5 comments about Classic Hopi And Zuni Kachina Figures.

1. This book has one strength. The photos are excellent - at least in terms of the antique katsinam themselves. Ms. Portago's decision to photograph the carvings on metal backgrounds is odd to say the least. The essay in the back by Barton Wright is insightful but is not linked to the text. It was written many years ago.
   
   I find one minor detail in this book to be quite annoying. Ms. Portago's bio on the jacket is twice as long as Barton Wright's. Mr. Wright is the most extensively published author on Hopi culture ever. Ms. Portago is a former model, a contessa, and a sometime photographer. That feels incongruous to me.



2. This is a wonderful -- and wonderfully photographed -- book and a valued addition to my collection of books on kachinas.



3. The essence of any Pueblo Kachina (Katsina) is determined in no small way by its mask (as well as by the ritual drama in which it appears). And while there are many kachina books in print, this volume by Portago and Wright emphasizes the doll's mask more than most other volumes. The Wright essay is one of his best and not easy for the layperson to find, so its printing here is especially useful. What Portago's kachina-doll photos bring to the fore is the aspect of an artist at home on either side of the camera--as a model and as the photographer. Finally, this group of kachina dolls is wonderful!



4. As one unfamiliar with Kachina figures and their history, I was fascinated with Andrea Portago's book. I was taken with the professionalism of the book - the wonderful photography and the knowledgeable presentation of the subject. It was a most rewarding reading, taking me on a delightful journey into the Hopi and Zuni cultures.



5. I too have waited for a long time for Ms Portago's book of photographs of Kachina figurines but, quite contrary to the last reviewer, I could'nt have been more delighted with the finished product. It is absolutely delightful. One must have a dead 'scholar's eye' not to be able to see the love and humor with which she has invested these little painted fabrications of wood, clay, cloth and feathers. They laugh at us with glee or, like Goyescas, shriek with horror from out of the pages of her book. Through her gorgeous colored photography she has breathed life and personality into her beloved subjects just as did that fine lineage of photographers from which she is derived. And as for her instinct to intersperse the glory of her colored images with severe black and white photos, in the manner of Anselm Adams, of the epic Southwest landscape from which these effigies derive, like putting salt on melon this was sheer genius.
   The book is a treasure, for which I thank you, Andrea. On receiving my copy I ran right out and bought copies for all my friends. I urge you to do the same.

2 comments about Bleuette Clothing Patterns, 1905-1916.

1. The book starts with a little history of the doll from French and great vintage pictures are added (through out the book) to show how things were back than and there are instructions how to make the right embroidery stitches that were used. Patterns are actual size and easy to trace. Instructions are easy especially when you're an more experienced sewer but also the novice can have an easy start sewing because there are all kinds of patterns to find in this book. From very easy to complicated (more pattern pieces, pleats to make, put trimming on etc.)you will always find the right pattern to start with.
   The pictures of the fashions to make, are the size of one page - 9"x12" - so all kinds of details are there to see. What can I say but this is a wonderful addition to your doll(pattern) books and I'm sure you'll love it! Good for hours and hours of reading and sewing pleasure.



2. Louise uses the original French patterns and sews them as they were meant to be done. Her work is inspiring.

5 comments about Racing and Collecting Slot Cars.

1. This is a great book. Has lots of tracks and great idea's. I really like it.



2. Great Book! The book gives super information about the slot car hobby. The information is very basic though, so keep that in mind. Great pictures throughout.



3. This is a "must have" book for anyone either getting into slot cars or returning to slot cars as an adult. Robert Schleicher has an obvious passion for "true to scale" slot cars and doesn't let that passion get in the way of writing clearly. The book is a great source of information for the home slot car enthusiast particularly for 1/32 scale and to a lesser degree HO. He is not into "hopping up" slot cars and even states that it is more fun to win a race between equally matched cars using luck and skill than to win having the faster car. He does however, cover how to customize and optimize as well as performance match "ready to race" slot cars. The pictures are spectacular while the layouts and cars are worthy of the pictures. The book has quite a few typographical errors but weather you want to collect slot cars, build a detailed layout, both or just assemble your slot car set on the floor and race, this is a great book.



4. "Racing and Collecting Slot Cars" is a book for every slot car racer and collector. It's primary focus is HO and 1/32 scale slot cars; however, the information provided applies to all scales. This book is well layed out. Each chapter exploring a specific aspect of these table top racers. The photos (many in color) are EXCELLENT. Best book around on the topic. No book is perfect, but Mr. Schleicher does a great job.



5. Racing Cars is a book that is a[n] o.k. book. The only thing is it wasn't long enough. The book was still a good book. It could be a little more interesting. But I think it was a good book.

No comments about Warman's Lionel Train Field Guide, 1945-1969: Values and Identification (Warmans Field Guide).

2 comments about Tomarts Encyclopedia & Price Guide to Action Figure Collectibles, Vol. 2: G.I.Joe Thru Star Trek.

1. This is a very good book. It has complete listings of american toys and pictures. The pictures are b&w and color, but NOT ALL OF THE TOYS are presented in pictures. Each listing have three prices in $, the Complet No Package (CNP), the Mint in Package (MIP), and Mint In Mint Package (MIMP).



2. Not only were the prices off, but they did not know anything about the toylines. Authors have no idea what year figures were even made. How can they possibly price them?

No comments about Beach Pails: Classic Toys Of Surf And Sand.

4 comments about Collecting Matchbox*t Regular Wheels, 1953-1969.

1. This has become THE book to go to for pictures and information on specis and versions of pre-1970 Lesney Matchbox cars. Needed if you are serious about collecting, or, just want to see the neat cars and trucks.



2. Overall this book is one of the best printed resources I own, which is still in print, for collecting regular wheel series Matchbox and has become dogged eared from use. Most of the major variations are listed for both models and boxes to boot! Prices of these little treasures are always in flux, but this guide gives you a decent jumping off point.



3. Excellent book for the new collector or the seasoned veteran. Plenty of pictures with clear explanations. Every Matchbox collector should own this book.
   
   Cons: Being Copywrited in 2001 makes some of the pricing a bit stale. The photography is clear and a great resource, however, it is not the best technical photography I have seen. Also, to be fair, I should note that I am a retired professional graphic artist/photographer, so my criticism may not be relavent to the average person.



4. If you are a Matchbox regular wheels collector, 1953 - 1969 series, then this is the book for you. Very clear pictures of both model and box variations from the early Lesney period. While a number of the very rare MB variations aren't present which is a shame e.g. red version of model 45 - A Vauxhall Victor (photo recently on eBay auction), this doesn't detract from its usefulness as an overall guide, hence the four star rating. Book was printed in 2001 so its price listing value is a little bit dated but this is due only to the passage of time which is to be expected - e.g. model 33 - C - 1 shown as being US$400 - $650 in this book but in his own Encyclopedia edition (2002) the same model variation is shown as shown as being US$250 - $300. Just proves that as a collector you need a good range of MB guide books to help you and a little bit of wisdom & experience.

2 comments about McDonald's Happy Meal Toys in the U.S.A. (Schiffer Book for Collectors With Prices).

1. Great book, very complete and convienen. It has a price guide and check-off boxes to help you to keep better track of you collection. I will not ever begin to estimate the number of photo's..There is easily 1000's



2. I consider this to be the McDonald's collector's premier guide. Full-color photos show you exactly what you're looking for. Variations are also listed, and usually shown, so you'll know to look for that horse with a green base and without! Translites, buttons, and all the other items associated with a promo are listed with values. Although this book only goes through early 1995, you can order supplements by writing to the author (address included in the book). If you're serious about collecting (or selling) McD's Happy Meal toys, you must have this book

No comments about Lionel Modern Era Diagrams and Parts Lists: 1977-1991.

No comments about Beckett Unofficial Guide to Pokeman, 2009 Edition (Beckett Pokemon Price Guide).