4 comments about Christmas Jewelry, Second Edition.

1. If you are going garage sale shopping, this book will fit in your tote and provide immediate information. Ms. Morrison does a good job of organizing alphabetically by designer, and she takes the time to warn about copies, particularly the Weiss tree pins. She also has a theme section with pointsettia pins, candles, reindeer, etc. I really like the cover where she lays a selection of her pins on a piece of Christmas fabric. I do find the print of the captions very small, even wearing my glasses, no doubt an accommodation for the size of the book. I also sometimes have trouble deciding which pin among three or four she is describing. Each is noted in the text with a letter of the alphabet, but there's no letter on the picture. I would also recommend that in her next edition, her husband not photograph any pins on dark paper backgrounds. In several instances, a dark burgundy or sapphire paper makes it impossible to see the details of the pin.



2. Mary Morrison has put together a wonderful array of some of the best costume Christmas jewelry out there! A good range of the inexpensive and available to the rare and most desirable pieces with reasonable prices that reflect the market of the time the book was published. If you only get one book on this collecting area, this is the one to get



3. I love this book! I am a beginning collector and this book has inspired me. The research is thorough, and it is great to finally know the story behind the pins I already have.



4. Christmas Jewelry by Mary Morrison is the very best book currently available concentrating on costume Christmas jewelry. The photography is excellent, allowing you to clearly see the details in each pin. Mary's descriptions with each photo are informative and interesting. It's size is very convenient for carrying to shops and shows. It is extremely easy to use. The variety of pins shown is staggering; as a Christmas tree pin collector with over 100 pins, my only disappointment with this book is that it is not a catalog where I can place orders!

4 comments about Shotguns & Shotgunning (Firearms).

1. Some inexperienced gunners may have a hard time sunderstanding all of the teminology and info the author goes over, but I found the book very interesting and helpful.



2. Very well researched and written. The author obviously knows the sport. Detailed attention is given to all types of shotguns with plenty of advice on selecting a piece suitable for the readers intended use.



3. After almost 40 years, I am just returning to the world of shotgun bird hunting. As a kid, my uncle taught me everything he wanted me to know - and nothing else. This is exactly the comprehensive guide I needed to find!
   
   This book is about shotguns and how to use them for hunting (primarily, birds). Mr. Simpson provides a complete survey course on shotgun types and their makers, including which is good for what and how to choose. He provides the same range of information for ammunition and chokes, correlated to the shotgun type and use. He describes shotgun activities, covering all types of hunting (wild and preserve) and the various target sports. He provides not only safe practices, but how to conduct yourself politely in the field and at the range. He even dicusses clothing and accessories (e.g., glasses and ear protection).
   
   Mr. Simpson's writing style is very enjoyable and easy to understand. Even better, he freely shares wonderful stories of a long life with shotgunning. Oh, and by the way, its a beautiful book just chockful of stunning photographs.
   
   This is a great book, and the best of the dozen or so shotgunning books I've recently read!



4. Covers too many subjects. I was hoping for a book more about shotguns and less about shotguns and hunting.

2 comments about Collectors Guide to Prewar Lionel Trains 1900-1942.

1. The book was delivered very quickly. The seller took great care to protect the book during shipping as the book arrived in perfect condition.



2. Like Mr. Doyles other new Lionel train guide for post war trains, the Collector's Guide to Prewar Lionel Trains, 1900-1942 is prove to be an important resource for both the buyer and seller of antique Lionel train sets. Containing information on virtually every toy train made by Lionel between 1900 and 1942, the book will prove to be a gold mine of information. However I found two of the appendices at the end of the book to be of particular value. Appendix I, Awakening Sleeping Toys and Appendix II, Setting Up Your Train each contain information important to the collector. There is also a small chapter on Lionel Catalogs and Paper Products and another chapter devoted to Accessories, Toys and Novelties.
   
   All in all this is one you'll want to keep close.

5 comments about 59 Authentic Turn-of-the-Century Fashion Patterns.

1. As the book's name suggests, it has patterns from the "turn of the century". More specifically, from 1890 to 1896.
   
   The first three pages run over how to graph out a pattern, take your measurements, and adjust the pattern to fit. Basic knowledge of sewing, and a familiarity with patterns is a must. Or at the very least, you need to be a daring new sewer that isn't intimidated by challenges. The instructions are informative but brief.
   
   Each pattern has a fashion etching in black and white to illustrate the design it's based on. The etching shows trims and accessories. There is a diagram for each style that lays out all the pattern pieces needed to create it. All the measurements are listed in inches. They are clear and easy to read.
   
   There are 31 womens patterns : included are numerous sleeve layouts like two part coat, leg-o-mutton, 2 part leg-o-mutton, different fullnesses of sleeve. Several styles of skirt, one draped like the previous bustle decade, mostly three or five gore skirts, umbrella skirt. There are different collar styles, bodices cut in both princess and darted. A cape and coat pattern, etc. There is one nightgown pattern.
   
   There are 21 misses and girls costumes. They cover the same span of years. There are dresses appropriate to very small children up to teens. There is one evening dress pattern for a girl of about 5-9. There is also one pattern for drawers and one for a chemise.
   
   There are two patterns for boys. Mainly young boys. One is a pants suit, so i assume that would be for post diaper age. The other is a kilt costume.
   
   There are three mens patterns. One nightshirt, dressing gown and coat. There is no picture of the coat.
   
   My count brings me to 57 patterns, I must have missed a couple somewhere. But hopefully this will give you a good idea of the book contents. I have made some of the dresses from this book. The patterns work out well, however to create a truly period looking garment you need more information than what this book gives you. The construction techniques and trimming methods are quite different from how most basic sewing is done today. It would help the beginner to have some hands on exposure to actual period garments. Mostly to see how they are lined, interlined, stiffened, boned, etc. In my experience, it is the linings and foundations that give the finished product it's form. The outer image of the costume is merely floating on that foundation. This book does not cover foundations sewing techniques at all. But with some hands on antique garment experience, you could easily create an authentic looking dress from this book.



2. I liked this book because it showed many different styles of dress for women and children in the victorian age. I make victorian costumes and it now refer to it for ideas on how to make all my costumes a little different from each other. Also shows coats and many childrens clothes which are also helpful. Most of the dresses have leg of mutton sleeves but each is a variation.



3. It only covers a few years of fashion, but if what you're looking for are patterns for women's and girl's fashions from 1890-1896, this may help you. But do note, it doesn't actually have any patterns later than 1896.



4. Great book. Thank you!



5. I've been looking for a book with some illustrations of how women dressed in the 1800's. This book give its reader a number of illustrations and patterns where a crafty person, or a person with some seamstress knowledge, could create an outfit by enlarging the patterns and selecting materials that might have been used during those days. Takes a little doing, but can be done. Lots of puffy sleeved dresses and some beautiful coat patterns.

5 comments about Chris-Craft: The Essential Guide.

1. This appears to be a comprehensive guide to all boats manufactured by Chris Craft, however it did not provide the history or details that I was looking for. Simply provides a one page sheet for each craft detailing basic specifications.



2. 
   This book contains information on every Chris Craft built. whith a picture and model info. It does not provide in depth information just a page of specs on each boat. Overall a great reference guide to early Chris Crafts.



3. Very few missing pictures, most are original promotion pics, some artists renderings. Very complete data, when available. A must have for buying from classifieds or ID your finds in the boatyards. I found my 1965 Challenger 36' in it. It is very popular at the marina too, every one wants to look at it to find their first Chris Craft. Does not cover the modern line of vessels.



4. Quite disappointing: just one B&W picture and a little bit of informations for every boat. Money almost wasted.



5. This is a wonderful must-have for the Chris Craft enthusiast. Mr Conrad has contributed a great asset!

   I have a well worn copy in my restoration shop for reviewing those exacting details and assisting customers determine 1) what boat they actually have and 2) how it was originally equipped. there is one page per boat, with one black/white exterior photo for each (and a few "photo not available"). details include length/model name, years built, quantity built, hull number ranges (by year), paint and upholstery colors, hull construction (ex: mahogany plank, plywood), engines offered, beam, weight, and more. you won't find interior photos and details of accessories.

   the greatest feature for me is the hull number cross-reference index: look up the length, then find the hull number series to determine on which page the boat is detailed.

   combine with the restoration books by trefethen (a great read!) and danenberg for a successful project.

5 comments about Christmas Ornaments: ReCollections.

1. The knowledge the authors have on Christmas collectibles is massive. They are historical,and humorous. I bought the first book when I started collecting pixies and learned so much more from them about trim, authenticity and why people started decorating the way they did from the early 1900's through the 60's. This book is lovely, but their other book is better. I hope they write a third.



2. This is a such a fun little book! Warm holiday memories, lots of humor and beautiful photography. I thoroughly enjoyed every page! The best gift book you will ever find for a vintage/antique ornament collector.



3. Even if you're not particularly sentimental about Christmas, the images and recollections of the authors are a delightful experience. The photos and graphics are charming and magical, obviously done by people who truely love the Christmas season. Anyone can appreciate the vintage flavor of this little gem.



4. Charming and nostalgic, giving us a glimpse into the history of holiday adornment. A great stocking stuffer!
   
   Debbie Elliott



5. This book brings back so many great memories of Christmas and decorating the tree. It was so much fun reading and looking through every page for ornaments that we might have had on our trees over the years and seeing the many different kinds of ornaments. It is a book that I will spend much time reading and viewing for many, many years.

4 comments about Warman's Pez Field Guide (Warman's Field Guides).

1. I highly recommend this guide to everyone who collects or sells pez. It is well-organized and easy to follow with full color pictures and detailed descriptions. I can't believe how much information is packed into this pocket-sized book!



2. This book is a must have for true pez seeking people, the colored illustrations and information is a useful tool, and continues to be at my side always, to look up and review pez's that I am interested in.



3. While I am not one to criticize any comment regarding my books, good or bad I do take isssue on the comment- "This does not have foreign pez in it" - much to the contrary. There are a large number of foreign Pez in this book. Everything that had been produced up to the publish date is included in this guide, domestic AND foreign release . This guide does not get into the mini Japanese dispensers, those are licensed by Pez for Bandai not an actual Pez produced item but a licensed item. There are LOTS of foreign Pez in this guide. -Shawn Peterson



4. Great book for the pez collector. It lists the American pez releases with some of the variations and a possible value. They are in alphabetical order. Shows some from private collections that you will never see or have...lol...
   Has an index for easy look up and a list of terms used in the pez world for the non-pezheads. It IS indeed small enough to put in your purse or backpack to take along on those trips to antique stores, swapmeets, or garage sales. No matter how many times i look at this book i still cannot remember the values so i have to look them up constantly.
   
   This does not have foreign pez in it, but is still an excellent guide. The best of its type on the market i believe.

5 comments about Collected Books.

1. The Ahearns should first get credit for even attempting to compile this book in the Internet age of bookselling. Prices change quickly as books come on the market and dealers race to the bottom trying to get sales. Prices also skyrocket when something is actually scarce. To put a value on a book with the fluidity of the market is quite bold. Basically this is a very long list of rare, valuable and coveted books with "points" (I'll get to this below) and a price attached.
   
   I will not even touch on the price accuracy. I am a book dealer and have strong opinions about pricing and valuation. For the collectors trying to evaluate their collection just know that a book is worth exactly and only what someone is willing to pay. This amount can go up or down but a book's value is determined at the time of sale.
   
   So if prices are constantly in flux, and value is really determined by the particulars of a transaction, why should you buy this book? Mostly because very high end books are listed. For example, two of ten folios from James O. Lewis' Aboriginal Portfolio came up at a local auction house and there were none on the Internet at that time. The single source at my disposal that had information on this work was Collected Books. It was also useful in telling me that the American first edition of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in my possession preceded the British first - unusual for a work by a British author in 1885-6. This is tough information to come by for free on the Internet.
   
   You see, book dealers are tight with their knowledge and that is the other main reason to purchase this book. With pricing information easily available on the Internet, the only advantage we have are bibliographic details and memorization of vast numbers of books. The Ahearns have given you a valuable tool if you wish to learn the nooks and crannies of the high end book trade. Specific "points" - oddities which identify various states of a print run - are faithfully listed in this book and these are impossible to know without reference material. But beyond the bibliographic tidbits and very high end price info, this book is of limited value. The honest truth is most people who buy this book could much more easily find values by comparing prices on the Internet, because the books they have are probably not as rare as they think.
   
   In the back of Collected Books there is a selected bibliography of reference works. Specific bibliographies are often for first edition identification, and Collected Books is no replacement for your Zempel guide. So use this book for judging the price of very rare and expensive books which rarely make it to the market or for looking up bibliographic points if you do not have better resources. Read the author's introduction, and the "Using This Guide" chapter before you dare look at prices. Many customers have made a total and complete ass of themselves by not knowing the preeminent importance of condition in the rare book world. This book is of specific and limited value, just know what you are getting into.



2. Year after year, the Ahearns have turned out the most comprehensive guide to values. I have been a serious collector for years and always look forward to the newest edition. If you collect paperbacks, book-club editions, or buy for content rather than edition, then you probably won't enjoy this book. However, if you are into book collecting or want to be, then purchase the Bible of book collecting. In the genre "books about books," the Ahearns are tops!



3. {This} is a valuable book for collectors of first editions. It is the most comprehensive single-volume guide to current market values. The authors own and operate a bookstore in Rockville, Maryland, specializing in rare books and first-editions.



4. A must have if you've got the bug.



5. As Roget is to Thesaurus, so the Ahearns are to books. "Collected Books" is a massive listing of values for tens of thousands of books. Collectors will find the never-to-be-obtained rarities listed (entertaining to look up) but also the more attainable first editions in the $50-$500 range. This is a big book to lug along to a sale but, believe it or not, an enjoyable browse and a fine way for the aspiring collector to see which authors are more collectible.

   This book is NOT three things - reminders that the serious collector must, inevitably, accept the need for a number of references which will have some overlap.

   It is not a guide to identifying first editions - often a challenge for the large number of pubishers who do not clearly indicate 1st ed status. For this I'd highly recommend McBride's pocket guide. It also isn't really a guide to "modern" first editions, at least those that are in the $30-$100 value range. You may find Uris or Ludlum's first two books here but not their 3rd or 5th. It MAY make a difference to you whether such a title is really worth the $30 a dealer is charging. For these books I recommend Lee's "20th Century First Edition Fiction." It is not merely a listing of authors' first books, although it includes those... for that, and a wider range of midprice authors, their "Book Collecting 2000" is great. .....

   Once you know what the book is not, you can determine if it is for you. The five-star rating applies to those buyers with a serious interest in collecting (or thinking about collecting) the roughly 20,000 most valued books. It includes all the good stuff. Where necessary it lists details of first-edition "points", the subtle details of identification that, for some books, distinguish earlier from later states. Alternate editions such as American and UK or limited or special editions are also priced separately. It is a useful, even entertaining, reference for the serious collector. Someday the online databases and search engines may supplant references like this (I do use them more often) but if you're a bibliophile your prime reference on books just has to be a book.

1 comments about Cappiello: The Posters of Leonetto Cappiello.

1. This book is simply amazing - it has such a great showing of Leonetto Cappiello's work and it is beautiful to look at. If you are interested in posters (or any art or design for that matter) you will love this book.

2 comments about Indian Artifacts of the Midwest: Identification & Value Guide (Indian Artifacts of the Midwest).

1. The descriptions and price estimates were helpful. The complete lack of color photos, except for the cover, was an extreme disapointment. The photos ranged from average to poor quality and were of limited value in indentifying artifacts. I feel the book description should have clearly noted the lack of color photos.



2. One week ago I went to do some house hunting and found something I wasn't looking for. While going through the house I came upon a large collection of Indian Artifacts. I knew almost nothing about them but susspected they were highly valuable. The next day an estate auction was held and I purchased the collection. Upon searching the internet for some information it became obvious what the best source was for identification of my midwest collection, Lar Hothem's book "Indian Artifacts of the Midwest." I purchased the book and was able to quickly identify many of the pieces that I knew nothing about. The book was written so a "layman" like myself could easily understand and identify many of the the basic artifacts. The quality photographs added to the pleasure of my learning. I was very pleased to realize the age, almost 10,000 years, and value of my collection. Thanks to such a thorough and readable source I now find myself hooked on the collecting and identifying of very interesting artfacts left in my area so long ago.