Reviews (5)

The best on the subject !
Being relativelly new to the subject of Japanese swords and fittings I was quite impresse by two things:
Very Good Buy!
Very amazing photos, and quality information on each photo and sword. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

A modern book on japanese sword fittings
This review is a joint effort with Laerte E. Ottaiano
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Catalogs    4. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions - General    5. Design - Decorative    6. Exhibition Catalogs    7. General    8. Japan    9. Metal Arts And Crafts    10. Metal Work    11. Sword guards    12. Sword mountings    13. Swords    14. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles   

Reviews (4)

A great reference for both beginners and advanced potters
Making Marks is an excellent reference book that both beginners and advanced potters can benefit from.It delves into all aspects of potting, and not only illustrates the results that can be achieved, it provides the "how to" for many of the processes.Any potter who has this book in their library will never run out of ideas for creating unique pieces.

Books like this one -a definite necessity !
This is an exciting book, it is not just about painting marks on surfaces.The list of options is quite comprehensive from liquid slips, clay colour modifications, carving, underglazes,slip-trailing, lustre-ware and of course impressions and incisions made by tools.Robin Hopper is a master of clay due to the years he has be absorbed by it.He has used good quality work by various potters to display the different forms of decoration.
For the dabbler or those needing inspiration to try something new
While I'm relatively new to the art and craft of pottery, I beginning to find my own voice in my work.This book is helping me to think about differnet ways to express myself in my work.While I will probably never go out and buy a sand blaster or work with lusters, I know I have the inital reference source I need should I decide to go that way.
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Subjects:  1. Antiques    2. Ceramic Arts And Crafts    3. Crafts & Hobbies    4. Crafts / Hobbies    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Pottery & Ceramics    7. Ceramics   

Subjects:  1. 19th century    2. 20th century    3. Architecture    4. Catalogs    5. Decoration & Ornament    6. France    7. Furniture    8. History    9. Interior Design - General    10. Interior decoration    11. Interior design   

Reviews (3)

Gun Digest is Back and better than ever for 2007
I was pleasently surprised when I opened my 2007 edition.It abounds with interesting articles.Tops and lead in this issue was an excellent piece from John Malloy, renowned author of many top notch articles on guns and gun history.He takes you through 60 years of the automatic pistol in the US and neatly ties it into the 60 years of the Gun Digest.I found this year's other articles both very intersting and informative.Those that downplay this years edition either haven't read it, or don't appreciate it. I've given it 5 stars to counteract the insultingly low ratings.I have collected the entire gun digest library starting with the 1944 edition and have read through many volumes of the library.I believe that this qualifies me to speak about the entire body of work that is Gun Digest. I can honestly say that this issue is certainly not one of the worst and would be ranked as a refreshing change from those of the recent past.Get it for the articles, and enjoy it until next year.Ken Ramage and the GD team have made an effort.That says alot in this day and age and I believe that you won't be disappointed - do yourself a favor though, and this goes for any book.Don't pay anywhere close to retail price.You should be able to get this one brand new for around 15 bucks - delivered as of the date of this review!

How Low Can You Go
Can't wait till the2008 issue comes out to see how much further you can go to destroy what used to be an excellent publication. No articles, canned content, and errors abound in this publication. Was going to give it 2 stars so I have the ability to downgrade if next years digest gets any worse.

It just keeps going down hill
Gun Digest has been going down hill every year since it sold out to new owners back around 1999. This year is a new low. Very few articles and many errors in the canned specs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Firearms & Weapons    2. Firearms And Gunsmithing    3. Guns/Rifles For Hunting    4. Shooting    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Small firearms, guns & other equipment    8. Yearbooks, annuals, almanacs   

Reviews (2)

Excellent reference - but a work in progress
I have been using this book since this edition was published.It is an excellent compilation of summary information about makers of Native American jewelry and other collectible wares.I expect that thishas - to this point - only about one-third or one-half of the people listed who make jewelry.I annotate mine with added marks for unlisted jewelry makers, together with summary information on them.When I can, I ask the artisan to autograph the book, preferably near the added information.

Hallmarks of the Southwest
This book is an excellent reference to anyone who collects or sells Native American Jewelry. It shows the mark of the well know artists in Native American silver jewelry. The Navajo , Hopi , Zuni Indians are all included in this book. Very detailed, I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques/Collectibles    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. General    5. Hallmarks    6. Indian art    7. Indian silverwork    8. Southwest, New    9. Textiles & Costume    10. Antiques & Collectables    11. Base metal & ironworking   

Editorial Review

To take something as ordinary as wire and present it as a trueart form is an amazing achievement, and this book does exactly that.According to Suzanne Slesin, the story of wire as a component of usefuland decorative household objects began in Slovakia in the 17th century,where tinkers used thin strands of iron to repair household pottery.The art of wirework flourished and traveled throughout the Austro-Hungarian Empire during the next century, becoming highly developed andquite popular by the end of the 1800s; utilitarian objects such asbaskets, bottle racks, serving dishes, plant stands, trivets, andbirdcages were both made of and embellished with wire. Sadly, wireornamentation as a decorative art is mainly a thing of the past, butbecause these objects are so sturdy, they can often be purchased asantiques. The book has a long directory of European and Americansources for wirework. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Comprehensive historical and technical book
As an artist and metal worker, I've found this book comprehensive. Great illustrations and historical documents. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques / Collectibles    3. Antiques/Collectibles    4. Decoration & Ornament    5. General    6. Interior Design    7. Metal Arts And Crafts    8. Textiles & Costume    9. Wire craft    10. Wire in interior decoration    11. Antiques & collectables: gold & silver (other than jewellery)    12. Antiques & collectables: jewellery    13. Decorative arts & crafts    14. Home furnishing & decoration    15. Metals technology / metallurgy   

Subjects:  1. Antiques    2. Antiques & Collectibles    3. Antiques / Collectibles    4. Antiques/Collectibles    5. Baseball    6. Reference - General    7. Sports Cards - Baseball    8. Antiques & collectables: books, manuscripts, ephemera & printed matter    9. Reference works   

Reviews (5)

Great reference
A must own reference text for gun collectors. It is a detailed guide of make, model, caliber and potential value. It has most manufactured firearms from more than 150 years ago from all over the globe.

A 'must' reference for any avid firearms collector
What does the newly updated 16th edition of the classic STANDARD CATALOG OF FIREARMS get you that differs from past editions? There are more model entries, more pricing data, and more photos: over 1,500 pages packed with detail. All prices have been updated for collectible firearms made between 1838 and 2005, over 600 new entries added, and photos over 7,000 firearms packed in - there's even a 16-page color section on museum-quality antique firearms from around the world. With its serial number lists to help avoid fakes, this 16th edition is a 'must' reference for any avid firearms collector.
Seems very detailed.
The book is very detailed. The loads of pictures helped me confirm the items were properly identified.
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Subjects:  1. Antiques    2. Antiques & Collectibles    3. Antiques / Collectibles    4. Antiques/Collectibles    5. Firearms & Weapons    6. Firearms And Gunsmithing    7. Militaria, arms & armour    8. Reference works    9. Small firearms, guns & other equipment   

Reviews (6)

A Real Eye Opener
I have only been selling Japanese Antiques for a short time and I found this book is fantastic to show potential tansu customers. It has also helped us (Japanache dot com dot au) with selection when on buying trips to Japan and restoration once back in Australia.
Strong on Art , Light on Craft
I am biased; I am a woodworker.This is actually a terrific book offering a huge collection of beautiful photos, and an extensive commentary about the role of Tansu in Japanese lifestyle and culture.However the craft of making Tansu was not well represented.From the title I would have expected more on tools, techniques and joinery.

A Tansu Tribute
If you are fascinated by the creation of handmade Japanese cabinetry, this is one of the few books you can find on the subject because for some reason, the cabinetry of Japan is one of the least recorded aspects of Japan's woodworking history. Throughout this guide, you will find lush photographs of opaque and transparent lacquered chests, their hand-forged iron handles and the tools of the trade. I especially enjoyed the hand-colored photos of family life, rice fields and the textile sellers. Not only do you get to glimpse this magical world of Zen temples and street merchants selling sweet rice drinks, you will be able to view page after page of stunning merchant chests, bedding chests, clothing chests and mizuya-dansu (kitchen cupboards).
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Subjects:  1. Antiques / Collectibles    2. Architecture    3. Cabinetwork    4. Chests    5. Furniture    6. General    7. Japan    8. Antique furniture    9. Art / Design / Furniture    10. Furniture & cabinetmaking   

Reviews (5)

A 'must' for any wine buff who wants to latest news on the greatest wines
Seeking a pocket guide to the wine world which offers the latest insider's information on new vintages, upcoming trends, new discoveries, and the latest harvest predictions? You can't go wrong with Wine Report 2006, which was rated the 'Best Wine Book in the World 2004 and 2005' by Gourmand International: it packs a wealth of updated facts in a truly pocket-sized - albeit thick - edition and is a 'must' for any wine buff who wants to latest news on the greatest wines.
A very handy and up-to-date resource for the wine lover...
Wine Report 2004 by Tom Stevenson is an exceptional reference for both the expert and the beginner.I'm in the wine business and have dozens of wine books which each have their merits.Mr. Stevenson's New Sotheby's Wine Encyclopedia is one of the benchmarks of the business and is respected world over.The Wine Report 2004 is a much smaller book in comparison, but it's chock full of information.Relying on local experts to cover the various regions of the world is a well chosen strategy.The Grapevine section at the beginning of each chapter provides juicy (no pun intended) gossip for wine insiders.It's also great to read the opinions of the experts and their predictions/hopes for the future of wine in their part of the world.The information inside is as current as it gets.Simply a great pocket reference for the wine insider.Well done!

A 'Must-Have' for traveling wine lovers
The Wine Report 2004 is a very useful and easy to use resource with a comprehensive guide to wines around the world. This is a must-have for the busy person who loves travel and loves wine. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques/Collectibles    3. Beverages - Wine & Spirits    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Wine    6. Cooking / Wine & Spirits   

Reviews (18)

Furniture is the Focus
This book has great pictures of West Indian furniture and its focus is only on the furniture. I was looking for some ideas on how to design using this style, but not much can be gotten directly on how to do this from this book. However, I did come away with a good sense of the various influences on the West Indian style.

Moderately interesting
This book had some interesting facts, but as an interior designer who was looking for inspirational pictures for room designs I thought it had moderate value.

FABULOUS!
I have owned this book for over a year and always thought it was an excellent book but wasn't inspired to write a review until just recently, when I received a new book I purchased called "Caribbean Style".This book, "Caribbean Elegance", is everything that the other book is not. I love this book! The photography is incredible, encompasing everything from the smallest furniture detail or accessory, to entire historical exteriors & interiors, and exquisite scenery!
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decorating - General    3. Furniture    4. Furniture design    5. Furniture, Colonial    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. Interior Design - General    8. Interior Design - Style Books    9. West Indies    10. Art / Design / Decorative    11. Caribbean islands    12. Interior design   

Reviews (26)

Knowing and enjoying your Rolex
If you are interested in the history and development of this much sought after watch, I feel that this is the best book on the market for under $125. Photos of an extaordinary amount of Rolex watches add to the abundant, easy to read, printed information. Maybe there are some new styles not listed but, so what, they will be in future editions. I think this book is invaluable to the Rolex collector, just starting out or with years of experience. A pleasure to read and to own. Please note that this is the 3rd. edition of this book.

The old Rolex book
Book is fine if your interested in 30+ year old watches. No reference to newer watches.

Great book!
This is the perfect book about Rolex watches! Great for the collector, or if you're just interested in great watches. Nice pictures, many unusual models. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Clocks & Watches    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Reference    5. Antique clocks & watches    6. History of specific subjects   

Reviews (1)

The book I was waiting for
I was surprised when I bought the last 2007 World Coins, cause it only includes 1901 to 2000 coins and the title was a litle confusing. But NOW I can say that the waiting time is justified.
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Subjects:  1. Antiques    2. Antiques & Collectibles    3. Antiques / Collectibles    4. Antiques/Collectibles    5. Coins, Currency & Medals    6. Numismatics    7. Reference - Price Guides    8. Coins, banknotes, medals, seals, numismatics    9. Reference works   

Subjects:  1. Antiques    2. Antiques & Collectibles    3. Antiques / Collectibles    4. Antiques/Collectibles    5. Coins, Currency & Medals    6. General    7. Numismatics    8. Reference - Price Guides    9. Coins, banknotes, medals, seals, numismatics    10. c 1600 to c 1700   

Subjects:  1. 1875-1942    2. 20th century    3. Advertising    4. Antiques & Collectibles    5. Antiques / Collectibles    6. Antiques/Collectibles    7. Cappiello, Leonetto,    8. Catalogs    9. France    10. History    11. Posters   

Reviews (8)

I'm not a little teapot...
But if I were a little teapot, I'd be one of the beautiful ones in this book.There are teapots both plain, and beyond description to fascinate, amuse and amaze you.If you know a little about firing ceramics, and glaze technology, the information provided will deepen your appreciation of each teapot.You may find that some of these artists are in your area, and have ceramics for sale.Or if you just like teapots, there enough teapots here in beautiful color photos to sate your appetite.

Beautiful and Imaginative
500 TEAPPOTS is an wonderful book and is sure to inspire both potters and tea drinkers alike.It is a wonderful companion to 500 BOWLS.I hope they publish ANOTHER 500 TEAPOTS (BOWLS, too).

Amazing
This book is for teapots'lovers what Imagination is for artist.Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Catalogs    3. Ceramic teapots    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. History    7. Hobbies/Crafts    8. Pottery & Ceramics    9. Antiques & collectables: ceramics & glass    10. BG-RELIGION - BG-RELIGION GENERAL    11. Ceramic arts, pottery, glass    12. Crafts & Hobbies / Pottery & Ceramics   

Reviews (8)

It is ok.
A little more basic than I thought it would be.But had some helpful hints.

It's a keeper
Being in the metal smithing hobby for over 30 years. I have purchased a large number of books on "Jewelry making". I found this book to be clearly written, well illustrated and done to the high level that I have come to expect from McGrath's books. For anyone intersted in metal smithing this is a must have.I do own it.

Jeweler's Directory of Decorative Finishes
Absolutely thrilled with this book.A good value,with useful andeasy to understand information. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques / Collectibles    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Jewelry    6. Jewelry Arts And Crafts   

Reviews (9)

Everything you need to know about selling collectibles on eBay!
I've purchased several books on Amazon.com and while a lot of them were very good, I've never felt compelled to write a review.Then I purchased and read "How to Sell Antiques and Collectibles on eBay...And Make a Fortune!" by Lynn Dralle and Dennis Prince.This book is FANTASTIC!!!I had started an eBay business from home a few months before buying the book and was filled with questions...this book answered them all!It covers everything from how to set up your home office to choosing a business name & business plan to how much to spend at Garage Sales, etc.It is filled with amazing tips and tricks (for instance, Lynn gives you a website that helps you identify almost any china pattern which is invaluable when researching your item to post on ebay).
If you know nothing about eBay this is great
If you are fresh off of the boat and just discovered that eBay may permit you to cash out on some of your own stuff this book is great.If you think you will replace your current income by becoming an eBAy seller...don't quit your day job...yet.Although this book has information that can assist in helping the new eBayer it offers nothing new for the experienced seller.If you are new get this book if not don't.

Best Book on Selling Collectibles on ebay
I've been selling on ebay for about a year and have read numerous books on ebay. How to Sell Antiques and Collectibles on ebay....and Make a Fortune....is the Best book I've come across.A lot of the other books on ebay...contain information you could find on the ebay website. This book is different...got a lot of great tips about selling in the most popular catagories, ect. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques    2. Business & Economics    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business/Economics    5. Collectibles    6. Computer network resources    7. E-Commerce - General    8. General    9. Internet auctions    10. Reference - General    11. Selling    12. eBay (Firm)    13. Advice on careers & achieving success    14. Antiques & Collectables    15. Business & Economics / General   

Reviews (4)

Very Disappointing
It is a good listing of stamps but so few pictures of the stamp. I would not recommend.

good value for the $
This book showed me all the current values for my collection through mid 2005 though it does not contain all the stamp issues for 2005. It is very helpful in rating the pricing/bid values on ebay as well.

Scott US Stamp guide
There is no finer anywhere, period. Blows away Brookman's and the one put out by the USPO. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques    2. Antiques & Collectibles    3. Antiques / Collectibles    4. Antiques/Collectibles    5. Catalogs    6. Philately    7. Postage stamps    8. Reference    9. Reference - Price Guides    10. Stamps    11. United States   

Reviews (10)

Another awesome purchase
A really great book to help those of us who need a "recipe" for scrapbooking a page! Truly inspirational.

Great Book
I have enjoyed reading the book and look forward to putting some of the projects on paper. I'm a beginner at scrapbooking. But I do have a great deal of experience in collecting Scrapbooking supplies.

Great Gift for My Wife
Anyone who's new to or intimidated by scrapbooking will benefit from this well-done book. Next to "SCRAPS: Adventures in Scrapbooking" it's my wife's new favorite. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Conservation and restoration    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Papercrafts    6. Photograph albums    7. Photographs    8. Scrapbooks    9. Scrapbooks, Memory Books    10. Antiques & collectables: books, manuscripts, ephemera & printed matter    11. Paper crafts