4 comments about Wacky Packages New New New.

1. Wacky Packages New New New is a follow-up to the popular WACKY PACKAGES first published by Abrams in 2008, and provides all 206 rare Wacky Packs from series 8 through 14, years 1974 and 1975. Fun parodies of common household brands appear in full color spoofing consumer products and marketing, and comes packaged with four limited edition stickers and a wax jacket, making for a fine collector's reference.



2. I bought this book and the previous one too at the same time. I could tell they were wonderful, and they are!!! These are just pure joy. There's a special place in my heart for cool stuff from the 70's. I hope they sell lots of these books and make many more volumes to include all the wacky packages stickers ever made! These are two of the most favorite books that I own. They're one of the greatest parts of American popular culture, along with Ed Roth's monster/muscle car art, and other cool stuff.



3. This book is a cultural treasure. It is a veritable master key to unlocking the secret psyche's of those who came of age in the 70's, and to understanding that those taking pleasure in irony are not cynical but in fact idealists.



4. Sidewalks everywhere can relax these Wacky Packs don't come with the little glob of pink. The first edition (Series 1, 1973 to 7, 1974) obviously went down well so here's another 206 Wacky reproductions from Series 8, 1974 to 14, 1975 and of course the four limited edition unreleased stickers. I get the impression that these vary from book to book. Mine are: Ghoul talk; Powerless glove; Snookered Scotch and Fuzzy globs. I guess it makes sense to vary them to create a collectors interest on just the book's stickers on the relevant websites.
   
   Jay Lynch contributes the Intro in this edition and he comments on a new Topps line called Wacky Magazines which apparently didn't go anywhere so the completed Norm Saunders cover art was used in series eleven with ten titles, including Mud for Mad. Series thirteen had seven including 'Crocked' (Cracked) and 'National Spittoon' (the Lampoon) and series fourteen with six including 'Playbug: entertainment for insects' (Playboy). He also mentions that Norm Saunders was probably the best of the Packages artists though I think Mad mag and science fiction artist Kelly Freas would he been as good, he painted plenty of jokey packs for Mad ad parodies over the years.
   
   The book follows the same neat format as the first edition, nicely printed with one pack a page (probably about three times bigger than the original stickers) and the jacket printed on the same grease-proof paper as used by Topps for wrapping gum. Just to prove that they don't take themselves too seriously the title page has a `Ticks Wormy Packages with one stick of Stinky bubble gum' sticker. Oh, and the index has this line: All spelling based original Topps checklists, typos and all.
   
   If this second book sells it'll probably guarantee a third edition and my suggestion for one of the bonus cards is a sticker based on Wacky Packages books.
   
   ***LOOK AT SOME INSIDE PAGES by clicking 'customer images' under the cover.

3 comments about Fishing Lure Collectibles: An Encyclopedia of the Early Yrs..

1. First, I must confess that I do not use they type of lures that are featured in this wonderful book. I gave up this type of fishing years and years ago and only trout fish using flies now. Never-the-less, fishing gear, any fishing gear, absolutely fascinates me and I love looking at the stuff. But that is not the primary reason I own this and quite a number of other books of its ilk.
   
   I have for years bought and sold these things; in part to make money, but more so because it is a nice hobby and I get to meet many nice people. When you buy and sell such things, I have found it is best to know a bit about them. This work goes along way in assisting me in this need for knowledge. There is a lot of money to be made in this hobby, but conversely, there is a lot of money to be lost if you know not what you are doing.
   
   Secondly, I paint and draw. One of my primary subjects for still-life paintings and drawings is fishing lures. Now always having the actually lure in front of me is a bit of a handicap, and to be frank quite impossible because some of these fishing lures are quite rare and I have absolutely no access to them, but lacking the best thing, i.e. the actual lure, the photographs in this work are by far the second best thing to use. The color is extremely accurate as is the quality of the photographs; sharp, clear and detailed. I have found that the measurements provided by the authors to be extremely accurate. Using this work, I am able to reproduce very nice reproductions on canvas, paper or what ever material I choose...I have even used gourds from time to time. The clear and concise text accompanying each photograph provides invaluable information, both technical and background wise.
   
   I like my paintings to be as accurate and authentic as possible and this work gives me the edge I need.
   
   Now the only warning I might give to those who contemplate purchasing this work is that the prices or worth assigned to each lure can be misleading. As with any other collectable or antique, any given piece is only worth what someone is willing to give for it or willing to part with it for. Yes, the prices given here do give you a ballpark figure and a starting point, but just because the book states the lure is worth a thousand dollars and you find one in your grandfather's lure box, does not mean that you will be able to run out the door and sell it for that much. Likewise, if you plan to buy a particular piece, I certainly would not start the bargaining process at the prices given here. But all that is common sense and really does not distract from this work what so ever. NO BOOK gives you prices that are written in stone! Trust me, I know about such matters. Another warning her for the would be collector: Due to the price of some of these objects, there is a very large knock-off and counterfeit market out there right now...do be careful and do your homework. Some of these people are quite good at what they do!
   
   The book is well arranged by manufacturer, maker or company and it is rather easy to find what you are looking for. Do keep in mind that no one book can possibly cover all of the thousands upon thousands of lures that have been manufactured or hand made over the years, but hey...you have to start somewhere. I also like the way the authors have included the history of these item which is an education within itself.
   
   On the less practical side, this is just a fun book for those interested in such things to simply brows through. Many wintery evening can be spent going over this work using it as either a "wish list" or just for the pure joy of seeing and learning. You know, if you look at it from a certain angle, the reader can learn much concerning the minds of men and the minds of the fish he or she pursues just by looking at what has been created to try to lure these tricky critters onto the stringer.
   
   If this is an area of interest for you, then this is one of those must have books to add to your collection and I do highly recommend it.
   
   Don Blankenship
   The Ozarks



2. Another lure book, if you like fishing (or even better if you are an addict like me) you will find this book interesting. It will send you to sleep if you don't like fishing or the history associated with the ways and means of catching fish. Like other companion books, these are beautifully presented with nice photo's and informative text. Sorry I haven't done a book review since high school.



3. Any collector interested in antique fishing lures and the history of fishing lure production will find all the answers in Fishing Lure Collectibles, a clear guide to a notoriously difficult collecting hobby focus. Two experts provide clear details in Fishing Lure Collectibles: An Encyclopedia of the Early Years, 1840 to 1940. Each manufacturer's items are surveyed along with history, individuals who purchased patent rights from companies, changes in bait quality and production standards, and more. Not to be missed.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

5 comments about Pocket Edition Jackson's Hallmarks.

1. I have both the Judith Banister paperback called "English Silver Hallmarks" and Jackson's Pocket Edition, and I find the Jackson's easier to use and I think the drawings of the date letter marks are clearer in Jackson's. I bought the Banister book because all of the makers' marks are included in one combined list, instead of separate lists for each assay office. I do prefer the combined list in the Banister book, but Banister attempts to alphabetize the list by the maker's LAST name, which surprisingly makes it harder to use, since one mark can include several last name initials, and I don't know which one to look for. Jackson's, on the other hand, lists the marks by the FIRST initial of the mark, so there is no doubt where in the alphabet to look; but the maker you are seeking might not be shown at a particular assay office, and might be listed only in London.



2. The order was shipped very quickly. So quickly in fact my Mother didn't even realize she had already received the book. Luckily she found it where her husband said he put it. Thank you.



3. There are two books on English silver hallmarks available on Amazon, the other being English Silver Hallmarks, and although both are excellent books, in my opinion, this is the lesser of the two. Both books are almost identical in content: both provide illustrations of English, Irish and Scottish silver, gold and platinum hallmarks, and illustrations of the more important makers marks, which allow for the dating of silver, gold and platinum items. However, this book omits Sheffield plate marks, which are included in "English Silver Hallmarks", and it is harder to find what you are looking for in this book.
   
   The periods of time covered by these two books are slightly different. This book gives hallmarks for the period from 1300 to 1991, whereas "English Silver Hallmarks" covers the period from 1554 to 2004. If you are wishing to date very early pieces of silver, then, clearly, this is the book to buy. However, as I have never had any need to date items made prior to 1554, and most of the items that I have dated have been more recent items, I find the period of time covered by "English Silver Hallmarks" to be the most appropriate for my needs.
   
   Although both books are very useful and both are likely to satisfy the requirements of the average silver collector, if you are only going to buy one of these books, then "English Silver Hallmarks" is probably the book to buy.



4. Unless you are extremely experienced with Silver and Gold items and what / where their origin may be, this book is probably not for you. The chances of being able to find what you are looking for reminds me of looking for a needle in a haystack. The marks are illustrated in VERY SMALL 1/4" black and white diagrams, column after column, put in tables with time period or comment in print that is even smaller than the diagram. Several (bordering on too many) of the marks look very much the same and after looking at 170 pgs of extremely small and not necessarily clear diagrams and images, I feel I should of spent my money elsewhere for info on silver ID.



5. Not easy for any beginner to use. Unless you knew exactly what kind of silver you were trying to identify i.e. English, Scottish, Irish... etc, it was a bit confusing. Marks are black & white, some not showing very good clarity and everything is in extremely in small print. If you just want to sort through tons of marks and dates, this may be for you. If you want information about your piece, pass it up.

1 comments about Happy Animal Time: 30 Postcards.

1. Another postcard book published by Chronicle Books! So you know it'll be of good quality, with thick, sturdy cards that can survive any harsh weather/handling in the delivery process, and are able to be detached from the spine and NOT with that evil tear-along-the-dotted-line drivel.
   
   This is definitely a book of cards suitable for both children and adults, featuring colorful cards with cute animals on them, many of them being anthropomorphic. It's a lovely, simple set.

3 comments about Fred Arbogast Story: A Fishing Lure Collector's Guide.

1. Scott Heston's THE FRED ARBORGAST STORY: A FISHING LURE COLLECTOR'S GUIDE is for any avid collector of fishing lures: it surveys both cataloged and uncataloged lures, providing good-sized color photos of both lures and packaging and blending design history insights with values. Any sports or fishing collectibles collection will want this.



2. Excellent book, has lots of great info about the Fred Arbogast Company and the lures and items that are collectable. The print quality of some of the pictures could be better, especially the color charts, but that aside, thanks to Scott Heston for putting it together.



3. This has to be THE best collectors guide I have ever purchased on ANY collectable, EVER! Even better than his book on Ohio fishing lures. I am so glad I bought this guide. I recently found an old tackle box full of old lures at a yard sale, one of the lures were still in it's box, both in incredible condition! (not gonna mention which lure...but it is valued at $200 in the box)...this guide helped me to recognize what an outstanding deal these lures really were at the price...I paid only $5 for the lot and was able to make quite a tidy profit off of them on eBay. The eBay tips on picture viewing (or in my case, taking) helped me to show the lures off to their best advantage...Thanks Mr. Heston!!!

3 comments about Antique Playing Cards: A Pictorial History.

1. Antique Playhing Cars: A Pictorial History provided much insight into many eras in past history. It is primarily a picture book so the reader must investigate the deeper meanings and significance of the various selections on their own. There are several pages of black outlines which the reader could copy and enlarge so that adding colors could provide some amusement. The serious historian can research the selection of colors but as for myself, I was content just to examine the cards as they were presented.



2. Bought this as a gift for my brother--great color and black and white pictures throughout of "old" decks of cards. He loved it.



3. This Treasury of playing cards is sparse on text or history, but there is an abundance of beautiful pages full of playing cards to look at and admire. If you appreciate and admire the artwork of playing cards this is a wonderful book.

1 comments about Modern Fishing Lure Collectibles (Modern Fishing Lure Collectibles Identification and Value Guide).

1. Definitive collections for avid collectors of fishing gear will not be complete without adding the fifth volume of Russell E. Lewis's Modern Fishing Lure Collectibles, which continues Lewis' prior volumes offering identification and value guides to lures from the 1970s, 1980s and modern times. Packed with color photos of lures often in their boxes and new, paired with prices and including text descriptions and lure history, it's a top pick for any with an avid interest in fishing lures.

5 comments about Pokemon Collector's Value Guide: Secondary Market Price Guide and Collector Handbook (Collector's Value Guides).

1. Just like the title for this review. No more, no less.



2. I am pleased to say that this excellent guide has brought much information about the incredibly popular Pokémon trading card game, and much knowledge about the Pokémon merchandise. Checkerbee Publishing has made a incredible value guide, considering that they included transalations for the Japanese poket monster trading card game, pictures of the cards, and such information is included in American Pokémon card game which is also featured in this book. Though this book has it's pros, it also has cons. No estimated prices are given about the American Fossil Cards, and few people are sure that the Japanese transalations are 100% accurate. Though, that should not stop you from buying this stupendous guide. I am very sure this will satisfy thous who are in need of Pokémon information.



3. i bought this book because it looked cool. but i read some of it there was alot of misprints!



4. This book is a really good source if you want to know how much your pokemon cards are worth. This book has the values of rares, commons, and uncommons. And it even has the values of japanese cards. If you want to get a pokemon price guide, i suggest you buy this one.



5. IF you can't under stand you japanies cards fear no more. This book tells you what it says.

5 comments about Visions of Mary.

1. I cannot thank the author and amazon enough for getting this book to me...it is a holy treasure I look at each day...the art is exquisite and brings one closer to the Mother of God.



2. I am not Catholic, but became interested in Mary after observing in society, and within my own heart, a longing for the divine feminine. The vivid accounts of her visitations around the world and the beautiful artwork are both fascinating and comforting. This gorgeous volume is a feast for the eyes as well as the soul.



3. She is the Mary of Jesus as well as she is everyone's Mary. See her here in all colors and incarnations.



4. Finally, a lovely and loving book about the numerous apparitions of the Virgin Mary over the past several centuries. This volume will be a welcome addition to the library of any Marian devoté, as well as an informative primer to those unfamiliar (or misinformed) about the nature and varieties of both the apparitions themselves, as well as those who experienced them. The authors also show how the visions continue to be of interest and value to modern-day persons. An excellent selection of photos of many home-made shrines is included, demonstrating how the Virgin Mary attracts even the most lowly. What most of the shrines lack in artistry, they more than make up for in charm. Another nice addition is the variety of cultures depicted. Even though I am a very well-read Catholic, there were several apparitions that I had never heard of. I really enjoyed this book. I only wish it were longer and more comprehensive.



5. In their new book Visions of Mary (Harry N. Abrams, December, 2004, hardcover, 144 pages) authors Barbara Calamari and Sandra DiPasqua have collaborated to present a stunning look at the image of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Moving beyond the trite "coffee-table art" approach, DiPasqua and Calamari share an eclectic and broad ranging composition of pictures, ranging from statues of her international apparitions to simple home shrines. As a compliment to the outstanding photography and artwork that fill its pages, Visions of Mary includes comprehensive reference material written in an engaging style.

3 comments about The Quest for the Pro Tour.

1. Jamie Wakefield is one of the original storytellers of Magic: the Gathering. Back in the days of the first ever Pro Tour, Jamie Wakefield was out there with his buddies, slinging spells and battling for Magic fame and glory. This book contains tournament reports, deck analyses, and personal stories of victory and defeat that weave together to form a truly compelling tale of the early days of competitive Magic. If you want to read an inspiring and funny chronicle of what Magic was like "back in the day" then this is the book for you. I still reread this one from time to time, and it never seems to get old.
   
   The only additional thing I would note is that if you're a newer player, this book will probably deal with a bunch of specific cards and decks that you're not familiar with. Expect to spend some time looking up older cards in order to truly follow along. This isn't really a serious negative, but I thought it was worth noting.



2. This book is a great read for anyone who has ever been interested in the game. Ageless, timeless, Jamie takes us through a wild ride of his experiences in the early days of the Pro Tour. An amazing and gifted storyteller, he brings to life for the reader the trials and travails of his firsthand experiences. Buy this book - you will not be disappointed!



3. Jamie Wakefield is a gift to Magic: The Gathering. He is easily one of the best, and most respected, writers about the game.
   
   This book takes a nostalgic look at a competing tournament player during the early days of the Pro Tour. The decklists are from a bygone era, but the stories of sportsmanship, competition, and meeting new friends are timeless.