2 comments about Cartier: Creative Writing.

1. This book depicts Cartier production of pens and writing paraphernalia from the 1860's to the present day. Its best feature is the high-quality photography and reproductions of exquisite photographs from the Cartier archive. It treats the products as luxury rather than practical goods. The focus is not on how well the pens write, but on what they were made of, how beautiful they are, and what celebrity bought them. The text, whether from the author's style or the translator's, rambles on with pasted together anecdotes--like an early draft of a term paper. There is not one critical word about anything Cartier in the whole book. This is a very well done coffee table book for those who love beautiful writing implements. Buy it used. It won't hold value but is a pleasure to look at.



2. I first thought this book was just another brand-name book which displays its own achievements . But then I realize that this book is an excellent and comprehensive account of the history of writing tools, be they from the East or the West. What has carried me away is the history of items like pen holder, paper knife, inkwell, etc...it makes me realize that every object in the world has its own invaluable meaning and deserves its own dignity . In short, the book is an indispensable eye-opener.

No comments about Wooden Jewelry and Novelties (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

No comments about Alchemy: A Passion for Jewels.

No comments about Faberge: Then And Now.

1 comments about Necklaces: The Art of Collectibles: Pendants Crosses Sautoirs Cameos.

1. This is just a so & so jewelry book contains most of the "costume" necklaces, few antiques! If you're looking for genuine antiques, this book is not for you then!

No comments about Care and Repair of Antique Metalware: The Secrets of the Craftsman's Skills at Your Fingertips, in Easy to Follow, Step-by-step Pictures (Craftsmen's Guides).

No comments about Knifemaking in Sheffield and the Hawley Collection.

No comments about Powder Celestial: Snuff Boxes 1700-1880.

5 comments about Prestigious Watches.

1. Still the best watch book edited in the serie of three by this publisher. well documented and spectacular close up of pictures.



2. So-called "historic reviews" is awful. For example - on page 156 we can read: "In 1810, King Louis XVII of France appointed Breguet as Watchmaker to the Royal French Navy". Did you hear about Napoleon I? Sophie Ann Terrisse (editor of the book) no. For editor information - Louis XVI were executed much earlier 1810 and next Louis XVIII claimed as King in 1814. Louis XVII never was as King in fact.



3. This is by far the most attractive book on watches that I have read to date. It is somewhat wider than most books so ensure you have a deep bookshelf. The photographs are of the highest quality and the editorial is well written and researched. This book is not a technical manual, it is a collectors book that portrays the most beautiful examples of the watchmaking tradition.



4. One of the best books to start learning about watchmaking. A great introduction, easy-to-read, well-documented and graphically stunning. Perfect as a coffee table book to keep around or as a gift to those who need to be initiated.



5. Glossy pictures, looks more like a picture book, a little bit of history of some companies, absolutely no in depth information, almost no information about movements. I regret that I wasted my money on this 'book'.

1 comments about Ancient Gems and Finger Rings: Catalogue of the Collections. The J. Paul Getty Museum.

1. I was disappointed with this book because I was expecting different content. My interest is in gems and antique/vintage jewelry. This subject, which is in the title of the book, is only discussed in terms of ancient seals. The book says nothing about the ancient gems and finger rings that do not contain stone seals.
   I feel the title of the book was misleading to the buyer, as it does not say that the book is solely dedicated to ring seals and scarab seals or cameo-portrait type, carved stone rings. Perhaps a more accurate title would be "Ancient Gem Seals and Seal Finger Rings", however I doubt this would generate the same amount of sales.
   Since the cost of the book is quite high, I think the Amazon description should be more accurate about the contents. I am inclined to think the buyer is mislead as a selling technique, to make an otherwise boring book seem luscious. I wish I did not purchase this book and for those of you contemplating such a purchase I say to you, "I would NOT buy this book unless you are obsessed with ancient stone seals."