2 comments about British Tea & Coffee Cups (Albums Series).

1. A very nicely done brief discussion of British teaware, mainly cups and coffee cans. The text is short but informative. The pictures are excellent, well selected, and clearly reproduced, with useful captions. Good on handle types. My only objection is the price which is steep for such a very short book, though I feel it was worth it to me because of the fine pictures which I will continue to refer to.



2. I found the book (40 pg. pamphlet) to be an abbreviated, superfical treatment of the subject. It has limited pictures and text. Perhaps the book does not satisfy my novice tastes, but I have difficulty identifying a constituency to which this book would appeal. If you are looking for a thorough treatment of the subject, try Jim & Susan Harran's book, Cups & Saucers - Identification & Values. Sorry to have wasted my money.

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.

No comments about Miller's: Corkscrews & Wine Antique: A Collector's Guide (Miller's Collector's Guides).

1 comments about Decorative Plates: Identification & Value Guide.

1. Collections strong in specialty identification and values guides need DECORATIVE PLATES IDENTIFICATION & VALUE GUIDE, a survey of English, German, American and other European plates which includes notes on their marks, makers, and changing values. Excellent detailed color photos pack a survey strong in both history and values, appealing to any library catering to collectors.

No comments about Spoons from Around the World.

3 comments about Collectible Teapots: A Reference and Price Guide.

1. If you collect new, inexpensive teapots, this may be helpful, but for someone looking for vintage and antique teapot info, dont buy this book, its a total waste of time. There are a few vintage pots, but most info in on cheap import teapots. I found this to be a waste of money



2. Collectible Teapots is a wonderful book if it only had an index. How can a book that has "A Reference & Price Guide" right under the title not have an index? I don't believe it is the fault of the author, Tina Carter, because she has a section titled "Finding Your Teapot in this Book" and the first sentence says "If you want to find information on a specific teapot, the first place to look is in the Index." Well there is no index.
   I called Krause Publications and the person I talked to suggested that it might have been cut out to keep the book a certain size. If that was the case somebody made a real bad decision. After you read through the book and then want to refer back to something you have to flip through the pages hoping to find it again.



3. A gorgeous 208 page softbound volume containing more than 400 large, full color, sharp photos. A joy for the teapot collector. In addition to the great photos and descriptions, year 2000 values are provided. Just a few of the topics covered are Teapots as An Investment, Striking the Right Deal, Starting a Collection, What to Watch For, Condition, Marks, Exhibit and more. The type of teapots covered range from advertising, souvenir and commemorative, children's, fine china, floral, glass and holiday, to music box, novelty, porcelain and pottery. Each topic is completely covered. There is plenty of information in the "Collector's Guidelines" section. A beautiful and useful reference work, worthy of every collector's library. You'll refer to it often.

No comments about Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes.

5 comments about Post 86 Fiesta: Identification and Value Guide.

1. Great learning tool about fiesta dishes. Good pictures showing colors and their names. Quality book.



2. I'm both a collector and a bibliophile, and this is the first time I've ever thought it necessary to this say about any collector's book: In my opinion, this book stinks. A shame, as it's clear that the author has in-depth knowledge to impart. Unfortunately, it's clouded by the author's apparent dislike of dealers, fellow collectors, and the Homer Laughlin China Company itself.

   The book designer's work is exuberant and cheerful, much as is Fiestaware; however, the author's text is mean spirited. I don't think I've ever seen an odder combination. I hope for better things from the obviously knowledgeable author in the future.




3. The idea for a book dedicated to Post-1986 (P86) Fiestaware® is a terrific idea and I was pleased to order it.

   What a poor execution! Racheter's attempt is inconsistent, sophomoric and diseased with his unceasing attacks on Homer Laughlin China Company. (Who cares why he hates Homer Laughlin? Not me!)

   The (little) new information and price guide for some P86 colors - the book's innovative features - are overshadowed by the pointless commentary.

   Unfortunately the book isn't worth keeping for the pictures either... Don't buy this book!...




4. This book is a good start, but so much has changed in post 86 Fiesta... items, colors added and discontinued, prices. An update is desperately needed. Also a bit less "filler" as far as stories and dramatic exposition and more emphasis on actual introductions and discontinuations in the new line. Also, so many competing lines are similar... a back of the book section showing other contemporary dinnerware lines that currently compete with Fiesta.

   My biggest suggestion would be a chapter showing comparison of old versus new items to show the evolution of design...1.e. the old casserole versus the new one, old cup next to new one. Many collectors of the new do not appreciate where the design evolved from

   Also, the only decaled ware shown is...well.. the less said the better about what is shown... where are the artistic and popular patterns like Sunporch, Happy Pumpkin and Moon Over Miami?




5. This book is better than the Collector's Encyclopedia of Fiesta. So save yourself about $... and buy this book instead if you want informations on POST 86 Fiesta.
   It is full of pictures and has easy to use information boxes with every mold/piece. You know what colors they came in, mold and item numbers and lots of detailed informations.
   The downside to this book is that you only find one picture per item (mostly) limiting your view by only offering one angle.
   The price list is extensive enough to not leave colors out.
   I personally enjoy the authors style of writing thoroughly with his light humor. Mocking Martha Stewart a little, because he seems to think that she's a stuck up snob that only wants the Super Old stuff and abominates the new colors for the most part. He tells funny stories about TV and where he's seen fiesta. However, a little more history and facts would sometimes be nice. I assume, people buy this book for information not funny short stories.
   I thoroughly enjoy that fact that he includes uses for some odd pieces. Looking at some candle holders they could be anything. He explains what the item was meant for and what else it is commonly used for.
   LAst but not least... unfortunately it seems like this author was not given the same acces to limited pieces and photographs in is therefore lacking some details on limited ed. pieces.

No comments about Historische Bestecke: Formenwandel von der Altsteinzeit bis zur Moderne / Historic Cutlery: Changes in Form from the Early Stone Age to the Mid-20th Century.

3 comments about The Jewel Tea Company, Its History and Products: Its History and Products (A Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. Being a collector of the Jewel Tea Autumn Leaf Collection I found this book to be most awesome. The history of the company as well as the great photographs were well documented. I highly recommend this high quality book to collectors!



2. Loved the book. Very helpful in cateloging my collection and finding new pieces to search for. Anyone who has Jewel Tea would benefit from owning this book.



3. A must read book for any Jewel Tea Collector. A very easy AND informative book. The author is extremly knowledgeable about Jewel Tea. I highly recommend this book!