2 comments about American Pottery & Porcelain (Antique Hunter's Guides).

1. This book provides beautiful photos, and a large amount of information and history for antique American pottery but if you are looking for a reference book that covers mid-20th-century/vintage American pottery this is not it. It covers some Fiesta ware and that is about it. I gave it only 4 stars because the title and description does not state that the subject is primarily older American pottery.
   
   This is however a great book for 19th century pottery. It is lovely, very well organized, and easy to use. Its starts with a section on dating pottery by shape and then describes how different types of wares are made. There is a visual key showing the shapes of most types of American pottery. Following is 367 plates showing different pieces organized by the the preceding visual key. Each plate gives not only a lovely color photo but also a description, material, locality, period, comments and hints for collectors. The appendices include a brief list of marks, an extensive list of manufactures which includes dates of operation, location and major products. There is also glossary, bibliography, a list of public collections, a pottery buying guide and a price list.



2. Fold your standard sheet of paper in half and that's about the size of this book. -So, when I first saw it I thought I'd be disappointed... BUT I was pleasantly surprised! -It starts off with a brief intro to the different types of pottery (redware, stoneware, yellowware, ironstone,) and porcelain and a history of how they were/are made. It goes on to a visual key which has silhouette figures of items and is helpful to identify what item it is that you have. ...was that a coffeepot or a teapot? :o) After you've id'd your object, you can find the section in the book that corresponds and there you will find a color photo of one example and all sorts of helpful info. on your item. -A short description of what the typical physical size and shape would be, areas where the items were made, comments on typical uses, and hints on what you should avoid/look for. The price guide in the back gives you a ballpark figure of value.
   this book does not focus on any specific brands, rather highlights some of the big name makers and brands that you may want to watch for. For being a general guide, I think this is as good as it gets. I found it superior to any of the Millers, Kovels series. -It actually teaches you what to look for, as opposed to other books which just inform you of what you already have. It is a great reference for collectors and resellers. Small enough to take with you to every auction and yard sale!

5 comments about Chintz Ceramics.

1. Very pretty photos of the author's collection were impressive. I saw many good patterns to copy as a beginner ceramic painter. Unfortunately, Ms. Welsh's interest is very keen on classical European prints. I wished her collection was more deversified especially with Asian influences.



2. This book clearly shows the author's enthusiasm and knowledge of chintz ceramics. Beautifully illustrated and packed with information for both the novice and experienced collector of chintz china. Highly recommended!



3. For any serious collector of Chintz this book is a must. It is clearlly set out and easy to understand. The passion and love the writer has for Chintz is apparent.



4. Excellent presentation on chintz pottery and ceramics without making it look like a manual. The type of book you'd want in your collection as a show piece.



5. This book is absolutely gorgeous. Of course, it is full of very useful information for chintz collectors. It is very educational for any one interested in learning more about chintz ceramics. However, the best thing about this book is its beauty. I just love to look at it time and time again.

1 comments about Victorian China Fairings.

1. Do you know what fairings are? How many there are? What they are worth? This book catalogues in detail all known fairings and provides helpful advice on pricing, spotting fakes and the history of the Fairing. A must have if you are interested in Fairings or collect them.

No comments about Meissen Figures 1730-1775: The Kaendler Period (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

5 comments about The Arcanum: The Extraordinary True Story.

1. Who would have thought a story about porcelain making would be so interesting and dramatic? The story of the Arcanum is one of greed, power, betrayal and sorrow. It is interesting how we take porcelain for granted now but people died for it at one point in time.
   
   I bought the book for $5 and I think it was worth the price. I wouldn't spend more than that though. One glaring omission I found is the fact the book has no pictures. The authoer goes to great pains to describe the porcelain being made and pieces that are now housed in museums etc but includes no pictures to help us envision the items.
   
   All in all I think this is an interesting story and for the right price I would recommend this book.



2. I found the Arcanum to be a fascinating read, wether you care about porcelin or not. Gleeson is a great story teller. The book reads like a mystery thriller that you don't want to put down. I have given three copies to friends.



3. Exellent, well-researched, and easy to read. History of the discovery of the secrets of porcelain manufacture at Meissen, Saxony, Germany, 300 years ago by the imprisoned alchemist. Have read it twice now.



4. As a budding enthusiast of Meissen porcelain, I found this book enormously enjoyable and informative. Gleeson clearly and entertainingly presents the sometimes complicated and confusing story of the discovery of porcelain in the West. She vividly portrays the various characters involved in the discovery and early development of hard paste porcelain. Gleeson might not be a great writer, but I have to admit to waking up early to enjoy her book.
   
   Even is you have no interest in this area of decorative art, the story is fascinating enough in its own right to ensure a gripping and enjoyable read. Who knows, you may become a porcelain convert!



5. 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.

1 comments about Talavera Poblana: Four Centuries of a Mexican Ceramic Tradition.

1. This is the show book for a 1999 exhibition organized by the Museo Bello in Puebla, Mexico, and by The Americas Society and The Hispanic Society of America, both of New York City, in which the treasures of the former and those of Museo Franz Meyer of Mexico City were displayed. It's as academic as it is entertaining, and is in English and Spanish with superb photographs. For anyone who would be a collector, this is the book, for now --- a stipulation given only because of its brevity, and until the sine quo non is published. It's important because little authentic historic talavera is on the market; and because the vast majority of what is produced in Puebla these days is a sad imitation of this artisanal tradition --- whether you buy it in Puebla or attempt to find it on the web. The reader learns the technical terms and about techniques. As the book does not relate to practical buying tips, remember that it is an exhibition book, and not intended as a collector's guide. Then, if it's a bit spare on such historical details as the difference between the Puebla and Guanajuato schools, at least it does relate to talavera's oriental origins. I give it high marks for a show book. As a longtime talavera collector, I am overjoyed with it. Go buy it at Amazon, already, because it isn't available in the stores. And nada más is available in English!

No comments about Anglo-American Ceramics Part I - Transfer Printed Creamware and Pearlware for the American Market 1760 - 1860 (Anglo-American Ceramic).

1 comments about Chinese Blue and White Porcelain.

1. I purchased this book to get a better understanding of Chinese Blue and White Porcelain. It totally fulfilled this requirement.

   This book is very helpful for a beginning or mature collector. It is simple to understand and easy to read. There are many pictures and very detailed pictures of markings on the bottom of your objects.

   Also, if you find a topic not addressed in the book you can email Duncan and he will assist you in resolving your issue.

   The bottom line is that this book is "Brilliant".

1 comments about The Beswick Colletors Price Guide, 5th Edition (Beswick Price Guide).

1. This is a very well put together and compact book which provides a comprehensive listing of a variety of Beswick pieces and their values. If you know the name of the piece you are trying to find, this book is useful. However, it does not photographically catalogue all pieces, which makes it difficult to look up a piece if you aren't certain what it is.

No comments about Wedgwood: A Collector's Guide.