Reviews (3)

Finally an up-to-date source on Civil War blades
For years, the field of American military swords has only been superficially addressed. The foremost book on the topic, has been Harold L. Peterson's The American Sword, 1775-1945. Though a very good treatment of the subject, it has grown to be quite out-of-date in scholarship (the first edition was published in 1954). Since his book, there hasn't been any serious publication dedicated to American swords that is until now. John H. Thillman, an expert on U.S. cavalry and artillery sabers, has assembled a comprehensive and meaningful guide to Civil War sabers. The first section contains notes on design, materials, and components and is followed by a 16-page color section of photographs. The main body of the volume lists, in alphabetical order, every maker, importer, foreign manufacturer, assembler, retailer, and model. An important feature of this book is that it includes all known sabers from the prewar period dating to 1833. Every make and every known variation is covered with full history, tables and illustrations. The work is extensively illustrated with close-up images showing particular details of the weapons and how to distinguish one from another, as well as photographs of officers who used them. A truly groundbreaking work. The best yet.
For years, the field of American Miliary swords has barely been addressed. Since Peterson's book, which is good, but by now quite outdated, there has been no orderly study of the field. Bezdek's books have been useful, but are not as comprehensive as Peterson's. The rest of what is out there has been amateurish. This has been particularly apparent if you are familiar with Jean L'Hoste's superb books on French swords. Finally, someone has come along, not only to fill the gaps, but to significantly expand our knowledge and understanding of American swords: John Thillman. A Must for Civil War Collectors and Enthusiasts!
I have been interested in Civil War swords for the past 30 years. Unfortunately good sword reference books with pictures were limited. This volume answers allot of questions and has loads of images. As they say a picture is worth a thousand words.Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques/Collectibles   

Reviews (4)

Dean of Early American Furniture
If you have any interest at all in Early American Furniture, buy this book!Mr. Sack is one of the most knowledgable experts on this subject.This book shows you the subtle differences in what makes a piece good and what makes a piece great.Having his experise on this subject is invaluable if you have any interest in searching for early American antique furniture.He learned from his father, who had an amazing eye, and Mr. Sack shows you what he has learned.He is reknowned as an expert in the field of Early American Furniture.It is a shame that this book is out of print and that one must spend a great deal for a used copy, but this book is worth every penny.Maybe we will get lucky and he will revise it again, but I would not hold my breath.

Best of the best
Not a lot can be said here.If you want to see the best and have comparasions to look at as well.Or if you just want drool over real furniture this is the book.A must have for anyone who aspires to knowing what is truly art in furniture design.

One of the Best on Antique Furniture
If you want to truly study and develope an "eye" for the finer points of antique furniture this is a must have book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques / Collectibles    3. Antiques/Collectibles    4. Furniture    5. Furniture Arts And Crafts    6. Furniture, American    7. Furniture, Early American    8. Antiques & Collectibles / Furniture    9. Furniture & cabinetmaking   

Reviews (4)

Sharing a Bit of Cloth and Comfort
My copy of "The Apron Book" just arrived. I could hardly wait to sit down with a cup of coffee and get lost in an era that seems so long ago, but so close to heart. Earlier in the year, I attend "The Apron Chronicles" a traveling exhibit of aprons and their stories, told by EllynAnne herself! The exhibit was amazing! Aprons do have a voice and they're heard throughout the pages of "The Apron Book". In "The Apron Book" Geisel has done an extraordinary job bringing the aprons to life. Each apron pictured has a heartwarming story filled with love that only an apron could tell. They come to life and it is as if you're there. The tidbits of info scattered throughout the book from what to do about over salted soup to the perfect pocket placement on an apron are a delight. I can't sew a stitch but I've read every pattern in the book! Thanks EllynAnne

apron lover
I loved the colorful mix of worn aprons in my mother's kitchen drawer and I'd give anything to have one wrapped around my waist right now. Unfortunately, those aprons are long gone, but as I hoped, THE APRON BOOK brings me right back to the wonderful memories I associate with the aprons ofmy childhood.
DIY Cover Up
I too eagerly anticipated reading this book, since I went through an apron-sewing blitz this summer. I was a bit disappointed, however. Although the photos and instructions are helpful (for seamsters more accomplished than myself), the tone of the book is reactionary, with negative statements about working mothers and a lot of nostalgia for the Ozzie and Harriet era. Although Geisel celebrates the rebirth of the domestic arts, she praises the home-as-nest (enclave of traditional domesticity) rather than the house-as-studio (a DIY workshop involving every member in open-ended acts of engagement with economy, history, and culture.) Still, there's some interesting history and some great photos. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques/Collectibles    3. Beauty & Grooming - Apparel Guides    4. Fashion & Grooming    5. Popular Culture    6. Popular Culture - General    7. Textile Fabrics    8. Textiles & Costume    9. Antiques & Collectibles / Kitchenware    10. Handicrafts   

Reviews (2)

A must have for the serious collector!
This paperback is chock full of useful information about collecting and estimating the value of the pieces in your collection written in plain English.

Official Overstreet Indian Arrowhead Identification & Price Guide
Very good information.Expanded the guide to cover more areas.Photos are very good. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques    2. Antiques & Collectibles    3. Antiques / Collectibles    4. Antiques/Collectibles    5. Classification    6. Firearms & Weapons    7. General    8. Implements    9. Indians of North America    10. Native American Archaeology    11. Prices    12. Projectile points    13. Reference - Price Guides    14. United States    15. Antiques & Collectibles / General   

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques/Collectibles    3. Stamps   

Reviews (2)

Recommended reading with minor caveats - 4.75 stars
This book is a visual feast and factual whopper! With vintage Indian Jewelry gaining popularity, this 200 page hardback book is a 'must read' if, for no other reason than to enjoy the pictures . . . fabulous! Also, much credit is deservedly given to artisans; it was refreshing to see the old timers names alive once again. The price guide is nice but very wide ranging. I spotted one or two factual errors but in a book of this scope, they are minor. I am always concerned about 'back scratching' when a high volume of the photo credits go to such a limited number of sources (owners/collectors/sellers), which is prevalent in this volume; otherwise, I believe you can rely on the very well written facts and figures. The historical overview is excellent and detailed. But most important, if you have any old Indian jewelry similar to those found in these pages, you have something of significance and value. You can bet online auctions will be replete with references to this beautifully illustrated book. Like I said, must read . . . even more . . . must own!

Southwestern silver jewelry
I like this book.I have other books by Paula Baxter, and I new that this one was going to be just as good. I make Indian jewelry and I'm always looking for picture books on the old Indian jewelry and this book is "chuck full of pictures of old jewelry and tools that were used to make the jewelry". The pictures are clear,clean,and big. If you like the way the indian jewelry looked back in the early part of the 1900's this is the book for you. Paula, did a vary nice job and I wish to thank her for this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques/Collectibles    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Indian silverwork    5. Indians of North America    6. Jewelry    7. Silver, Gold & Other Metals    8. Southwest, New    9. Antiques & Collectables    10. Jewellery & jewellery-making   

Subjects:  1. Antiques    2. Antiques & Collectibles    3. Antiques / Collectibles    4. Antiques/Collectibles    5. General    6. Reference - General    7. Reference - Price Guides    8. Antiques & Collectibles / Reference   

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques/Collectibles    3. Art    4. Artisans    5. Collectors and collecting    6. Directories    7. Folk art    8. Mexico    9. Oaxaca    10. Antiques & Collectables    11. Decorative arts & crafts   

Reviews (12)

Stained Glass Designs from Dover
This is an excellent resource book for stained glass artisans.It has a variety of styles and eras in easy to duplicate drawings.Projects range from easy to intricate, designs (in some instances) can be mixed and matched.
Helpful!
I've been looking for ideas for simple patterns; this book helped me a lot!

Great book and great ideas
This book is great for traditional patterns, specially for the ones from Great Bretain.It shows different types of patterns depending on the period of influence, like Edwardian, Art Deco and others.I wished the patterns showed some color!!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques/Collectibles    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Decoration and ornament    5. Edwardian style    6. England    7. Glass & Glassware    8. Glass Arts And Crafts    9. Glass painting and staining    10. Patterns    11. Victorian style    12. Art techniques & materials    13. Crafts & Hobbies / Glass & Glassware    14. Stained glass   

Reviews (8)

Covers the subject like a favorite blanket
I have to say I am not a true believer,in that all the worlds ills can be cured with a look tru a kaleidoscope. I did find the book well done, nice layout,crisp bright pictures. It also started with history, and progressed thru the current crop of people building and experimenting with the scopes. Ms. Baker does a very good job of covering all the aspects of the in's and outs of the different scopes and mirror set ups. Gives the reader looking for only entertainment. Just enough information on any of the chapter subjects to make it clear and then moves on to the next.
Trult Inspirational
A friend of mine, kaleidoscope artist Roy Cohen-Gilad, received this book from Cozy Baker herself, who complimented him on his artistry and beautiful handmade kaleidoscopes. The images are inspiring, the story touching, and overall this beautiful book provides us with a glimpse of understanding why countless people are thus fascinated with this extraodinary form of art.

Magnificent Heaven for Kaleidoscope Lovers'
I have everyone of Cozy Baker's books. Each one is worth at least five stars. I didn't think Cozy could improve on her last book full of the festive colors and imaginations of kaleidoscopes and their makers', but she certainly has. I am a devote lover of kaleidoscopes and have been collecting them since 1982. My collection must be over 300 scopes by now. Everyone of them is completely original, beautiful, and loved by my family and I. I am always looking for more information regarding the artists and "industry" of kaleidoscopes. This book is filled with just that kind of information. I 've been collecting for over 22 years, but found out there is a lot I didn't know about my passion and the creator's that have made a difference in creating it. The one thing I never knew until I read this book was that these exciting, talented artists started out as collectors', just like me. I always assumed it was the artist's talent in either glass, marble, brass, wood, ect. that led them into saying "maybe I should try usingmy art to make a kaleidoscope". This book has taught me that all these spectacular artists are not only "artists", but "scope lover's as well. This book is a gem and you get to see and learn at the same time. Pure enjoyment! Just the same as when you look at a kaleidoscope. I love this book and it will be added as part of my collection and enjoyed forever! Thank you, Cozy Baker, you are indeed the "First Lady of Kaleidoscopes". All of your hard work and honest love for this craft shows brilliantly in this new book. The book deserves as many "stars" as when you look at a "star" with a teleidoscope. You "scope lovers'" will know exactly what I mean!Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Glass & Glassware    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Kaleidoscopes    7. Art techniques & materials    8. Handicrafts   

Editorial Review

Believe it or not, the first known pop-up element in a book appeared in an astrological manuscript in 1306. During the ensuing centuries, movable mechanics were used in more and more books--but only for adults. In the 1700s a British bookseller came up with the idea of illustrating well-known children's stories with movable flaps of paper. The rest, as they say, is history. Now aspiring paper mechanics (creative engineer-artists who create dimensional and movable books, otherwise known as pop-ups) can learn the how-tos and wherefores of this marvelous craft. From tip-ons to dummies to glue knock-outs, all the intricacies of pop-up production are outlined and explained.Read more

Reviews (13)

Delivers lots more than it promises.
This, as the title says, shows a variety of elementary paper popups - the cute little folded thingies in books and cards that stand up when the page is opened. The book's a real strength that it includes an actual, working specimen of each structure it describes. Except for one or two demonstratons, the popup folds never pass the basic, and never show the incredible breadth of artistry that can go into the best of popups. Still, it's readable and gives you an unambiguous idea of how the finished product will look, work, and be assembled. From that point forward, combining ideas, adapting them to your application, and decorating the paper surface are all up to your creative expression.
Learning Pop ups
I was thrilled with the book. It was just what I wanted and will be a great tool for my artwork. The othe Pop Up book I ordered is the perfect complement to this one.

The strength of this book lies in its website
Elements of Pop Up is one of the few How To Make Pop-Ups books that features patterns for moving parts like wheel/tab mechanisms, which is why I purchased it. However, don't expect to be able to create anything extrememly fancy with this one. The examples are made of simple shapes that expect the user to expand upon them as necessary--this can be a detriment when you're trying to figure out how to alter the pattern to make something more complicated. The most useful part of the book, ironically, isn't even in the book: it's online at www.popupbooks.com, Carter's website. In the Surprise section, one can download all the patterns for making every example shown. Don't pass up buying the book, though. You'll most likely need Elements of Pop Up at your side to figure out how to assemble all your cut out pieces correctly. If you'd rather follow instructions and complete specific projects, I'd recommend Carter/Diaz's other book, Let's Make It Pop-Up! (ISBN 0-689-86508-2), which has pre-printed pictures and contains projects like Blooming Flower and Huggy Bear. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art - Techniques    2. Children's 9-12 - Art & Art Instruction    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    5. Cut-out craft    6. Design    7. Handbooks, manuals, etc    8. Juvenile Nonfiction    9. Reference - General    10. Toy and movable books    11. Juvenile Nonfiction / Art / Techniques    12. Paper modelling & origami   

Reviews (3)

Great Research Book
It has a great number of photos that show details of western clothings, accessories, and other items.As a costume designer, I need to see the details for my research, and this book helped me a lot. Excellent reference manual for period wear.
I found the book both entertaining and informative.The photography and description of the material is excellent.As an amatuer historian on the subject, I found it to be educational as well as concise and pointing outsubtle items which could have been overlooked by the casual observer.Itis one of those books the reader can either read from cover to cover oropen anywhere and dig right in. Great reference for old west history buffs
This is a very good book for those interested in all the various accessories that the cowboy (and cowgirl) used.It is a good reference for old west living history groups that need to authenticate costume articles to a particular time period.The pictures are top quality. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Applied Arts (Specific Aspects)    3. Collectibles    4. Cowboys    5. History    6. History - U.S.    7. History: American    8. Pictorial works    9. U.S. Local History - Western United States    10. United States - 19th Century/Old West    11. United States - General    12. West (U.S.)   

Reviews (2)

Awesome $
This is a must for money buffs and the like.

THE best book to identify Colonial bills and their signers.
Wonderful pictures, and even identification of the signers of the bills. Some signatures are hard to make out even if clearly written in dark ink due to the style of writting, but are identified here. Worth every penny! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques / Collectibles    3. Antiques/Collectibles    4. Coins, Currency & Medals    5. History    6. Paper Ephemera    7. Paper money    8. Printmaking    9. Reference - Price Guides    10. United States    11. Antiques & collectables: books, manuscripts, ephemera & printed matter    12. Prints & printmaking   

Reviews (3)

A RARE FIND
THE JEWELS OF THE DUCHESS OF WINDSOR 1st edition,is a lush vicarious view of the golden age of royalty.The illustrations are breathtaking, done by some of the world's most famous photographers including Lord Snowdon..amarvelous addition to any collection.

A RARE FIND
THE JEWELS OF THE DUCHESS OF WINDSOR 1st edition,is a lush vicarious view of the golden age of royalty.The illustrations are breathtaking, done by some of the world's most famous photographers including Lord Snowdon..amarvelous addition to any collection.

A Visually Stunning Masterpiece!
I adore this book! It's an oversize publication which increases the beauty of the photography. The photos of the Duchess'jewelry are breathtaking, and it also provides a full account of the famed auction, including the amounts paid for the jewelry.There are great pictures of celebrities who purchased some of the pieces. There's even a stunning photo of Liz Taylor wearing the Prince of Wales Plume Pin for which she paid over $500,000. It also recounts the story of their lives along with pictures, including copies of newspaper clippings during the abdication. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Duke and Duchess or the forthcoming auction of the Windsor's household possessions at Sothebys.This book is the jewel in my collection of royal books! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1896-    2. Antiques & Collectibles    3. Antiques / Collectibles    4. Biography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Duchess of,    7. General    8. Great Britain    9. Jewelry    10. Jewelry Arts And Crafts    11. Kings and rulers    12. Nobility    13. Private collections    14. Windsor, Wallis Warfield,    15. Marriage    16. Windsor, Edward    17. Windsor, Wallis Warfield   

Reviews (11)

Bought it despite... and liked it!
Well, after a few of the reviews below I fully expected this to be a big disappointment, but, as one of the negative reviewers put it, the book had to be owned. I'm a big fan of Mary Blair's work.
Swell introduction
Although I note some of the other reviews of this book arenot too favorable, for me it's a very cool introduction to an artist of whom I had never heard.
Good reference Book for the Illustrator
such a nice Book of Mary Blair.
Read more

Subjects:  1. 1911-    2. Americana    3. Animators    4. Antiques & Collectibles    5. Art    6. Artists, Architects, Photographers    7. Biography    8. Biography / Autobiography    9. Blair, Mary,    10. History    11. United States    12. Walt Disney Productions    13. Women    14. Animation    15. Art / Individual Artist    16. Blair, Mary    17. Comic book & cartoon art    18. USA   

Reviews (10)

Products available
I found the catalog very limited.A review should include all products available from a manufacturer or list variations of products displayed.For example, a watch made of stainless steel is also available and not just white gold.

The best guide in the market
After years of buying the equivalent in French and German, this is definitely the best guide, very complete, very well written. The prices are in US$, though. The most expensive watch, a Vacheron Constantin. 1.6 million dollars, production is limited to 7 watches. The mind boggles!

Representing the top of the watchmakers art.
Do not expect to find quartz electronic watches from the orient here. This is a catalog of the finest in traditional watch design from Europe, primarily Switzerland, Germany and France. Here are watches that are the ultimate in design, both mechanically and artistically. They are also the ultimate in price, intended for the well to do who wants to make a fashion statement that is also a supurb timekeeper. (I don't know the most expensive watch in the book, but the highest priced one I found was $783,100.)
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Subjects:  1. Antiques    2. Antiques & Collectibles    3. Antiques / Collectibles    4. Antiques/Collectibles    5. Clock And Watch Making    6. Clocks & Watches    7. Antique clocks & watches    8. Clocks & chronometers    9. Yearbooks, annuals, almanacs   

Reviews (10)

Exactly what I was looking for.
I was looking for a reference book to guide my Mexican-style remodeling and redecorating efforts, and this is the best I've found yet.(I have about a dozen!)Gorgeous pictures, and plenty of them.Each section discusses a particular room type (kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms etc.) and each room type gets a good amount of attention.Something I dislike about other books is their tendency to look only at the courtyards or living rooms of Mexican or adobe-style houses -- not so useful if you're considering how to tackle your kitchen.This one covers it all, including touching on gardens and indoor-outdoor spaces that are such an integral part of Mexican living.
Great ideas for learning about Mexican
This is a great resource if you want to get an idea of traditional Mexican-style decor. The book contains beautiful examples of homesin Mexico and the US.If you're looking for ideas and inspiration, this is a wonderful tool!

Great photos of mexican homes
I bought this book to give me decorating ideas for a home that I am building in the Yucatan. This book is filled from cover to cover with great photographs of Mexican home interiors. From furniture to paint colors, it has given me many ideas that I have incorporated into my home. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques/Collectibles    2. Architecture    3. Decoration & Ornament    4. Design & Drafting    5. Interior decoration    6. Mexico    7. Themes, motives   

Reviews (2)

Great book
I'm obsessed with Shaker furnitue and architecture. I'll get around to reviewing all of my books in time. I think I have every Shaker book printed!
Excellent book, beautiful pictures; but see my warning below
Probably because it is one of the newer books on Shaker furniture, this one seems to be the most accurate on the provenance of the many surviving Shaker items.It appears they have done an excellent job of decipheringwhere a piece was made regardless which village it was found. Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques / Collectibles    3. Antiques/Collectibles    4. Furniture    5. General    6. Shaker furniture    7. Antique furniture    8. Reference works   

Reviews (1)

The Ultimate Antiques & Collectibles Resource Directory !
This 5th edition, giant volume (over 1 3/4 inches thick, weighing over 4 pounds) is THE collectibles resource guide and the most comprehensive directory available.There are detailed listings of 3,122 categories ofantiques, collectibles and art.Provides more than 18,000 contacts, 4,000clubs and periodicals, 9,640 e-mail addresses, and 7,360 Web sites !!Ahandy user's guide helps you utilize this reference to the fullest. Includes buyers, sellers, appraisers, where to get parts or have repairsdone, where to go to match patterns, and much, much more information.Alibrary of information essential for every serious collector's library. Add it to your library. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques    2. Antiques & Collectibles    3. Antiques / Collectibles    4. Antiques/Collectibles    5. Bibliographies & Indexes    6. Directories    7. Reference - General    8. Reference - Price Guides    9. Antiques & Collectables    10. Bibliographies, catalogues, discographies   

Reviews (3)

Button, Button...
For a beginner, who knows nothing of buttons, I'm impressed with the depth of knowledge in this book.It's a must for collectors, or for those wanting to learn more about buttons.

Great reference
I bought this for my mother who started collecting buttons that she was finding at yard sales and flea markets. She absolutely loved the book.It is very complete in terms of providing information on all sorts of materials and subject matters.There are lots of examples, great pictures, so you can compare your buttons with the ones shown to get an idea ofthewir history/origins as well s some pricing info.Definitely the best book I've come across for buttons as I was looking for this gift for my mom and she's gotten great use of it.(Now I get to hear from her about "oh and this button..... and that button..."It's fun :)

Easy to use with great illustrations!
I needed to price and identify over 100 pounds of vintage buttons with very little background in the subject. This book taught me everything I need to know in a very short time. Excellent photos and examples. Highlyrecommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques / Collectibles    3. Antiques/Collectibles    4. Buttons    5. Buttons & Pins    6. Catalogs    7. Collectors and collecting    8. General    9. Antiques & Collectables