5 comments about The Open Salt Compendium (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. This book is a huge step up from the Heacock & Johnson 5000 Open Salts. The photography is outstanding and the descriptions are informative with current pricing. The authors did a wonderful job of publishing a reference book for open salt collectors which complements the H&J but focuses on higher end salts and includes very little duplication from those in the H&J. This book was long overdue for the serious open salt collector. Thanks for all the hard work to make it happen.



2. I must agree with the previous "Raves" about this book. I do feel that the new collector can benefit from it also - If I had been aware of such examples of open salts and the information given in this book - perhaps I would not have passed up some finer pieces in the beginning or made some of the mistakes in my early purchases. I have been a basic pattern piece collector but this book has kindled new interests in my collecting desires. I would strongly suggest this book be owned by all Open Salt Collectors - new or seasoned!!!



3. This book is a "must have" for long time collectors. For new collectors, it might be a bit expensive but well worth looking at for the information and comprehensive categories of open salt collecting. The photographs of salts and the price and rarity guide beneath each set of pictures is invaluable. Many books on open salt collecting are out of print or have outdated prices. This book is a wonderful feast for the eyes and a great deal of time and effort went into the gathering and photographing of collector's salts.



4. The previous standard reference book for open salt collectors was Heacock and Johnson's 5000 Open Salts, dating to 1982, still a great basic book, especially for pattern glass. This new entry in the field is outstanding for its clear, beautiful pictures, informative descriptions, and recent price guide included within the text. It does, as one reviewer said, include many high end salts like Steuben, Daum Nancy, and Tiffany that may not be found on the beginning collector's shelf, but it's a wonderful look at what's out there in open salts, and there are many that the average collector certainly may hope to own and even have in the display cabinet. I have found it helpful, even invaluable, as I buy salts for my collection and try to evaluate what I see on the internet or in shops. There was a crying need for a new entry in the open salt collectors' book field. Definitely a 5 star book!



5. Gorgeous photography, great information and value guide. Open salts made of every conceivable material, antique and some newer. If you collect open salts, you will love this book.

1 comments about Engraved Glass: International Contemporary Artists.

1. Since I've begun to make some beginner projects in the art of etched/engraved glass I've grown to appreciate the artistry and skill it takes to create the works shown in this book. Each page has a large photo displaying a piece of art along with some text that the artist contributed on their thoughts about it. An early chapter explains in detail what each of the methods the artist used means. So there are detailed explanations of the techniques of etching, flexible drill, graal, point engraving, sandblasting and wheel engraving.

   There are works showing not only engraved glass but some engraved pieces that include flamework, painted glass, enamelling, cut gem insets, etched calligraphy, etc. Many of the pieces of glass used were already colored - they didn't need to be painted. The diversity of the artwork displayed is a feast for the eyes. Each one of the artists chosen for inclusion in the book has won awards and international recognition. It would be of interest to anyone who is beginning to learn how to etch glass. It also makes a beautiful addition to anyone's coffee table.

1 comments about Standard Companion to Carnival Glass: Identification & Values (Collector's Companion to Carnival Glass).

1. Good book. Small enough to be portable. Illustrations are good with wonderful information about the piece,i.e., colors, maker, year and value.

3 comments about The Black Glass Encyclopedia (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. This book has a lot of pictures of black glass collectables from common to unusual pieces. The descriptions are informative even though the prices seem to be on the low side. I enjoyed the Company Histories with Illustations (ads from catalogs, etc.) All in all a very good book for black glass collectors.



2. This is the first Black Glass reference books we have purchased, but in comparison with other collectors books I vote this the number one for pictures, prices, and descriptions.



3. Books on nearly every kind of glass, from Fenton to Depression, abound for collectors; but here's one that stands out from the crowd: The Black Glass Encyclopedia, a price guide and history for over eight hundred different animals, bowls, candlesticks, plates, stemware and more. 19th and 20th century black glass was produced by a range of firms and makers: all are represented here, with manufacturer catalog copy accompanying company history, production features, identification and values. So many collectors' glass titles focus on the same types that it's refreshing to see something truly unique in the genre.

No comments about Glass of John Walsh Walsh 1850-1951.

1 comments about Glass Art: Reflecting the Centuries : Masterpieces from the Glasmuseum Hentrich in Museum Kunst Palast, Dusseldorf (Art & Design).

1. Terrific guide through centuries of glass making from its infancy to the 1990's. Loaded with great photos. Recommendable to both collectors of glass and people just looking for a different kind of coffee table book.

No comments about Vaseline Glassware: Fascinating Fluorescent Beauty.

5 comments about Westmoreland Glass: Identification and Value Guide.

1. This is an excellent book that details the history of Westmoreland Glass as no other book has provided before this one. Wilson makes the strong and persuasive argument that Westmoreland was THE leader of decorated glass production in the 1920s and 1930s in the United States, was the first company to produce carnvial glass, and was the leader in the design and production of candy containers. This book details the family history of the author's grandfather, Chas West, and great uncle, George West, in the founding of Westmoreland in the late 1880s till the changing of the guard in the late 1930s to the Brainard family. It is well organized in content and photographs. However, if you are looking for a milk glass book or a book on paneled grape, then do not buy this book. If you are looking for a book that will surprise you about Westmoreland to the point that you did not understand the depth of Westmoreland's contribution to Americana and the U.S. glass making history, then you will be purchasing the correct book.



2. This is a difficult book to rate because it is strong on a few points, but extremely weak on others. It provides the most detailed history of Westmoreland Glass that I have ever seen, and some of the facts are fascinating. However, it is very, very, very poorly organized. Photos are not always identified. Many items are discussed but not depicted in photo or sketch. The price guide in the back uses different names/descriptions than what is used in the text of the book, so you can never be sure if you are checking value on the correct item. I enjoyed the book, but if you want to learn more about various pieces of Westmoreland glass, you will need to buy other books. Unfortunately, I cannot offer advice on what others because I have not found a good one yet. Lorainne Kovar's books are GROSSLY OVERPRICED and still do not do the job they should. I would NOT recommend Kovar's books on any subject.



3. Great history of the company, but I was disappointed in the little milk glass content. The author talks about how important the opal (milk) glass line was for business, but does not offer much samples of it in the book.



4. I was very disappointed in this book. I collect Westmoreland Milk Glass - primarily the grape panel pattern. There was very little in this book on milk glass. A true Westmoreland Glass book would have a great bit of it in there.



5. Glass collectors take note and make time to check out this resource book! It is a valuable tool rich with history and wonderful illustrations that you will pick up again and again. The author repeats history in various sections on purpose so that the user can read it as a casual reference guide or cover to cover like a history book. Westmoreland Glass: Identification and Value Guide by Charles West Wilson, is a must have whether one collects Westmoreland glassware or not! Excellent.

3 comments about Antique Trader American & European Decorative and Art Glass Price Guide (Antique Trader's American & European Decorative & Art Glass Price Guide, 2nd ed).

1. Interestingly enough, this book doesn't have a table of contents. Fortunately, unlike the general topic Antique Trader guides, this volume does contain an index, making it much more pleasant and efficient to use. However, the content is a bit ambitious for the average collector. The average price of the pieces in this book is about a $1,000.00. If you're looking for a book to help you value moderately priced collectible glass, this isn't it. However, this is a good book for learning the various forms and styles of art glass. It also contains a decent glossary. With the advent of e-bay, the prices are also a bit out of whack. Some of them are quite low, while others are too high. However, generally speaking, this is a good book for the person who wants to learn about art glass in general and get a good synopsis of some popular styles such as Custard, Cut and Opalescent. If you can get this book for a few bucks, it's a good addition to your glass library, and it's fun to look at the pictures!



2. I probably have spent over $6,000 on glass reference books, and this little gem get's used as much as any of them. For the $14 [...]charged it's a great investment, I throw it in my car and have a great little reference when I'm out and about that covers a very broad variety of glass. There are a few miss-atributions, but overall it's a good price guide, well worth the small price!



3. This brand new year 2000 2nd edition volume contains 240 pages of useful information about this fine collectible. There are more than 500 black and white photos along with a 16-page full color section. There's plenty of text in this book including a useful introduction to the collectible, the evolution of art glass 1880 to 1930, diagrams of typical forms of baskets and bowls, cruets and decanters, pitchers and ewers, and vases. Each of these categories is diagrammed with a description of its characteristics, making identification easy. Items are clearly described, and values shown. There is a bibliography, listing of collectors clubs, and location of museum collections. A wealth of information in this handy sized (6 x 9") softbound volume that's easily carried when you antique. A very helpful publication.

1 comments about Dugan/Diamond: The Story of Indiana, Pennsylvania, Glass.

1. This is a very nice book with great pictures and old print ads. It also provides considerable written information on the history and progress of the company and glass making.

   I learned a great deal about Carnival glass and my ability to identify specific pieces was greatly enhanced because of this book. Highly recommended, especially for the beginner to Carnival glass.