2 comments about Gaston's Flow Blue China Comprehensive Guide (Identification & Values (Collector Books)).

1. One of the best books on the subject. Weak area is china from areas other than Britain.



2. The author has done her homework with this book of flow blue items. It's easy to follow and very well put together. Great reference book - great reading!!

No comments about American Presidential China: The Robert L. McNeil, Jr., Collection at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

5 comments about Antique Trader Pottery & Porcelain Ceramics Price Guide (Antique Trader Pottery and Porcelain Ceramics Price Guide).

1. What do you get in this overall pottery guide which is clearer than specialized ceramics price guides? For one the ability to contrast values for different specialized ceramics, from American and English to European and Oriental. For another, you get a general 'bible' of over 10,000 price listings, over 3,000 color photos, and collecting guidelines key to successful pottery and porcelain investing. A 'must' any serious collector should have.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch



2. This great little reference guide is a bargain - the price and the information. It is a easy to use price guide - not a table top book - but useful anyway. I collect Limoges and love Debby DuBay's books but I can't carry them while antiquing - The Antique Trader's books give me enough info so I don't make any major mistakes while purchasing Limoges.



3. to read about the history of antique Limoges or want info on the back stamps or marks suggest Antique Limoges at Home or Collecting Hand Painted Limoges Porcelain.



4. Thanks to the editors of the Antique Trader, I found the wonderful books by Debby DuBay, Collecting Hand Painted Limoges Porcelain, Antique Limoges at Home and Living With Limoges. Thank you! Highly recommend!



5. I purchased this from Amazon based on the reviews listed here and was sadly disappointed. I had expected sort of a systematic catalog of porcelain and pottery pieces. This listed a number of items, but with no real depth at all. It is hit or miss. The chances that you can evaluate any individual item you may be interested in is very small. I returned mine to Amazon.

5 comments about Haviland China: The Age of Elegance (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. While the written information contained within is remarkable in its' breadth and detail, and the publication certainly has a good "hand" on the current market, the publication fails sadly in its' photographic quality.
   
   Certain patterns colours are corrupted in the printing process. A notable example of this is on page 181, Figure 390 "Dinner Plate Chambord Pattern". This plate in fact has a soft green tinge to the entire plate and the edge is a teal / blue. It is not a red pinkish colour, which is how it is represented.
   
   This is a significant misrepresentation of the appearance of the article and there are a series of errors in the publication of a similar calibre, and it reflects badly on what is fundamentally a good publication.



2. Nora Travis is one of the leading experts on Haviland. I love the quality of her books, and have found the photographs professional, and the content informative and interesting. While researching my book: LIVING WITH LIMOGES by Debby DuBay, I again sought out Nora Travis' work for information on Haviland Limoges. She is an expert in the field of Haviland and I recommend this book to all who need information on the subject or for those who enjoy beautiful coffee table books.



3. I don't consider myself a collector of Haviland; I bought this book to get a toehold in this world while searching for replacements for my mother's turn-of-the-century pattern.

   This book is organized in such a way that someone new to this area can understand the basics types of pieces, identify the various markings and get some idea of reasonable values. Did I mention that it also looks good on the coffee table?




4. Nora Travis' book includes photographs of the usual and unusual pieces of Haviland porcelain which makes it a well rounded book for the amateur and serious collectors. It contains many beautiful "art" pieces, and the values are right on target. A lot of work went into this book, and it shows. The photos are really great as well. We, Keith and Thomas Waterbrook-Clyde, are the authors of a book on Limoges porcelain, The Decorative Art of Limoges Porcelain and Boxes.



5. Haviland China, one of the most collected Limoges producing companies, comes to life in this very informative book. Not only does Ms. Travis includes a Haviland family tree in this book, but also a history of this wonderful family legacy.

   Beautiful color photographs enable us to enjoy some of the very rare pieces produced beginning in 1895. The price guide for these pieces are right on the money, and the signature guide makes piece identification easy!

   As a serious Haviland collector, I never go to an antique store or show without it!

1 comments about Chinese Ceramics: A New Comprehensive Survey: From the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.

1. A must for anyone interested in Chinese ceramics. Beautifully photographed - a first class publication of quality.

3 comments about 1100 Marks on Foreign Pottery & Porcelain/1061.

1. This book is a wast of time. There are marks with no explanations and explanations with no marks. The book skips sequences almost like there are pages missing. Trying to use this book in dating a piece is hopeless.

   Please save your money and don't buy this book.




2. Very good if your looking for very old marks



3. This book has a terrific layout. The right page has 50 or more markings while the left page lists easily referenced details. Unfortunately, the details can be sketchy. For example, (one listing) Paris, some factory, Charles Phillipe or (another listing) Sceaux? or Bourg la Reine? Doubtful.

   I bought this book to accompany me on my European flea market travels. It is a reprint of a book originally published in 1937. So all of the markings are for things that are much older than I'm likely to find in our local flea markets. However, should I come across one, I'll be ready for it. :)

2 comments about Red Wing Stoneware.

1. This book has excellent colored photos of various Red Wing stoneware. I found the book to be quite informative in regards to the history of Red Wing Stoneware, and the various companies that made such stoneware. I found the price ranges to be quite realistic. This book has everything from crocks, jugs, churns, water coolers, snuff jars, and many more. The glossary of terms was helpful too. As a beginner in Red Wing collections, I'm glad I got this book. This book does not have every Red Wing stoneware piece, but they do have many.



2. Have you ever wanted an easy to use, beautifully photgraphed, and consistantly benificial Red Wing Stoneware reference book? Well look no further. This guide book will help you in sorting out the numerous pieces of Red Wing Stoneware, their markings, and the most current prices.

   This very informative reference is a primer for the beginning collector and a great research tool for the more advanced collector.

2 comments about Dinnerware of the 20th Century: The Top 500 Patterns (Official Price Guides to Dinnerware of the 20th Century).

1. As a fan of mismatched china, whose collection has been profiled in the New York Times, I recommend DINNERWARE OF THE 20TH CENTURY to both expert dealers and novices who love to entertain in style.
   
   Organized alphabetically first by manufacturer and then by pattern name, this guide is illustrated with hundreds of full-color photographs. And it contains all the the information you will need to buy, store, care for, display, replace and value every known piece of the 20th century's top 500 china patterns.
   
   Complete with a glossary of dinnerware terms and a brief history of every manufacturer, DINNERWARE OF THE 20TH CENTURY is a highly recommended reference book for anyone who appreciates a well set table.
   - Regina McMenamin



2. As a novice dealer of new and antique dinnerware, this book has been an invaluable resource for identification and valuation. You will not learn a lot about any one manufacturer in this book because it focuses on the most desirable PATTERNS, featuring clear photos and basic pricing information. I find myself leafing through it often, even when I'm not looking for a particular pattern. If you don't specialize in one manufacturer's wares, but buy and sell a lot of different patterns, you really shouldn't be without this handy reference book. I hope Mr. Rinker will team up with Replacements to produce Volume II - The Top 1000 Patterns, 501-1000.

5 comments about Post 86 Fiesta: Identification and Value Guide.

1. Great learning tool about fiesta dishes. Good pictures showing colors and their names. Quality book.



2. I'm both a collector and a bibliophile, and this is the first time I've ever thought it necessary to this say about any collector's book: In my opinion, this book stinks. A shame, as it's clear that the author has in-depth knowledge to impart. Unfortunately, it's clouded by the author's apparent dislike of dealers, fellow collectors, and the Homer Laughlin China Company itself.

   The book designer's work is exuberant and cheerful, much as is Fiestaware; however, the author's text is mean spirited. I don't think I've ever seen an odder combination. I hope for better things from the obviously knowledgeable author in the future.




3. The idea for a book dedicated to Post-1986 (P86) Fiestaware® is a terrific idea and I was pleased to order it.

   What a poor execution! Racheter's attempt is inconsistent, sophomoric and diseased with his unceasing attacks on Homer Laughlin China Company. (Who cares why he hates Homer Laughlin? Not me!)

   The (little) new information and price guide for some P86 colors - the book's innovative features - are overshadowed by the pointless commentary.

   Unfortunately the book isn't worth keeping for the pictures either... Don't buy this book!...




4. This book is a good start, but so much has changed in post 86 Fiesta... items, colors added and discontinued, prices. An update is desperately needed. Also a bit less "filler" as far as stories and dramatic exposition and more emphasis on actual introductions and discontinuations in the new line. Also, so many competing lines are similar... a back of the book section showing other contemporary dinnerware lines that currently compete with Fiesta.

   My biggest suggestion would be a chapter showing comparison of old versus new items to show the evolution of design...1.e. the old casserole versus the new one, old cup next to new one. Many collectors of the new do not appreciate where the design evolved from

   Also, the only decaled ware shown is...well.. the less said the better about what is shown... where are the artistic and popular patterns like Sunporch, Happy Pumpkin and Moon Over Miami?




5. This book is better than the Collector's Encyclopedia of Fiesta. So save yourself about $... and buy this book instead if you want informations on POST 86 Fiesta.
   It is full of pictures and has easy to use information boxes with every mold/piece. You know what colors they came in, mold and item numbers and lots of detailed informations.
   The downside to this book is that you only find one picture per item (mostly) limiting your view by only offering one angle.
   The price list is extensive enough to not leave colors out.
   I personally enjoy the authors style of writing thoroughly with his light humor. Mocking Martha Stewart a little, because he seems to think that she's a stuck up snob that only wants the Super Old stuff and abominates the new colors for the most part. He tells funny stories about TV and where he's seen fiesta. However, a little more history and facts would sometimes be nice. I assume, people buy this book for information not funny short stories.
   I thoroughly enjoy that fact that he includes uses for some odd pieces. Looking at some candle holders they could be anything. He explains what the item was meant for and what else it is commonly used for.
   LAst but not least... unfortunately it seems like this author was not given the same acces to limited pieces and photographs in is therefore lacking some details on limited ed. pieces.

5 comments about Wedgwood Jasper Ware: A Shape Book and Collector's Guide (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. The book, on the whole, does as its title asserts - uses good photographic images to show the reader the various shapes used by Wedgwood. It also offers some guidance as to the rarity of colors used and a basic historical reference.
   Even with the wide variety of shapes shown, there were some missing. The identification of the designs was most informative.



2. This is a great book on wedgwood jasperware. It will definitely help identify genuine pieces and offers great illustrations. I thought there would be much larger collection of pieces illustrated within the book though, so I was somewhat disappointed since none of the jasperware I own was even listed in the book.



3. The title of this book suggests that it is a guide to all Wedgwood Jasper Ware, but the author concentrates strictly on dipped jasper ware. The title should indicate this. The text of the book also is filled with the author's opinions that dipped jasper ware is somehow superior to solid Wedgwood jasper ware and that the latter category of wares is rather declasse. He is certainly entitled to his opinions but they should not be presented as standard for Wedgwood collectors. His collection (and therefore his book)concentrates on a very specific period of production that he prefers but as I stated above the title does not indicate this. Having said that, am I sorry that I purchased this book (indeed pre-ordered it and waited several months for it?) Not at all. The photographs are sumptuous, and that section of the book is superb. The shapes of the pieces and subjects of the bas reliefs listed apply to all types of Wedgwood wares, dipped jasper, solid jasper, basalt, Queensware, drab ware, etc. For this very reason, the book is a valuable reference. Quality books on Wedgwood are few and far between and older ones are difficult to find if one wants to own them and not have to go to a library. In conclusion, drool over the pictures, but divide the text into two categories: Wedgwood history (which the book is short on) and author's opinion (of which there is plenty.)

   An addendum of second thoughts:
   The book convinced me to acquire my first piece of dipped jasperware. I can certainly see why the author raves about the quality of the workmanship during this period of production. The dipped jasper has qualities that more modern solid jasper does not offer but the solid jasper has wonderful qualities of its own. I will not go so far as to say that one is superior to the other, but that each needs to be appreciated for what it is. I am grateful to the author for expanding my (Wedgwood jasper) vision.




4. While many books have been written about Josiah Wedgwood and 18th century "first period" production, there has been very little information for the collector of 19th century jasperware. Until now. Michael Herman has written a wonderful guide to explain and classify the wide range of dipped jasperware and bas relief ware produced by the Wedgwood factory. If all this book did was to identify the myriad of shapes with their proper shape names, it would be a must read for all collectors and dealers. But the author also provides a wealth of detailed information from his vast expertise on the subject of Wedgwood. A history of jasperware production is given, bas-reliefs are identified, the wide range of colors explained and dated, and there is even a section on jewelry. I definitely enjoyed reading the book and have discovered many new pieces that I want to add to my collection. I look forward to new books by this author.



5. A collector's guide and shape book filled with wonderful color photographs of the many varieties of Wedgwood jasper ware dip. Author Michael Herman shares his knowledge and experience with other collectors.
   It not only provides basic information so important to the beginning collector. It is a resource for all collectors in this area. Each piece is identified as fully as possible-including the bas relief figures.
   Dark blue does predominate, not a surprise, as it was the most popular color. Still the other jasper ware colors are well represented.
   Most of the pieces illustrated were made between the mid 19th century and the virtual end of jasper dip production in 1940. It is indeed refreshing to have a book that focuses on this period in this area of collecting. The timeless appeal of Wedgwood jasper ware is so well illustrated.