2 comments about Warman's Fiesta Ware: Identification & Price Guide.

1. I love all things Fiesta, but this book is terrible. My main complaint is the "quality" of the photographs. They are so grainy-- sort of clear but fuzzy at the same time. And the color is way off. I mistook several pictures of gray Fiestaware for lilac at first glance! So forget about his "comparison" of the greens because it will not help you. What gets me is that any crap digital camera would have done a better job but from the reflections in the dishes it looks like he had a professional shoot the pictures. By the way, I also completely ignored the text (even though it is in LARGE print), since the Huxfords' book and the HLCCA's book cover everything. The bottom line: don't waste your time or money.



2. First off Fiesta is beautiful, but the photographs in this book are terrible!!! Not one photograph shows an accurate depiction of the subject. Many photographs seem blurred or fuzzy.
   Pass this by and get "Fiesta, Harlequin, and Kitchen Kraft Dinnerwares" by The Homer Laughlin China Collectors Association. You will not ne disappointed....unless you purchase Warman's book.

4 comments about Tiffany Silver Flatware 1845-1905.

1. This is the Bible for Tiffany collectors but it also has a history of the purpose of each piece of flatware.



2. For all silver lovers, not just Tiffany lovers. Beautiful book, beautifully produced. Pictures could not be better.



3. This is a terrific book! It covers the complete spectrum of Tiffany silver flatware from 1845 to 1905. It's lavishly illustrated with photographs, diagrams, and original pattern drawings. It covers the full-line patterns, the not-full-line patterns, and the custom patterns made for the likes of the Vanderbilts and the Hearsts.

   The book breaks the patterns down by designer: early pieces by retailers Polhamus, Hebbard, Gorham, Moore and others; the major designers Edward Moore, Charles Grosjean, and Paulding Parnham. It shows the various place pieces in standard patterns, as well as covering the extensive amount of fabulous and rare serving and other odd pieces (how many of you own a scallop serving fork?) There are also several useful appendices, including: Flatware Terminology; Glossary of Technical Terms; Tiffany Flatware Markings; and a Tiffany Chronology. As well, a thorough index makes it easy to find patterns or pieces you are looking for.

   All in all this is the perfect book for the collector of this wonderful silver. It does not contain pricing information, which is a good thing in this day and age of online auctions, as such pricing info is often outdated by the time the book reaches the press. The only problem I had after reading it was that I wanted to own everything in the book! Don't hesitate, buy it!




4. This book is a superb work. The authors have filled a major void in the literature concerning the history of American decorative arts. The quality of the research and textual insights make this book essential reading for anyone interested in Tiffany silverware or the latter 19th century of American craftsmanship. The photography is so magnificent that I repeatedly find myself leafing through this book to admire the beauty of this flatware of a bygone era. A great read...a beautiful coffee table book...a classic in every respect.

No comments about Goebel salt & Pepper Shakers (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

3 comments about Silverware of the 20th Century: The Top 250 Patterns (Silverware of the 20th Century).

1. The old saying "you get what you pay for" definitely describes this book...Although very reasonably priced - there is little or no information in it as far as identification...It does however, give 250 patterns and breakdowns of pieces and prices that are now 8 years old - so not very accurate...If you're looking for strictly identification, this isn't the book for you...It barely scratches the surface, and you find yourself spending alot of time trying to find the pattern - only to find out its not in here....



2. While it might not be the most complete reference on silverware, it does serve a purpose - and is economically priced. It lists the most popular patterns, and their most popular pieces. Measurements are given, and are very helpful. I have several silverware reference books, and use this one for quick look-ups, other reference books for more detail.



3. I have read several books pertaining to flatware, and many of them have a few strengths, and more weaknesses. This book does not break that trend.

   The best feature in this book is that the measurements of many flatware pieces are listed. The introductory section is also informative for those not familiar with flatware. Histories of today's manufacturers are also comprehensive.

   However, the book is so poorly organized that it makes for a difficult read, and very difficult to use as a reference book.

   Also, the photographs are so small, you will need a magnifying glass to distinguish between even barely similar patterns. There are much better books on silverware available.

5 comments about Fiesta: The Homer Laughlin China Company's Colorful Dinnerware (Schiffer Book for Collectors.).

1. This book as some interesting info but not great. The book is 97% Fiestaware, most of that being the vintage pieces.
   
   Being a collector of the post 86 Fiestaware, the book didn't do much for me.



2. I don't care what Martha Stewart says. I love her show and all... but this book stinks and was the worst recommendation she has ever given!
   There are just not really good books on fiesta ware out there. T

   All this book was to me (i returned it as well) was a nice picture book with beautiful color representations. If I didn't care about the rip of price of [cost] I would have laminated it and given it to a baby as a picture book.

   Outstanding photography and color accuracy just don't make up for the lack of valid information. I read the book cover to cover and I just missed the reference part of the book aside from a list of prices. It is full of errors and distorted information. When you do find something reference about the book it is mostly confusing or plain wrong.
   Things are mislabeled... etc.
   This is more of a coffeetable book than a reference guide.

   Overall [the price] is too much for picture book.




3. I am not sure exactly how I feel about this book. On the one hand, it's got some excellent photos, beautifully lit, lush with color. On the other hand it is not in any way an exhaustive reference of Fiesta, as one would expect with a collectible as popular as this. I like the fact that photos are shown of the various backstamps (marks), but I'm not wild about the lack of organization and skimpy table of contents. I'd like to see more examples added, categories more organized, and prices more accurate (mind you, prices in reference books these days are hard to pin down, due to the affect of online auctions on collectibles). Long on nice visuals, short on information (and a bit too expensive for what one gets!)



4. If I had gone by the first reviews I would have left this book alone and that would have been a mistake. If the text had errors in the past they are long one. The images are fantastic, the text is informative and very readable, the prices are right on target. Particularly good for those new to the field but of use to anyone. Maybe old reviews should be removed now and then. This is a great book!



5. I love this book!! I think that the photos are great very useful information.

No comments about Cake Stands & Serving Pieces.

No comments about Art Deco Interiors.

3 comments about Collector's Encyclopedia of Salt and Pepper Shakers: Second Series (Figural and Novelty 2nd Series).

1. I guess the book is ok if you like ugly salt shakers. It sure wasn't worth the $20 to me that I paid for it. 90% of them, I wouldn't take for free.



2. This is my favorite book on salt & pepper shakers, and I have quite a few! There are so many sets pictured, I keep finding a set I hadn't seen before every time I look through this book. The pictures are great, as are the descriptions! Definitely recommend!



3. This book is definately for anyone who is looking for a wealth of information about novelty salt and pepper shakers. Since this book was published in 1990, the values may not be as up to date as later books, but I have yet to see another shaker book with so much other information about the shakers themselves. The shakers are photographed in related groups sitting on 4-5 glass shelves with a solid-colored background. The pictures are excellent. The entire first page of each section contains a detailed description of the shakers pictured with the values for each listed at the bottom of the page. The description are truly wonderful and must have been thoroughly researched. That is the best part of this book. Ms. Davern talks about the background of many of the shakers as well as of the company that made them. She also mentions other related shakers that are not pictured in some cases. There are very few collectible salt and pepper shaker books that one can truly say is enjoyable reading. However, this is a wonderful book to just sit and read through due to Ms. Davern's descriptions, personal views, and beautiful pictures. This book is a must for any novelty salt and pepper shaker collector.

No comments about Depression Era Dime Store Kitchen Home.

No comments about Counterfeiting Antique Cutlery.