the book was fully approved and virtually coproduced by DC Comics, and so basically represents DC's PR department view of its history. For example, it mostly rationalizes or dismisses the company's appalling treatment of Superman's creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. For history, there are non-corporate approved books that do a much more realistic job. But for beautiful pictures and an overview of the comics themselves, this is great.



2. He's the first, and greatest superhero ever, the man who not only was faster than a speeding bullet, but more importantly the man who was able to survive the golden age fallout of superhero comics and continue to thrive almost 70 years later. Les Daniels' magnificent book traces the history of Superman from his humble beginnings, to the major marketing franchise it is today. It's the story of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, a couple of young men from Cleveland who putting the ideas for this new and fantastic character down on paper as early as 1933, and then struggled for years to get the feature sold. We see a rare cover, the only page surviving from 1933, after Joe Shuster burned the rest of the pages in frustration. The spotlight reviewer contends that Daniels does not give credit to Siegel and Shuster and even takes stabs at the pair. Nothing could be further from the truth. The book details the pairs drive to get the character sold, and their diligence is well documented by Daniels. It's a tribute to their persistence that Superman is around today. Had they thrown in the towel after their many rejections Superman would never have seen the light of day. I think that pays them high tribute. There's no doubt that DC comics made millions...no billions off Superman and that Siegel and Shuster did not benefit much from this. Unfortunately, the pair, so desperate to get the idea in print, signed away their rights to the character. It may have been cheap on DCs part, no doubt, but creators simply did not own their characters back then.
   
   Daniels goes onto to show how Superman was a smashing success right out of the gate and would go onto conquer virtually every form of media of the day including newspaper strips, animated shorts, movie serials, feature films, radio, TV, and incredible merchandising. Daniels traces Superman's adventures from the enemy-smashing efforts of WWII, to the ridiculous, often silly stories of the 1950's, to Superman's death and eventual resurrection in the 1990's. Daniels traces all those others who were key in making Superman the American Icon he has become, particularly the late Julius Schwartz who basically created the Silver Age of comics and guided superman for years and artists the late Wayne boring the primary superman artist after Shuster and through the mid-1950's, and the late Curt Swan who took over in the mid-1950's and was the primary artist on Superman for the next thirty years.
   
   But the book isn't all about the comic books. We'll see Superman in the great Fleischer cartoons of the 1940's, his early film appearances by Kirk Alyn, and then on TV with George Reeves...Heck there was even a Superman musical in the 1960's. Superman would be re-vitalized in the 1970's when Christopher Reeves played the Man of Steel in four big-screen films before the character would return to TV in the romantic Lois and Clark, and the new look at Clark Kent as a young man in the smash hit "Smallville". Daniels covers it all including the wonderful animated series on WB, and the controversies surrounding Superman's "death" and resurrection and eventual marriage to Lois Lane. Daniels leaves no stone unturned, even providing great photos of vintage and current Superman toys and other collectibles.
   
   Siegel and Shuster are given their proper due for the creation of Superman, but it was an entire host of talented writers, artists, actors, animators, and directors that have turned the character into the legend that he has become. This is a terrific book for any fan of the character. Well-written and researched.



3. This is a great book for anyone who is interested in reading about the history of The Man Of Steel in all of his media incarnations (it's a few years old, so misses out on any info on the tv series Smallville). Well written and illustrated, it's a must-have for any fan of Superman.



4. There is no doubt the comic book industry owes a great debt to Superman, or rather, to Siegel and Shuster who created him, but in his book, Les Daniels frequently looks for ways to minimize, rather than credit, their contribution. DC Comics made millions of dollars on the movies, TV Shows, cartoons, and other merchanising over the decades, while Siegel and Shuster shared in hardly any of it. The most shocking thing now is, this book, written with the cooperation of DC - rather than apologize to the two men, or even express any kind of gratitude, it actually takes stabs at Sigel and Shuster. Rather than simply state the facts regarding to Superman's history, Daniels frequently assails the characters of the two men, claims they took most of their ideas from other places, assigns poor motives to both men, even mentions extra-marital affairs they may or may not have had. The book is supposed to be about Superman, who cares about any of that? Of course Daniels would never turn a critical eye towards DC, who seem to have hired him, it's surprising they still seem to be bitter about two men that made them so much money for the last sixty years. There is no doubt, DC has been the best comic book company when it comes to promoting their characters, but they have also been very lucky in the courts. Not only did they force Superman's creators to relinquish all rights to the character, their lawsuits also managed to force Captain Marvel, a character more popular than Superman at the time, out of business. They claimed they were too much alike, but anyone who knows comics could see their differences. Later, DC took over Captain Marvel and actually began publishing him themselves (!). This story is only touched on briefly here. I give the book two stars because the illustrations are good, but the text deserves one, if even that. Everyone is entitled their opinion, but, in a book like this, people don't want to hear about it, they expect a decent read about the character of Superman. The true history of Superman is really not told here, it actually involves greedy businessmen sitting back and counting their money, while the creators that were the ones to make these characters, end up dying peniless.



5. Superman is, without a doubt, one of the most recognizable characters in the world. But how did he reach that point? Les Daniels excellent history of Superman tells that story, and is packed with great pictures and photos as well. A perfect book for comic or pop culture fans. Highly Recommended.

5 comments about Collectors Encyclopedia of Hall China.

1. A lady I know worked in Halls china in East Liverpool Ohio, she loves looking at the book and telling stories about the plant and the time she worked there. She has a lot of the china and I find myself collecting it. This book is a great help, and I am very thankful to have found it.



2. This is a must have for Hall China enthusiasts. The format is clear and easy to follow. There is so much great information with pictures and pricing info. for a wide variety of Hall China pieces. I carry the book with me whenever I am shopping at Antique Stores looking for Hall China.



3. The edition is as complete a guide for the mian lines of Hall China as you can probably find, however I think the photo layout and quality were better int he previous version.



4. The Whitmyers obviously worked for years and simply produced "The Informative Reference" to the wonderful Hall China Company and its long production of products. If you love Hall China, this is the book that you HAVE to have in your library. Packed with facts, photos, information found nowhere else but in this volume. Through the help of dealers, collectors and friends; they were able to show Hall's artistry and employee craftsmanship at its finest.
   The color photos pop from the pages as the digital up-to-date photo process allows for this volume. It is so wonderful to see so much Hall China and accessories one might never have a chance to see otherwise if it were not included in this book. Hats off to the Whitmyers and all those who allowed them to photograph such fabulous collections.



5. This is one of the best collector reference books I have ever seen. It is laid out in an easy to read and refer format and the pictures are fantastic. It contains well over 100 pages on teapots alone. Descriptions are clear, interesting and well written.

   This is a perfect addition to the Hall China or teapot collector's library.

2 comments about Fenton Art Glass 1907-1939: Identification & Value Guide (2nd Edition).

1. This is a extremely valuable and complete book on my new hobby.
   The pictures of the art glass are perfect for help and the information on the Fenton family is very interesting. The book has helped identify Fenton glass perfectly.



2. This book provides an excellent history of Fenton. The photography and guides are very helpful for identification purposes.

   Explanations of the Fenton evolution in glass making provide insight into glass making. Excellent for the novice or seasoned veteran. Nicely done!

3 comments about Leica Collectors Guide: 2nd Edition (Hove Collectors Books).

1. This book a great book for all the past,present and future Leica camera users.A must buy item.



2. Big changes with regard to the first edition : better presented, more clearly, better classified. A basic work for every collector of Leica.



3. For First Edition: This book has many construction dates, history, and pictures of Leica lenses. Includes reasonably big pictures of many lenses to give you the sense of physical character of the lenses. Seems to cover all old lenses and new up to 1994. Only seems to have information on 35mm ASPH and not other Asph lenses or on the newer lenses. For the used buyer you should get the Leica Pocket Book by Erwin Puts with this or before this book. Sartorius book "Identifying Leica Lenses" is also helpful for used buyer. Also has a list of serial numbers up to 1988. Includes info on old leica copy equipment and many other accessories with pictures of much but not all items. It has Visoflex information. Includes R & L body information and pictures. Production numbers given when available. Lacks opinion comments which can be a blessing or frustrating depending on what you want. I wanted opinion or reputation of lenses which this does not attempt to cover so I give it a 4. Others wanting a construction facts book may rate it a 5.

2 comments about Arrowheads of the Central Great Plains: Identification & Value Guide.

1. This book is very finely done! The pictures are excellent, the information is very educational.



2. Danial Fox has written a very informative book that I would highly recommend to anyone intrested in Great Plains arrowheads.I found the section on lithic materials very helpful and the pictures of artifacts fantastic. It's packed cover to cover with good information.

No comments about Insects on Display: A Guide to Mounting and Displaying Insects.

1 comments about Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalogs: Mid 1930s.

1. I bought this book because I deal in vintage clothing and constantly need resources to help me date pieces that i sell. I was really impressed with the pictures in this book, they are really detailed and there are tons of variations and examples of 30s styles. Everything from lengerie, to hats, gloves, shoes, jewelry, dresses, skirts, pants -- you name it, and it has men's and children's fashions as well. It also shows seasonal trends.
   Even though it's a bummer to have to buy three books just to get an idea of one decade, I think it is worth it. By breaking up the fashions into "early - mid - late" you really can see the progression of style and the subtle changes that define these decades. The book also has a lot of color pictures, which is extremely useful! I would suggest this book for anyone who loves the glamor of the 30s or is interested in this book as a reference. If you're looking for a lot of explainations and text--this isn't the book for you, it is mostly pictoral.

1 comments about Christmas Tree Pins: O Christmas Tree (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. This is an outstanding book on Christmas Tree Pins. It is a comprehensive book covering many of the lesser known as well as those major manufacturers and designers we all recognize.
   The photos and "paper stock" are excellent--a quality publication. I bought this book along with "Christmas Pins, Past & Present and enjoy them both, but if you can only have one, this is it.

4 comments about The Case Cutlery Dynasty: Tested XX.

1. I haven't even finished the book yet, and I can tell you that it is one of the most captivating accounts I have ever read. The author takes you square into the world of the Case's and their relatives, and pulls no punches about their strengths and shortcomings. Each character has his own chronological tale, so there is a lot of going over the same time period from different viewpoints. The reader can almost feel the way that it was to have to compete in that time period, and new respect is earned for those who went through it and made it work. The book itself is also well made, and worthy of a place in your collection.



2. Was very interesting to find out how many family ties Case had to other companies. Gives a great insight to how foreign imports have affected U.S. manufacturing over the years.



3. I must warn you that this review may be prejudiced; I am a direct decendant of Jean Case, the son of the last Case decendant still manufacturing knives and a high school acquaintance of the author. Still, I would like to share an objective view of this text from a historical point of view. My undergrad degree is in American Civilization and I am currently completing my Masters in 20th Century American History. I found Brad's book thoroughly engaging and though provoking from this perspective. Following the Case family is a microcosm of westward expansion, the industrial age, the progressive era, the Great Depression through the catastrophic effects of free trade and foreign importation. Historians, sociologists, anthropologists and economists could all benefit from reading this compelling text. I am going to recommend that members of our faculty use it in 19th or 20th cen. Am. Hist. classes.



4. I'm a huge fan of author Brad Lockwood, having read all of his novels ("Wink" rules and "Sellout" will be a great film) but I was a bit confused when I saw he had a non-fiction book coming out. Now, I don't know anything about knives, only from using them in my kitchen, but this book is truly amazing. I knew Brad could write, but I never realized how far he could take the story of his family - almost 2 centuries of knife makers - and make a very "testosterone heavy" industry so interesting. Wow! Buy this book - It isn't just about forging steel, it's about the women who put up with their husbands being away for months on end, and somehow kept the family together. A great, fast, truly informative historical read. It took me 3 days. Rereading it took 4.