1 comments about Before the Gates of Excellence: The Determinants of Creative Genius.

1. The first two chapters review theories of, and research into, creativity developed in the 20th century. The author suggests a theory of productive creativity that is relevant to both the arts and sciences. The last part of the book focusses on the creative process and offers new answers to the question of what causes inspiration.

   The books provides a concise, interesting, well written introduction to the subject of creativity.

1 comments about Miller's: Collecting Textiles.

1. A nice collection or survey of textiles, but not very good for more detailed research.
   Because the price is right, this is a worthy book to add to your library.
   Not for the advanced collector.

1 comments about The Book of Beanie Babies May 1998 Set: Supplement.

1. You should also have a littler amount of price and reupdate your books.and have a lot in stock when on the internet.

5 comments about Star Wars Collector's Pocket Companion 2000.

1. A very nice pocket size book with lots of basic information about a lot of different Star Wars collectibles (you name it, and it's probably in there). There are even lots of pictures (at least for its size). However, the prices for the action figures and trading cards (that's mostly what I collect) are often far too high. I don't remember buying or selling for such high prices either before or after this book was written. Finally, I don't think you need both this book and the larger 1999 edition by the same author. If you want small, go for this pocket edition. If you want more detail, go for the other larger edition (it actually describes every single trading card... and there are about 1000 of them). But you can't carry the larger edition around in your pocket!!!



2. Stuart Wells is an expert on this stuff. He not only writes about it, but he collects it as well. This book even offers up a chapter on the 2001 Star Wars fast food toys that were given away at Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut. Designed for the fan who attends conventions and checks off stuff as he (she) buys it.



3. For those of us that actually do spend all of or weekends searching for that "Holly Grail" for our collection, this type of price guide is a fabulous idea. While it obviously isn't complete, it's slim design is perfect for bringing to that collectibles show you are going to this weekend. Plus, Wells is such an authority that he really nails it as to what is important and what can be left out (he did a much larger Star Wars guide a couple of years back--but who wants to lug that book to a show?) Having written on everything from comic books to trading cards to toys, Wells sure knows what he is doing, and how to put one of these guides together.



4. If you are a Star Wars fan and love to collect related material, then you'll find this pocket guide very handy. It culls listings from Wells' omnibus "The Galaxy's Greatest Star Wars Collectibles Price Guide" (1999), while adding new items and categories (There is an entire section of fast food toys that is pulled from contributor Robert J. Sodaro's book "Kiddie Meal Collectibles"--to which Wells was also a contributor). The book's slim design make it ideal for slipping in your pocket while on the prowl at conventions.

   Wells and Sodaro are also contributors to "Comics Values Annual 2001" (Alex Malloy).




5. This brand new, year 2000, 320 page softbound, handy 4" x 8 1/2" guide book is ideal for Stars Wars colllectibles hunting. There are more than 4,000 items in this book, with over 600 black and white, and 200 full color great pictures. The book provides a nice introduction to the collectible, and adequate information about each major heading. Topics range from Action Figures, Books, Ceramics, Clothing and Coins, to Model Kits, Paper Collectibles, Recordings, Vehicles and Wall Art. A very complete index is included to make item location easy. The item descriptions are quite complete, and the values appear to be very current and reasonable. A must for Star Wars collector's. You'll use it often.

1 comments about 2000 Comic Book Checklist and Price Guide.

1. The guide provides something key: the actual month/years of most individual issues. It says it covers all comics from 1961 on, but is far from complete...many long-run issues (i.e. Ghostly Haunts) not listed. The publishers seem committed to becoming a true competitor to Overstreet...I wish them well. Prices are more in line with reality than Overstreet, especially for NM copies.

No comments about Young England: The New Generation : A Selection of Primary Texts.

No comments about Sunken Treasures: Fifteenth Century Chinese Ceramics from the Lena Cargo.

1 comments about The Dictionary of English Furniture : From the Middle Ages to the Late Georgian Period.

1. This is a very thorough overview of English furniture through the ages, however it is very, very expensive, the pictures are old, black and white and not the best quality, and I believe you can get better value by spending the money on several other newer volumes, especially if you focus on the area that interests you (e.g design, construction, a specific time period, or an overview of antiques).
   
   I wish it would be updated with better photos etc.. in which case it would be worthwhile even at this price (around $200) ... I am tempted to do one myself. I have seen more up to date works in other countries (e.g Portugal) at half the price, leather bound with fantastic colour photos. The way it is, you can put together a better collection from other works. However if you need an general and complete overview of English furniture this is quite good.
   
   Also I would recommend you look it over in a store (library?) before purchasing it. It really depends on what you are specifically looking for, and at this price it is a good idea to check it out beforehand.

1 comments about Converted Spaces.

1. "Converted Spaces" is one of those types of books that makes you want to jump into the pictures and take immediate tours of those incredible spaces. Living in a space that's not designed to be lived in is to live surrounded by character and originality. I particularly loved the lofts in Jersey City (NJ) with the quadruple height ceilings. I did not know that lofts with 50ft ceilings even existed. Apparently Wells Fargo built the building at the turn of the century as a carraige house. We don't have anything like that in Soho. That's Amazing!!!

No comments about Greenberg's Guide to Kusan Trains.