5 comments about 80 Years of the Oscar: The Official History of the Academy Awards.

1. Bought this item as used, but it appeared brand new. Paid a fraction of the original price. This is not the first good experience with Amazon and its associate dealers.



2. Has it all. The OSCARS from A to Z. No other book can even come close.
   Informative and entertaining.
   Add it to your collection.



3. My husband loves his gift, we both enjoy the content all the knowlwdge of films and their history. Thanks to Robert Osborn and others for getting a great book published. We recieved it in record time
   
   We both would recommend this book to films buffs.



4. "80 Years of Oscar..." is a fairly entertaining look at the Academy Awards from the first ceremony in 1927 through 2007. Each year is about a 5 page chapter, starting with a brief essay on the year's highlights and a small shot of the movie poster for the winner of "Best Picture of the Year".
   
   Each chapter has a complete listing of all the categories, the nominees and an asterik near the winner and about 7 or 8 photos . The photos are accompanied by a plot summary and sometimes a trivia fact similar to the type Robert Osborne gives when introducing movies on the Turner Classic Movies channel.
   
   Though it remains fairly entertaining, when considering the book's price, the author's vast film knowledge and the self-proclamation as "The Official History...", I expected more. The full list of categories and nominees is available on several websites for free, so I was hoping the book would offer more.
   
   The trivia is a mixed bag and never controversial. It's usually superficial, such as it was an actresses fifth nomination or a film wasn't expected to be a hit. None gave the feeling that you were getting an insider's view of Hollywood. However, quotes from the actors on how they felt winning the oscar help capture some of the excitement of oscar night.
   
   The photos are clearly secondary to the category listings. They are mostly black and white, even for color films and many are crammed into the margins of the text. There does not seem to be any attempt to arrange them in a way that would generate excitement or more than passing interest. Predictably, there are many movies stills and pictures of the actors holding their oscar. There are no full page, color photos. The photos are fully functional, but encylopedic and few make you want to stop and stare and get lost in.
   
   So, basically, you're not getting what you paid for. There's nothing really particularly wrong with any of this, but there's nothing particularly extra about it either. Sadly, perhaps the book best captures the Oscar Ceremony by being overlong and pretentious with a few golden nuggets to keep you going to the end.



5. This is the 4th version of the book I have purchased. Osborne updates it every 5 years. I love the book. It is the best encyclopedia of Oscar information available.

1 comments about Starstruck: Vintage Movie Posters from Classic Hollywood.

1. Mr Resnick's passion has created a collection of movie posters that reflect the creativity and quality prevalent in marketing movies in the golden era. The collection has been carefully thought out and the narrative brings us insight into a time when studios, writers, directors and stars brought us high quality entertainment of infinite variety. The graphic artists who created the marketing materials should also be lauded for their exceptional work. I appreciate Mr. Resnick's recognition of this work as an art form.

5 comments about Blue Book of Acoustic Guitars (Book & CD-ROM).

1. I don't believe anything in the description addressed how out of date the book was.



2. Since I frequently buy guitars, bought this book to see whether the value matched the price I was bidding (on ebay) or the dealer's price. The book is very detailed and also gives some insight into the manufacturer and the instruments history. Good value.



3. There's a lot of info in this book but there's a lot that is missing or incomplete. I feel for the price this volume should be more complete. Save your money and think about the Vintage Guitar Value Guide. It is a a handier guide if you have to carry it with you to a show or out treasure hunting.



4. Since I am new to the world of buying guitars, this book has been
   invaluable source of information on dates of guitar manufacturing, prices, and condition of guitars. Real Handy!!



5. I've used this book for years for all my guitar buying and selling needs along with the Vintage Guitar Guide. My only complaint is that they have yet to add many of the smaller niche guitar makers over the years and the burgeoning market in house brands is not well covered ( Airline, Supro, etc). Otherwise it has most of the information you'll ever need. Don't take the pricing as the absolute word though, the market fluctuates a lot and prices can be dramatically above or below what is quoted in this book. Use it as a baseline and you're fine, at least you'll always know if that guitar your friend or neighbor wants to sell you is junk or of some value.

5 comments about Blue Book of Electric Guitars (Book & CD-ROM).

1. If you're a total guitar nut like me, this is a must have book. The 10th edition is the best yet. It's a tremendous resource for brand information, model specs, history, and pricing. While I found some errors and disagree with a few price listings, it is still one of the best books of its kind. It's a toss-up of which I like better between this and the Vintage Guitar Guide book. The Blue Book of Electric Guitars 10th edition has more brands and is a bigger book, but the Vintage Guitar Price Guide 2008 has more accurate information and better research. For example, the Blue Book only has a few USA Kramers included, while the VG book has more vintage models listed and a better written history. But the VG book doesn't include a great company/luither like Wollerman, while the Blue Book has a nice section for that brand. The Blue Book has a better section on ESP, and the VG has a better section on Charvel. Both books cover Gibson and Fender well. I say a serious guitargeek needs both books. Neither is overly impressive with accurate pricing, but the Blue Book provides more ranges which is nice. They both do give you a ball-park figure and lots of fun info. I read both of them cover-to-cover, yearly.



2. This book is great not just prices but a ton of knowledge that is extremely helpful... What to watch for and how to verify it... There are always those that try to get a little more than they deserve in any business... After reading this books hints and tips it is like you have twenty years experience in buying selling trading guitars... Many of my long time guitar experience friends are amazed when I come up with things that even they didn't know... Like serial codes that indentify what country their guitars were made... One of the biggest bang for the buck books I have bought in a long time...



3. I use this book as a reference in pricing. I have found it to be a very valuable tool for a starting point on pricing. Also, I have found it to be a very handy reference to locate model information without having to go to several sources. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in collecting or buying vintage guitars.



4. THE BLUE BOOK OF ELECTRIC GUITARS is a great book featuring information about different guitars, both old and new. Some information here needs to be taken like the humor in comedy films featuring Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Alyson Hannigan, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and/or Melissa Joan Hart, because instruments that are still in production are listed as discontinued, but it's still a wonderful book.



5. Had to return this stinker fast. Very incomplete book for guitars alone, never mind their value (Which most are valued too low in here). Inexperienced author (not the guy on the cover), some kid. I could not believe how bad it was. Format is terrible, it's painful looking up a particular guitar. A Good book for this type of info is Vintage Guitar Price Guide. It is a four star book (still incomplete) - I've yet to see a five star on this subject.......??

4 comments about Star Wars: 1,000 Collectibles: Memorabilia and Stories from a Galaxy Far, Far Away.

1. Sansweet has written several books on Star Wars collectibles and I always enjoy them. Although this book contains a lot of fun facts and pictures, I found myself getting bored when it veered into a long section on clothing, patches, soft goods etc (yawn). I found the first third, which is devoted to Star Wars toys, to be the most interesting. I would still recommend this to collectors, but I would encourage you to flip through it in a store so you really know what you're getting. A minor complain; a cardboard strip inexplicable surrounds the front and back cover, which makes the book awkward to read. I was constantly worried that I was going to tear it whenever I picked up the book.



2. I was once lucky enough to have been included on a tour of Steve Sansweet's collection, with notes being taken about certain items of his collection during that tour so they could be included in this book, so I've been waiting with baited breath for this, because there is no way you can see but a fraction of his collection. The big stuff, sure. All the normal sized stuff just kind of blurs together in your memory once it is over, and even then, you'll never see it all.
   This is an absolutely wonderful cross-section of his collection, with some lovely little stories about the items, or how they came into his collection.
   I don't care how much of a fan of Star Wars you are, I guarantee that there are many collectibles in this book you've never heard of, or have heard of but never seen, and some you are probably going try to search for to own for yourself. I know I am.
   There are the original toys figures all the way through the very expensive high-end stuff. There are prototypes that never made production, artist one-offs, custom items, displays, signs, clothing, food, statues, coins, costumes, computers, games,...I could go on for quite a while.
   Darth Vader slippers. A Star Wars savings passbook. A stormtrooper golf bag. How about Star Wars Cheeselicious? You haven't lived until you see that.
   A must own for anyone who collects (even in small amounts, like me) of Star Wars memorabilia.
   Thank you Steve and Anne, for this book. Now my wife will have to keep me off amazon and ebay for a while so I cannot purchase any of these items.



3. I received my copy of Star Wars: 1,000 Collectibles today and already took in the stunning imagery and diverse look at literally hundreds of unique Star Wars collectibles. If you began your collection before 1977, or are starting it today, it is a thrilling read for fans who wish to see what these amazing films have brought in the form of merchandise. In every Star Wars Insider, they offer glimpses of strange collectibles according to a certain theme, and if you love looking at that section of the magazine, this is a perfect item for you.



4. I picked up Star Wars: 1000 Collectibles and read it cover-to-cover the day I got it. This is one of the best Star Wars collecting books I've ever read. It's a first person account of anecdotes, success stories, mistakes, and adventures in assembling author Steve Sansweet's collection, the largest private Star Wars collection in the world. The book covers rare one-of-a-kind items, unusual folk art, classic Star Wars collectibles, and some very funny stuff. Really an enjoyable read! Anne's photography is top notch. Definitely a must-have for the Star Wars collector's bookshelf.

No comments about Classic Guitars: Identification and Price Guide (Classic Guitars: Identification & Price Guide).

5 comments about The 3rd Edition Blue Book of Guitar Amplifiers.

1. The Blue Book of Guitar Amplifiers is unfortunately a singular publication of its type. For the vintage amp fan it has good information yet wildly inconsistent values (probably due in part to their lumping of many, many distinct types of amp models into multiple-decade age groups and a grading system that is...well, irrelevant would be the only thing that comes to mind, since it lacks so much detail). It is both a fascinating and completely maddening volume. There are amps included that even the most dedicated tube-hound can find little information on elsewhere, yet strange omissions of fairly common ones (as mentioned in other reviews). The worst thing about this book is that while it's pretty much essential if you are an amp collector, reading it will drive you bats unless you're a teacher of English as a Second Language. The grammar is so pitiful it'd be funny...if the book didn't cost so much. These guys need an editor in the worst way, and I know at least a dozen tube amp techs/collectors/players who would VOLUNTEER their time to make this thing readable. Simple things like "...the use of negative feedback was used." make you blink twice..."did I REALLY read that?". "...prices can be generally between the $75 and $200 range.""...and technology that no one really knew how to use them.". In addition to the "F" in English 101, the writers managed to use (most notably in the first edition) a weird assortment of fonts with absolutely no consistency. How hard would it be to use ONE font? Well, apparently about as hard as it is to write in clear language. The last annoyance - they continually inject little "review" comments about how great...or mediocre...a particular model is, yet make no comments about most amps. One wonders, based on the fonts, language, lame, spotty "reviews" and such, how much material was actually written and how much was...ahem..."borrowed"...from other sources? It's just sad that such an essential book appears to be written by fourth-graders; well, that's a reach and an insult to fourth graders everywhere. All I can say is, buy it because you need it - but do NOT plan on reading it for pleasure without a large bottle of headache medicine close at hand.



2. A must have for not only the ampoholics. There is a world of great amps on the other end of your guitar line. Get to know it!! Even if you're not interested in todays value of your own amp(s), you'll get a over 3" thick overview of all kinds of guitar amplification. It's on my coffee table and I suspect visitors not to come for me but just for the book. Great value for money!



3. Though this book looks nice, and has lots of pictures, seems to be dud in my case. It does not list the one amp that I was hoping to find...a Pignose Crossmix 150R. This is a vintage amp designed by Paul Rivera in 1980 or so. It's not even mentioned.
   
   Other than that, the book is okay I guess. The layout is a little confusing to work through, but eventually you can find most things you are looking for. It might be helpful to me one day. But for now, it's probably going to be a coffee table book.



4. This a rehash of the first edition with little change. If you have the 1st edition don't waste your money. 2003? How about a new one?!



5. This book is a companion to the Fjestad's Blue Books of electric and acoutic guitars. Hundreds of different amplifier models, their wattages, tube complement, features and prices are discussed. The entrys are simple to understand and also contain a short history of each amplifier brand. While Marshall and Fender are the two most famous brands of amplifiers that come to mind, this book also covers lesser known brands and rare brands such as Carr and Dumble.
   
   This book is a must for the Guitarist and amp collector. This book has given me amny insights into my amp collection which consists of a 1965 Fender Bandmaster, a 1969 Fender Twin Reverb, a 1980's Fender Vibro Champ, a Marshall Mercury, a Marshall JCM 900 combo and a tweed Fender Pro Junior. This book includes interviews with Paul Reed Smith and Mike Soldano.

No comments about The Compleat Talking Machine.

5 comments about Gruhn's Guide to Vintage Guitars : An Identification Guide for American Fretted Instruments (2nd Ed).

1. This is by now pretty dated. It does have useful info but with a new edition apparently out this April, you really would be better off waiting. The contents are not organized in the simplest or more useful manner but there is no doubt it contains much useful information which I suspect will be true of the new edition also.



2. If you collect or deal in guitars, there will be times when you say "hmmm.....I wonder about the specifications of this guitar.....is this original?......are these the correct components?......what should it really look like?" or some such musing.
   
   Well, if you have this book, you've just dramatically increased the chances of arriving at the right answer.



3. There are no prices or estimates of value,
   which is what I needed the book for.
   
   The one guitar I bought the book for
   had two lines and no picture.



4. I am a collector of vintage stringed instruments. I purchased George Gruhn's first volume in 1991, which was called the "Guide to Vintage Guitars". As I used it, I found that it corraborated, expanded and corrected the many other sources I use. The 2nd edition is greatly expanded, and now includes "American Fretted Instruments". It continues to be the most usable, informative and authoritative guide to vintage stringed instruments I am aware of. This is my "go to" guide. All other sources are used for additional detail and corraboration. A must have reference for anyone interested in vintage stringed instruments.



5. I bought this second edition hoping to find more information than I found in the old edition, but beyond expanding the breadth of models, the book is still not extremely helpful. Its basic setup is to use a one-line description of a change that occurs to a guitar model and note the year that this happened in. That's fine of course, but it sure would be helpful if the lines referred to illustrations or pictures. the result is an extremely dry text summary - and it doesn't even really go far enough. for example, the area on Fender Stratocasters lists every model throughout the 20th century, yet the initial list entries of changes seem to stop in the 70s, and while it does make mention of the shoulder on the control cavity routing changing in 1959, it doesn't mention changes in pickup routing in 1970 or so, nor the addition of a ground screw shoulder in the control cavity in 1979-81. it mentions how many patent numbers are on the headstock during which year, but no mention of what they are nor illustration of where they are placed. no mention of logo design changes.
   the list of fender serial numbers is sort of accurate, but the lowest and highest numbers per year listed are just plain wrong. they might look in Duchossoir's book for more information!
   I think it might help people to have more information on Norlin-era Gibsons as well, explaining which were made in Kalamazoo and which in Nashville and how to tell... one thing i noticed was that they say how the reintroduction of Les Paul Standard/Deluxe models had 4 piece pancake bodies, but in my experience I've seen more very early 70s whose bodies were two pieces of mahogany with a maple top and had (3-piece) mahogany necks prior to 1975 when they became maple, and some even had bodies that were one piece of mahogany.
   also since people on ebay seem to be making so much money peddling parts of old guitars, it might be nice for someone to take on the description of how to correctly identify potentiometers, capacitors, even knobs, pickup covers and tuners!
   all of these suggestions would make this a very useful guide! but - especially pictures.... describing how a screw position changes on a pickguard from one year to another is not nearly as comprehensible as an illustration!

5 comments about Official Price Guide to Star Wars Memorabilia (Official Price Guide to Star Wars Collectibles).

1. I'd like to begin by noting that this isn't a bad book for the price. It contains some interesting and worthwhile information, and parts of it were fun/interesting to read. I particularly liked the chapter that dealt with reproduction weapons and other fake items (though it would have been nice if it included a few example photos). There were also solid chapters dealing with the history of Star Wars collectables, as well as vintage and new figures, trading cards, comics, etc..
   
   My two main concerns about this book were the quality of the rating system and the price guide (both seemed somewhat misleading). For example, on page 25 he shows a picture of a vintage R2-D2 figure that is in TERRIBLE condition, but gives it a C6 rating. However, I think most collectors would give it a much lower rating (and many would probably just throw it away it's in such bad shape!). Further, if anything, the price estimates provided in this book seem too low! For example, the price guide says a mint/complete loose blue Snaggletooth sells for $55 (but, I've never seen one go for that little anywhere). So, if the author is selling his mint/complete blue Snaggletooth at that price, I'll take it!
   
   Other minor concerns include a price guide that is more confusing than most, and calling the book an "official" price guide when there doesn't seem to be any formal connection at all (I didn't see it stated anywhere, but it seems this is just a name the publisher uses for all their collectable books).
   
   In sum, most of the information provided in this book is not new and is also available elsewhere (by far the best option being John Kellerman's Star Wars Vintage Action Figures: A Guide for Collectors). Though you'll probably pay more for many of these other books, most will contain a lot more photos, be in full color, and be printed on high quality semi-gloss paper. By contrast, this book contains only a modest number of photos, is 98% black and white, and is printed on newsprint. For all of these reasons, I give this book 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4 stars because even an average book on Star Wars collectables is still pretty good).



2. its was okay not as good as the field guide but it had info that the field guide didn't have .



3. This book is a fantastic way to learn how to price items. Since markets fluctuate, and price guides become outdated very quickly, it was a great read that informed me of what to look for when both buying and selling. With the information in this book, you can compare your item with those on the market and it will help you adequately critique and value you're collectible. If you are in a market to get quick numbers for pricing items...this is not the book for you. But if you want to learn what makes items valuable, and how to preserve those that are, this is definitely the book to get.



4. The title of this book is misleading. It should be called "Official COLLECTOR'S Guide to Star Wars Memorabilia". That's because it's really more of a guide for collectors who want to know the history behind many collectible items. It discusses aspects such as bootlegs, production errors, preserving and storing your collectibles, how and where to buy, and so on.
   
   What it DOESN'T do (at least not thoroughly enough for me) is list the going prices for all Star Wars memorabilia. I have a collection I'm looking to sell piecemeal, so I wanted a resource that would tell me what a fair asking price is for my items. This book has a surprising lack of depth when it comes to price listings, however.
   
   For instance, there is no listing of prices for common collectibles such as posters! I also could not find a price listing for the Burger King glassware sets, and various other items that I have in my collection. And even the items that this book does list often have "N/A" for the original retail price and the MISB (Mint In Sealed Box) price.
   
   What it DOES have that might be of interest to a collector is a reference number that you can use to look up the item on the web site database www.rebelscum.com/swdb. Even so, I perused that database, and while it has some great photos and details on Star Wars collectibles (it actually lists the text written on the back of those Burger King glasses!) it does not offer an online price guide, which is what I'm in need of.
   
   So for the serious Star Wars collector, I give this book 5 stars. But as a "price guide" -- which is what it bills itself as -- it falls far short so I have to take back 2 stars.



5. What makes this price guide worth the money is the 225 pages BEFORE the price guide.
   
   If you're new to collecting, this book has practically everything you need to become not merely COMPETENT at it, but SKILLED, even for non-Star Wars related items. It extensively covers terminology, grading, and even online auctions.
   
   If you're a veteran collector, it covers vintage Star Wars items, variations, prototypes, protecting your collection, and even trading cards and comic books.
   
   This is more than merely a list of items and prices. It's truly a "guide" to collecting.