1 comments about Miller's Encyclopedia of British Transfer-Printed Pottery Patterns 1790-1930 (Mitchell Beazley Antiques & Collectables).

1. Most of the pictures in this book are too small and of such poor quality that the details and colors of the transferware are unclear. Even so, the material is not nearly comprehensive enough to be called an encyclopedia. The subtitle is misleading as items are dated but there is no arrangement by dates. I still intended to give this book a 2 out of 5, however, until I read the introduction. There the author claims the book is special because "for the first time" a book on transferware is arranged by pattern. Guess she never heard of Petra Williams?

1 comments about Italian Maiolica (Fitzwilliam Museum Handbooks).

1. Not a 'how to' book but contains text which accompanies a colour photo of an historic example of maiolica. It's a decent book. I wouldn't have paid a 'new retail' price for it. I bought it used and am glad I have it in my library.

No comments about Blanc de Chine: The Great Porcelain of Dehua.

No comments about Collector's Encyclopedia of Old Ivory China: The Mystery Explored.

1 comments about Royal Doulton Series Ware Vol. V: New Discoveries.

1. Here is another excellent offering from Royal Doulton authority Louise Irvine. It is well-organised, easy to follow and beautifully illustrated.
   
   Readers should be aware, however, that this is a companion volume, an addendum to Ms Irvine's previous four-volume series on Royal Doulton Series Ware. It documents items discovered by Ms Irvine and her readers after the publication of the other books and refers the reader back to the appropriate volume and page number in which the series was originally described. Therefore, in order to get the most satisfaction out of this book, one must already own or have access to the previous four volumes.
   
   Finally, this book was published in 1998, so there may well have been more interesting--and as yet undocumented--discoveries since.

1 comments about The World of Wade: Book 2 : Collectable Porcelain and Pottery.

1. This is a fairly useful book for Wade collectors with some nice colour plates. My interest lies in tableware, and there is little information out there on such items; this book goes some way to redress that. There are gaps, which I guess are hard to avoid when there were so many items produced by Wade. Also, I found the layout made the book difficult to use. When I found an item I wanted to know more about it was hard to find the information as the details appeared often amongst a myriad of figure numbers for the photos and numbers for the particular item. That aside there is plenty of information here which goes beyond the ubiquitous whimsies.

3 comments about Comprehensive Guide to American Painted Porcelain.

1. This book is unlike any other Antique Trader guide I've ever used. Not only does it contain both a table of contents and an index, its content is well organized, comprehensive and very well written. Ms. Kamm approached the writing and compilation of the book with the same fervor Victorian's applied to their quest for perfection. Okay, enough of the hyperbole. If you're looking for a reference to help you identify the difference between a teapot and a chocolate pot, this is the book for you. Ms. Kamm has meticulously identified each piece of popular American painted porcelain, explained its purpose and identified its value. While there are not multiple examples of each piece (a volume of that scope would require at least ten times the space) this book will give you a basic knowledge of the various pieces, their function, and value. The layout is logical and creative, the text is engaging, the photos are gorgeous and the values are very realistic. Ms. Kamm has created a very good reference for the beginning collector or dealer.



2. China painting was a popular pastime in the Victorian era. This book is very useful in identifying items from the period 1877-1917. Some pieces are unmarked and some are marked with various manufacturers but were sold as "blanks" and decorated. Descriptions of how the items were used at the turn of the century, outlines of how the items were produced, and examination of the styles of painting are considered in evaluation and in valuation. Values in average retail range were given for approximately 400 pieces. Artists and studios are listed so that you can find out more about your signed pieces. I wish more information was available on the decals used.



3. When I received the Comprehensive Guide to American Painted Porcelain, by Dorothy Kamm, I was concerned that this would be a rehash of her previous book entitled, American Painted Porcelain. But to my suprise and satisfaction, this book is the perfect companion to the first. Whereas the first book answered general questions regarding identifying and pricing American hand painted porcelain treasures, her new book goes into greater detail regarding the history, function, and the importance of these pieces within the American culture, emphasizing the Victorian, and post-Victorian era. Having read this book from cover to cover, I feel more confident in identifying, pricing, and understanding the significance of these art treasures. I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in porcelain and/or Victorian history. This book is a steal relative to the wealth of information conveyed to the reader.

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.

5 comments about The Official Price Guide to Collector Plates: Seventh Edition.

1. I was extremly disappointed because this book is over 10 years old so it is too outdated to find current market values of collector plates. It did contain other useful information about collecting plates so if you just want to learn about collecting plates this is a good book. However if you want to know the market values for plates you have this book is useless.



2. Book arrived timely in condition stated. Thanks for the prompt service
   
   hjm



3. I was not happy with all the items marked NA(not available), RI(recent issue), etc. The book, in my opinion, is not up to date & has very little value to someone who wants to price out their collection



4. This book is one of the few out there that is of any value in regards to Collector Plates. Although it doesn't always give you an indication on todays current price, it does tell you what the issue prices was, and gives a guideline as to whether the plate is now worth more than what was paid for it, the same, or less. I deal in Collector Plates personally and as a business, and I do use the book as a reference tool pretty often. I do recommend this book as a general guideline to those interested in collecting or selling plates.



5. This book is a great reference for plate collectors. Although an update is probably due, the book still offers information that holds in today's market. After pricing and selling some 200 collector plates, I have found the prices in the book to be "on the mark". Don't hesitate to add this to your resource collection.

No comments about Understanding Miniature British Pottery & Porc..