1 comments about Ceramics from Islamic Lands.

1. This is a splendid book, helpful in so many ways if you are interested in pottery, history, or arts. With sufficient technical material to be useful for the serious potter, it is still accessible for someone just interested in the styles and beauty of pottery.

5 comments about Comprehensively Clarice Cliff.

1. One of the most definitive pictorial and historical records packaged in a very handsome, large volume.



2. This is an extraordinary achievement, leaving for dead most of the previous publications on Clarice Cliff. The research is the culmination of years of research through the Wilkinson archives, the pictures are sumptuous, and there is clear and logical indexing and referencing, which is often a downfall of books on collectibles. The flow-chart on page 19 is an invaluable tool for identification.



3. I find this book to be an incredibly valuable and easy to use reference to Clarice Cliff and Wilkinson pottery. It is 'comprehensive' and so far I haven't been stumped by a pattern that I couldn't find an example of in the book. The background information is comprehensive as well and I can now put shapes and styles into an overall perspective easily without having to browse through 20 difference catalogues and books. In the last 12 years I have purchased every book on Clarice Cliff that I could and they pale into insignificance in comparison with this. The information is not a repeat of other guides available and, in my opinion, the indexing and browsing references are so good that this book should win an award. I eagerly await any further publications by this author. I also think that the price for this book was very reasonable and about half what other references of the same calibre cost.



4. I am a US collector of Clarice Cliff and was very much looking forward to this book. The positive: you can find almost any pattern and the dates they were designed and fired. If you need to find a pattern or shape, it should be in this book
   The negative: Difficult to discerne the valuable from the run-of-the mill. The color photos are excellent and the application of paint comes alive on many of the objects. There is some controversy whether all the designs listed are really Clarice's. But after reading so many books about her and since she was so reticent about giving information, it is more difficult to argue who designed what and when.
   I use the book as a reference, not as a guide for what is the collectible. Since I believe CC's work is very hard to find in the states, it does serve as large enough range if I should ever come across a piece I must have!



5. Publishers have a habbit of regurgitating these guides
   I should know!

No comments about Art And Its Institutions: Current Conflicts, Critique And Collaborations.

2 comments about Betty Page Postcard Books.

1. What can I say. A pack of Betty Page postcards of such a small price. A must buy for any Betty Page fans. The booklet is the usual Taschen quality and every card is of a good standard of print and card gauge. There are some of the more famous pictures in here and even a couple in colour and with a short intro by Bunny Yeager herself. Top marks go to Taschen again so what you got to lose?



2. while this is not an actual book, as it's just pictures, i does give much insight into betty page's personality. This vivacious pin up girl was one of the first in that area. If you are, or know, a die hard betty page fan than i suggest purchasing this book.

No comments about Perpetual Glory: Medieval Islamic Ceramics from the Harvey B. Plotnick Collection (Art Institute of Chicago).

2 comments about Designed & Signed: '50S & '60s Glass, Ceramics & Enamel Wares by Georges Briard, Sascha Brasto (Schiffer Book for Collectors With Value Guide.).

1. I am quite surprised to see that there are not more reviews on this fabulous book. Not only is it beautiful and chock full of fabulous photos and estimated values, but it seems to be the only solid reference for Georges Briard and his equally talented peers. Expect to find nearly every pattern that Georges Briard ever designed and also some wonderful photos and information on: Higgins, Sasha Brastoff, Marc Bellaire, and even a few photos towards the back for Couroc, Fred Press (one of my faves), Ned Harris, Gabor, Gay Fad, etc...I probably refer to this book every other day! A must have for the mid century collector and especially for the fan of Briard and his designs. Thank you, Leslie Pina, for putting this book together!



2. This is the only book I have been able to find on George Briard glassware. Chapter 1, over 50% of the book is devoted to George Briard collectibles. Chapter 2, about 20%, is about Sascha Brastroff. Chapter 3, about 10%, is about Marc Bellaire. Chapter 4, about 15%, is about Higgins. Chapter 5, about 5%, contains more designers and a section showing all of the artists signatures. Each chapter includes the history of each designer. The pictures are absolutely fantastic and include a price range for each item. I have been able to identify and purchase many of the items included in this book. Obviously, this is one of my FAVORITE books. I highly recommend it to any one collecting 50s & 60s glass.

4 comments about Staffordshire Spaniels: A Collector's Guide to History, Styles, and Values (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. This book is for lovers of these beautiful dogs or those interested in their beginnings. Very informative book,and lots of colored pictures to help with ones selection of a spaniel. I recommend as this be number 1 book of choice about these Staffordshire dogs.



2. This terrific book traces the history, manufacture, and various styles of the traditional Comforter Spaniel made in Staffordshire, England during the 19th century. It is a comprehensive study with substantial text and beautiful illustrations, and it is written in a style that keeps the reader turning pages. As a collector and dealer, I have found this book to be extremely useful - I can't keep enough copies in my store, and I keep it at the top of the stack on my coffee table at home. This is a perfect reference and a perfect gift for anyone who appreciates the primitive beauty of the well-known Staffordshire Spaniel. Be sure to check out its companion text, Staffordshire Animals, by the same author and publisher!



3. This book, the only one I know of that deals specifically with Staffordshire Spaniels, is an invaluable reference for collectors and dealers alike. It offers a wide range of over 285 superb full-color illustrations, descriptive captions, and suggested values that reflect various market and regional trends. The book is packed with important historical and production information. Sections on reproductions and tips for collectors round out this comprehensive and informative study. This is NOT just another Staffordshire picture book or boring catalog of image after image. This specialized book offers so much more. The author's writing style is reader-friendly and touched by the sense of fun that Staffordshire collecting is meant to be. Synonymous with Staffordshire figures, Spaniels are the quintessential Victorian decorative accessory -- no Victorian interior is complete without at least one pair, and no collector or dealer's library is complete without this book! Enjoy!



4. This book contains nice photographs. However, the prices of pieces are unrealistic. Some quotes seem extremely low and other extremely high. The author doesn't mention the condition of the piece when quoting prices The greatest factor the effects the price of pottery is the condition of the piece. A price should never be given without a discription of the condition of the piece. The book would be a nice reference for a novice collector. But price information should be ignored.

No comments about Japanese Popular Prints: From Votive Slips to Playing Cards.

1 comments about Fratelli Toso Italian Glass 1854-1980.

1. I spent a month reading books about Murano art glass from libraries in my area, and after looking at at least 6 different books, this was my favorite. The pictures are beautiful, and divided by vases/paperweights/ bowls etc. The murrine examples are terrific! The writing is well done and there are lots of examples in color. I highly recommend this book. It was a worthwhile purchase.

4 comments about Dolce & Gabbana: Fashion Album.

1. This is a great buy! I buy books as insparation and collection purposes and this book is so good its going to take time to go throught it. The book is huge and so are the pictures, big beautiful full page photos.



2. Must say ... wow ... it is one of the greatest photo albums I own. Beautiful fashion pictures (Dolce&Gabbana creations) of big shots of fashion photography in really big size. I am impressed very much. Every $ spend on it was worth of its price.



3. There are few books in which every page is a work of art in itself. This fashion album is such a book. Everyone should experience the artistry of each photographer and his subject. Awesome work!



4. The volume is fantastic in a number of ways: it's not a chronological compendium of photographs which is a plus in my opinion. Photos are arranged by photographer, which gives well deserved credit to those who bring fabulous images to life. I also like the fact that each photograph is captioned with the name of the publication, month and year, and the model's name. It gives the ladies credit, and reminds us of the fleeting nature of their work. Linda and the rest of the ueber-models don't need a caption, we all know who they are, but so many of the other ones have come and gone :) Be prepared to see about a 50/50 mix of color and BW photography. And enjoy photos from major European magazines, some of which select styles and types of photos that one may not find in the US. It's not just nudity, but a certain flair that is so european.
   In sum - get this wonderful book, it's well worth it.
   P.S. It weighs a ton, so don't lift the package too swiftly when it arrives at your door :)