1 comments about Antique Silver: The New Compact Study Guide and Identifier (Identifying Guide Series).

1. Lydia Darbyshire's book is a good supplement to other books on the subject, and it provides a detailed look at the types of articles a new collector of antique silver is likely to encounter. Descriptions, however, tend to be specific to the article shown rather than an overview of items of that type. The glossary has been particularly helpful in understanding the terminology found in this and other books on the subject. I did not find the introductory section as detailed or as fascinating as other books I have on this subject, but overall, I'd recommmend it to new collectors.

No comments about Collecting Silver.

3 comments about Four Centuries of Silver: Personal Adornment in the Qing Dynasty and After.

1. Margaret Duda's new book magically transported me into a place and time I'd previously known little about: China's epic Qing Dynasty, with its fascinating legends, myths, customs, religious beliefs, and cultural norms. The author astutely displays hundreds of beautiful artifacts - pendants, symbolic locks, grooming sets, eating kits, embroidery-needle cases - to bring this vanished world to life.



2. For anyone who has a love affair with China and or silver adornment this book is a find. For those of you who don't, read it anyway and you will be delightfully surprised. Margaret Duda is obviously a scholar and an immensely readable one. Her son, Paul Duda, who did the photography is equally talented. I'm buying this book for Christmas presents for family and friends.



3. This is an uncomparable tome for anyone interested in adornment or Chinese social history. The level of scholarship, depth of information, and narrative ease will impress academics and laymen. The photography has obviously been done by an accomplished visual artist. Such an incredible collection and wealth of research has obviously been done as a labour of love. I hope Mrs. Duda's love for her subject continues in many other volumes. Well Done!

1 comments about Kremlin Gold: 1000 Years of Russian Gems and Jewels.

1. The book deals nicely with pieces that are mostly Russian enamels, silver, or icons. Very little jewelry is in the Kremlin collection. A couple Faberge imperial eggs that are seldom discussed elsewhere, but, they are not the most superb eggs (in my opinion).

No comments about British & Continental Silver in the Ashmolean: The History of the Collection.

No comments about Hunting for Treasure.

No comments about Silver & Sheffield Plate Checklist.

1 comments about Gifts for Good Children Part Two - The History of: The History of Children's China 1890 - 1990.

1. This book was a disappointment as title is a misnomer. It should read "The History of BRITISH Children's China". No other countries are represented here. Author has organized alphabetically by mfr. rather than design type or years made. Only 8 pages of color photographs. Plentiful B&W. Good background info. on makers listed. No price values. It's a decent enough reference for English children's china, but not especially helpful to collectors wanting to know which pieces are more desirable, etc. At this price, book should have mainly color photos!

No comments about Irish Pewter: A History.

No comments about Etains Francais Des Xviieme Et Xviiieme Siecles.