5 comments about THE ARCANUM: EXTRAORDINARY TRUE STORY OF THE INVENTION OF EUROPEAN PORCELAIN.

1. Porcelain, the ceramics world's equivalent of gold, is among humankind's most celebrated and beautiful inventions: the perfect porcelain item is translucent, and infinite variations of usage exist for it. It was notoriously expensive because for centuries it could only be obtained overland, through China - some thought it was created by magic, and even among educated people despaired that the sands and clays necessary to make it would be unavailable in the West. All until a rather mad semi-conman, who had already been chucked out of one royal house, lucked upon the patronage of the Elector of Saxony, and then lucked upon the winning formula, thus bringing the art of porcelain-making to the West. For about a generation, Dresden had the monopoly on porcelain manufacturing; following that, industrial spies were able to sell the secret to France (Sevres) and various other European capitals. Nevertheless, Meissen porcelain is still celebrated as Europe's best. Gleeson's story is an excellent recapturing of the strange conventions of the seventeenth and eighteenth century economies and the strange means by which one might make one's fortune under the ancien regime. She is also blessed by some truly colorful characters: Bottger the fortunate (if not accidental)inventor; Herold the painter (who found a way of decorating and tinting the porcelain), and the Elector himself, who was ruthless enough to hold Bottger prisoner until he yielded the formula.



2. Janet Gleeson is not a storyteller. This becomes apparent as she pops between explaining the arcanum, porcelain making, political strife and the lives of the people involved. The subjects are so compelling, however, that you will not mind too much. It is apparent, too, that she has a passion for the subject of porcelain making, and she does manage to infuse the reader with her interest.



3. There were many advances during the rennaisance era in Europe that are far reaching. You would think that something so ephemeral as a luxury item wouldn't have much impact, but history demonstrates otherwise. Deception, espionage, war, and even treason were common occurences in 17th and 18th century Europe. All that in pursuit of the secrets for making porcelain is conceptually challenging to say the least.

   When one alchemist searching for the legendary philospher's stone performs one illusion too many, he finds himself a "guest" of Augustus the Strong until he provides him with the gold he needs to pay for his extravagantly decadent life style. Fortunately, for the alchemist, he's bright and talented, and just may provide the king with another type of gold to keep the executioner at bay.

   The Arcanum, is well written and researched with an extensive bibliography. I was very impressed with the level of scholarship exhibited by Ms. Gleeson. Considering the subject matter, and my preconceptions, I was suitably suprised and impressed at what I learned.




4. If you enjoy splendidly written historical stories, this is a must read. I must admit that the story started to lose its lustre around the time that Meissen loses its lustre; but, in its entirety, the book is a must read. If you've read The Professor and the Madman, this story is equally enthralling.



5. Today, porcelain, china, and dinnerwares are common items in a household. This was not always true. Once, hard paste porcelain, the world's best, was literally as valuable as gold. But only the Chinese knew the formula, and they kept their secret from Europeans for nearly 1000 years. So it is fitting that the person responsible for discovering the Chinese's secret was an alchemist, whose true quest was to find the secret for making gold from other less expensive metals.

   This swashbuckling tale of adventure, double-dealing, and final victory, is a basic manual for porcelain collectors and dealers, and it is a must for antiques enthusiasts, no matter where their interests lie. Porcelain and its history touch every collecting area to some degree. The knowlege contained in this short history is a must for anyone who aspires to a full education in the decorative arts.

No comments about The Art of Worcester Porcelain: 1751-1788 (Masterpieces from the British Museum Collection).

2 comments about Collector's Encyclopedia of Metlox Potteries: Identification and Values (Collector's Encyclopedia of Metlox Potteries).

1. This book is the definitive work on Metlox Pottery. It's a "must have" for the collector and enjoyable reading for the person wishing to learn more about California pottery. Full of hundreds of pictures and values, this book is an invaluable guide and resource.



2. I purchased this book to clear up my conception of some of the Metlox patterns but it opened my eyes to some very collectible pieces that I had been over looking. Nice pictures with several styles in each catagory that eliminates the guess work. As a beginner collector of Metlox I am truly please with this book.

2 comments about Collector's Encyclopedia of Early Noritake.

1. I found this book to be very useful. It's very well organized and well written. An only suggestion for the next edition is to have glossier/brighter/clearer photographs.



2. I found this book to be logical and informative. The foundation of this book is based upon the chronilogical use of each mark. The patterns are then listed alphabetically within the time period that "mark" was used. Because of this book - all my freinds and colleages think of me as a "Early Noritake Expert" - I dont have the heart to tell them that I am not! I highly recommend this book to any and all collectors and/or dealers of Noritake!

4 comments about Animation Unlimited: Innovative Short Films Since 1940.

1. Excellent book, with a DVD of the artists work. The book incorporates both narrative and abstract animations. I used this book and some of the examples to show my advanced animation class what is possible if one is willing to work hard and think creatively. The examples in the book and the text illustrate how animation is used as a medium for self experession.



2. First, to add a detail to something mentioned by another reviewer... Only DVDs with a Region 1 encoding will play in N. America, the "Unlimited" DVD is Region 2. Most consumer DVD players will not play the disk. However, all of the home computers I have tried the disk in play it just fine.
   
   As for the book and DVD content, if you're looking for cute Pixar style, Toy Story type shorts this will disappoint you. If you're an animation enthusiast who likes to puzzle out how someone accomplished their work, there's plenty here for you to sink your teeth into. Mostly it's non-narrative works of moving non-representational art. Pretty cool if you're prepared for it before you press "play".



3. Excellent book and great selection of films. But beware - the DVD is in PAL so unless you are playing it on a computer or have a DVD player that converts between NTSC/PAL, you won't be able to view it.



4. With over 500 images, ANIMATION UNLIMITED is a visual feast. It's also a selected survey of some of the most significant works and artists of the past and present, including some fresh new talent. For many, the book will be a source of discovery, revelation, and inspiration. With a 2-hour DVD included, it's more of a curated exhibition of innovative works rather than an exhaustive history of the art form. It leaves you wanting more - but that's a good thing. For those active in, aware of, or curious about experimental or independent animation, ANIMATION UNLIMITED is affirmation that there is another world and history of animated images as exciting and valid any other more familiar or popular genre. Each of the concise artist profiles included in the book's four sections is a mini-profile of personal commitment, unique style, technical invention, creative drive, and visionary exploration. Pure abstraction and digital forms share attention and space with traditional handmade approaches, character animation, and narrative. ANIMATION UNLIMITED should, at the very least, serve as a primer to a rich and unique form of artistic inquiry and visual expression. It opens a door to animation of unlimited possibilities.

No comments about The Language of Images in Roman Art.

No comments about Water Library.

No comments about Charles LeDray.

1 comments about Royal Delft: A Guide to De Porceleyne Fles (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. Royal Delft: A Guide to De Porceleyne Fles (Schiffer Book for Collectors)An excellent book for anyone interested in collecting ortiginal delft plates, etc.

5 comments about Collecting Lladro : Price & Identification Guide.

1. i was/am looking for an indepth price and value guide. this book is pretty but not complete at all. i reccommend the Official Lladro Collection Identification Catalog and Price Guide by Dr. Glenn Johnson for serious collectors. If you can find it! Try Baron Rolen Jewelers in Stone Mtn. Ga.



2. Kudos to Peggy Whiteneck for a book that can be enjoyed by collectors and non-collectors alike! The author's knowledge of and respect for this wonderful artwork is apparent on every page. I have been collecting Lladro for many years, and I learned some interesting and useful things in reading this book. I read it from cover to cover on the very first day I brought it home, and have referred to it frequently since then.

   This book is a thoroughly researched, beautifully photographed, well-organized and thoughtful treatment of the subject. It is a must for anyone who enjoys the beauty and artistry of Lladro! I hope this is only the beginning for Peggy!




3. This is a brand new, 192 page, year 2001 volume with more than 250 super, full color, large, sharp photos. There are over 3,000 listings to help you identify the items. There's plenty of text, and complete item discriptions. There is even information on care and cleaning of Lladro. Information on restorations is provided and when it is worth doing. Current price ranges are shown. Lladro fans will surely enjoy this work. A very worthwhile addition to your collectibles library.



4. I do not collect anything. (Except maybe paid electric bills, and family pictures.) I have nothing against those who do, I just never have. This book was referred to me by an acquaintance. And you know what, this is really interesting! This book is surprisingly easy to read, informative and actually enjoyable. It shows a whole world, revealing in the most beautiful manner subtle aspects of an art which would easily escape those, like I, without a trained eye. It's obvious the author's experienced. I'd like another book by her. That's a lot for a non-collector!



5. At last!! A book that gives great details on LLADRO. Not only the primary market but the secondary as well. Hats off to Peggy for finally getting "THE HAMMER" some recognition. We have been collecting LLADRO for over 15 years, have visited Valencia twice, and have over 600 pieces - including every clown and amost every harleguin. Most have been purchased on the secondary market. Janet Hammer is the best. I'm glad to see LLADRO has put their stamp of approval on this book, along with some of the premier collectors, by providing pictures and data. A great gift for Christmas. Hopefully this is just the first of many. Getting any kind of old info on LLADRO is difficult at best.