Collectibles Books

Schmandt-Besserat is not only an acknowledged leader in epigraphy, she is one of the only linguists to study the slowly evolving history of the assyro-babylonian literary culture. This book, and any other by this author, is strongly reccommended for any library or archeological department.

This book will take you through the ruins of an ancient city in Mesopotamia and then will explain the meaning of certain tablets and clay coins found there. The author is very clear in her explanations, there are plenty of pictures and graphics which make your understanding of the text easier. This book is for those who like reading scholarly material because it is very concise and precise on the subject but it could seem dry reading to those who prefer the material to be presented in a more entertaining way.
I found it very interesting, and it helped me understand the transition from letters to numbers. I loved it!

Holy Moley! By Internet standards, the first (and only, until mine) review of this book is of a seemingly archaeological date, seven years ago, that is. Well, I suppose this review won't make much difference when (if) it's read seven years from now! This book is, obviously, a work by a scholar, which is an entirely different category of "being smart." We don't call upon scholars to fix our plugged-up toilets or change the flat tire on our car or restore the electricity, but, if you know just enough history to be grateful to live in our consumer-friendly epoch, you'll be grateful that some out there have dedicated their lives to recording and analyzing the long process of human growth, and the growth of civilization. You can have your Back To Nature fantasies--I'll take the hot shower and electric coffee maker, thank you very much. This particular work, apparently, is a condensation of a two-volume scholarly work, one which, I am sure, that I will never read. But the current volume (the second half of which I read last night, while eating fancy crackers and drinking humble red wine--giving me a connection, I felt, to the agrarian Past of Sumer and Uruk, etc.) is about as good as it gets for laymen (me). For me, it's almost like a religious text, transcending race, language, skin color, nationalism; it's like a Time Machine that takes you back within the range of a subtle sniff of our "egalitarian" prehistoric ancestors; "egalitarian" meaning a small-population culture where you pretty much fed yourself and participated in the group without the framework of authority other than myth and ritutal. A fun read for those who have exhausted the cultural potentialities of SIMPSONS reruns. I wholeheartedly agree with the author's thesis that counting preceded writing. In fact, it was my hunch--from my own reading and thinking--that this was so that prompted me to search for a book with this theory. It just makes sense. I highly doubt that any early resident of a city started the road to high civilization talking about "ennui" or "existentialism." They talked about, "Hey! I paid you this much last month. And you owe me this much tomorrow." Makes sense to me. Just the evidence-supported argument alone that breaking the counting-beyond-three barrier took thousands of years was worth the cover price to me. The single concept (and revelation) that in no way is the faculty of counting beyond three inate to brain function and hence, inate to our modern minds, is simply stunning to me, and adds a dose of gratitude to my daily life, a realization that makes it easier to laugh off the troubles of modern life. We owe so much to the hundreds of generations of men and women who have gone before us, most just living day to day. A good read, especially when enjoyed with fancy crackers and red wine...and about forty years' worth of reading, living and reflecting. So far as what the next review will address: I ain't holding my breath--and that is a very archaelogical attitude.

This book is a great reference for anyone who enjoys collecting pooh. I recommend it to any collector. The only complaint I would have is that: there are two books, "Winnie the Pooh Collectibles" and "Winnie the Pooh Collectibles II". I do not think this site did a very good job of distinguishing between the two. I am looking to buy the first book.

This book is a must have for the avid Winnie the Pooh collector. Pages 8-47 are just on stuffed characters. It starts with very early plush characters and continues onward with newer ones. The next section, entitled "Ceramic Pooh and Friends", encompasses a variety of things. For example, cups, banks, plates, bookends, cookie jars, snow globes, musicals, picture frames, and figurines. This section also has platic figurines and Christmas Winnie the Pooh items.

There are pictures of each item along with a description underneath or beside it. The excerpts below each picture tell who or where the item was made, the year it was released, a detailed description, and how much each item is worth.

Overall, this book is very useful and easy to use. It is very helpful in showing how much an item is worth. Any Winnie the Pooh fan will enjoy this in their collection.

This is a great book. It lists many of the more common items and their prices so that you can actually see the value of items that you (may) own! Wonderful photographs and detailed information about the items.

As advertised, no problems whatsoever!

Maybe you think the fine art of jewelry appraising is one of determining value alone - but there's so much more to the skill, as Registered Master Valuer and jewelry historian Anna Miller reveals in Illustrated Guide To Jewelry Appraising 3rd Edition: Antique, Period & Modern. Her updated, expanded new third edition combines case studies and typical valuation challenges with key documents to aid in the pricing process, instructions on how to do a narrative jewelry description, a methodology for research, and much more. Loaded with practical, technical data, Illustrated Guide To Jewelry Appraising should not be missed by any serious jewelry collector.

Anna Miller, in her recently updated version (9-99) of "The Illustrated Guide to Jewelry Appraising", gives a novice or a professional some expert information in this edition. The concepts and principles section alone is worth the price of the book, but her book also covers everthing from making the "correct identification" to tips on the appraisal document itself. Also included is supplemental info. on antique jewelry, estimating values and appraisal narrative, plus weight estimation formulas for unusual diamond cuts. I would suggest her book to anyone with an interest in appraising or anyone who has the need to understand the process of jewelry evaluation.

This book is a "must have" for any collector of Imperial made carnival glass.

Mr. Burns has produced a well organized and very useful reference book. He has done an excellent job of providing identification information as well as historical data. The author does a good job of organizing the history and production of the Imperial Glass Company through its existence from 1901 to 1985. The chapters on Imperial Trademarks are particullarly helpful This book is highly recomended to collectors of Imperial Glass and students of American glass making history in general. The book includes a helpful price list.

Mr. Burns has also authored another great book titled, "Dugan & Diamond Carnival Glass 1909 -1931."

I have this book, & have had it since it was released. The photography is wonderful, it's easy to read & understand. TONS of great info. I just wish there was a new release of a price guide to go with it! It's like a Bible for all serious Imperial collectors. It does need an updated version since more pieces have come to light in other colors/variations in the 8 yrs since it was written, but it's still a book I wouldn't trade.

I wasn't exactly sure what this book would consist of, since it is such a unique perspective on Lewis; sort of a back door approach to the topic via a collector's notes. As it turns out, I couldn't put it down. I love anecdotes and stories about people I am fascinated with, and this book proves no disappointment. It is NOT what I would recommend to anyone other than a committed Lewisian, but if you are a Lewis addict, this will not disappoint. You'll learn tid bits about the stories behind his books, letters, friends and family. And you'll vicariously get close to the fun and excitement of collecting something that belonged to one of your favorite authors. It is a very fun read.

You may also enjoy Sayer's masterful Jack: A Life of C. S. Lewis, Remembering C.S. Lewis: Recollections of Those Who Knew Him, The Magic Never Ends: An Oral History of the Life and Work of C.S. Lewis, The Magic Never Ends - The Life and Work of C. S. Lewis, C. S. Lewis: Images of His World and C.S.Lewis: A Biography. The newer C. S. Lewis Remembered: Collected Reflections of Students, Friends & Colleagues is also really interesting, too. Each one is VERY good and hard to put down.

The author has gained the reputation of being the world's foremost collector of C. S. Lewis, having assembled over more than three decades the finest private collection known of Lewis first editions, manuscripts, letters and ephemera, now the Edwin W. Brown Collection at Taylor University, Upland, Indiana. The first half of the book is filled with tales of his many fascinating experiences in collecting Lewis -- a thoroughly enjoyable read for collectors and noncollectors alike. The other half of the book is a descriptive bibliography of every Lewis first edition, US and UK, together with a detailed description of the dust jacket of each. It is a unique and invaluable reference source for collectors, booksellers, and librarians.

He has recently published his second book, now listed on amazon.com -- Around the World in Eighty Years -- the autobiography of a Harvard-educated physician whose professional career has taken him to more than 100 countries, bringing him into contact with persons in all walks of life, from presidents, kings, and the world's last emporer to the poorest of the poor.

The first half of this book contains stories that span thirty years of collecting Lewis first editions, letters and manuscripts. The stories include Ed`Brown's encounters and friendship with Walter Hooper, Pauline Baynes, George Sayer, and Owen Barfield among others. In addition to being a good storyteller, many of his stories provide significant information for Lewis scholars. For example, there is corroboration of the famous Lewis manuscript bonfire which some have questioned, he recounts the history of the purchase and restoration of the Kilns, and he relates conversations with many people who knew Lewis personally.

You can read my entire review on the "News" page of the New York C. S. Lewis Society website.

A wonderful read...informative.Photographs are ready for framing. Definitely will inspire you to begin to collect Indian clubs. As stated by Gerard Wertkin, Director, Museum of American Folk Art, "(Alice Hoffman) has recovered an all but forgotten subchapter in the history of American sport and, at the same time, helped us appreciate another aspect of American artistic creativity. Hats off to her!" I agree with Mr. Wertkin and the following reviews: Antiques & Auction News, "A colorful exercise in collecting,"..."documents the "life" of this colorful and practical form of exercise...a charming addition to any antiques library." Antique & Collectibles News Service, "Inside Antiques, Good Reading,"..."we love (this) book...a folk art gem." Antiques Review, "The Bookshelf,"..."Superb color photographs...Fascinating archival material." Denver Post, "What's Up,"..."If you're searching for the most unusual art book of the year don't overlook Indian Clubs." Maine Antiques Digest, "Books, Calendars, CD-ROMS,"..."a case for Indian clubs as folk art." The Star Ledger, NJ, "A new life for Indian clubs,"..."new coffee table book...If TV infomercials had been around in their heyday, chances are the physical fitness mavens of the day would have been pitching Indian clubs in the same way abs machines and treadmills are endlessly hawked now."

Excellent resource for serious collectors and the curious. Photographs are inspirational. Can't wait to start my own collection. Historical information very comprehensive. Good read as well as informative.

Alice Hoffman has uncovered a forgotten piece of American history and inspired me to begin collecting Indian clubs. Hoffman has written an informative book complete with stunning photographs and personal reflections.

Indian clubs now prized for their sculptural, artistic merits were once a must for every man, women, and child who hoped to obtain physical and spiritual well-being in the late 19th, early 20th century.

It's amazing to learn that Indian clubs were once thought to be an exercise that would stand the test of time. Hoffman has shown they have, not as muscle builders but as a collectible.

If you're interested in learning something new and not afraid of becoming an Indian club collecting addict as I have since reading this book, I suggest you order Indian Clubs today.

There has never been a book quite like JACK TAR and it couldn't be more welcome. It's a real treasure chest of a book -- sumptuous to look at, a delight to read, and sound in scholarship. It's also a book to enjoy again and again. The authors and designer deserve highest praise.

This book gives an extremely interesting account of the lives of sailors of both the United States and Britain in the age of sailing and steam-powered ships. Through artifacts gathered by nautical antiques collector (and founder of the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia) J. Welles Henderson, we discover what valued most to these men (and a few women) and get a taste of how they passsed their time. An extremely impressive array of images shows their handicrafts (scrimshaw, macramé, etc.), as well as pointing out the dangers and drudgery inherent in the sailors' lives. Topics cover everything from discipline at sea and sailor's misbehavior on shore to acts of piracy and available medical care. Both naval and merchant service experiences are explored. I only wish such a comprehensive volume had been available when I did the research for my novel A Star to Sail By, which features a sailor of the clipper ship era. I would recommend this book to anyone with a love of sea lore and a nostalgia for the age of the great sailing ships.

Welles Henderson started his maritime history collecting as a schoolboy when he invested 50 cents in the USS Constitution, aka Old Ironsides. His first piece was a small anchor, his reward for his contribution to the preservation of this revolutionary war masterpiece. After many years of collecting memorabilia of the sailor's life he started the Philadelphia Maritime Museum, now the Independence Seaport Museum. His intense interest in the shipboard life of Jack Tar comes out in the many illustrations, most in color, many drawn or painted by sailors. Most of these illustrations are of items that he has collected in his world travels. For those interested in the romantic adventures or the dull drudgery of shipboard life in the 19th century this book will be a welcome voyage.

This book is a fascinating look into the life of a mostly unknown, but yet very important man in the history of Nevada. As Crawford's life unfolds within the pages of this book, we readers learn just how vital the Carson City Mint's success was to the overall runnings of the city it resided in and in the financial status of the entire state of Nevada. As the book clearly shows, James Crawford, during his superintendency of the mint, took on many challenges facing the mint during rough times, and handled those challenges not only efficently, but with a kind and generous spirit. Author Goe shows readers that without the Carson City Mint, the city itself would have been nothing more than a supply station for the miners of the Comstock Lode. James Crawford was truly responsible for putting Nevada's capital city on the map where it has remained ever since. We highly recommend this book to all those who enjoy United States and/or Nevada History, or those interested in numismatics, for it is a true pleasure to read and contains a wealth of information to offer to it's readers.
Richard Kelly & Nancy Oliver, authors of "A Mighty Fortress...the stories behind the 2nd San Francisco Mint", and "Sentiments & Aspirations of a 19th Century Tradesman" (A biography of Joseph Breck Harmstead).

I just finished reading "James Crawford, Master of the Mint at Carson City - A Short Full Life" and have come to one of two conclusions; 1.) The author did an extremely thorough job of research, or; 2.) He has a time machine. Simply stated, there is no other book I have ever read or heard about that minutely details those lives & times of that particular era like this book does. "Attention Hollywood...there's a great movie here."
Although the story revolves around the remarkable James Crawford, everyone from mint workers, journalists, politicians, stage coach drivers and even U.S. presidents are included as Rusty Goe captures that special window in history like no one else has. Within the pages of this book you will share all the disappointments & tragedies as well as all the triumphs & victories of James, his family & friends and a multitude of others locally, nationally and internationally who made those times what they were.
The first section of the book chronicles James' birth in Kentucky and childhood in rural Illinois, his adventuresome trip out west as a young man, his early "character building" years in the California gold rush towns of the western Sierra Mountains and his early years in Lyon County Nevada. The second section chronicles James' Carson City years (1874-1885). Rusty carefully crafts the short but all important first section much like a 5-star chef finely prepares a savory multi-course meal in order that the ultimate feast (the "Carson City Years" section) can be enjoyed to its fullest.
The most important aspect of the book is how Rusty captures the very essence of an "unsung hero" James Crawford. His strength and courage in the face of adversity is the stuff legends are made of. He was tenacious yet gentle, caring, loving and jovial. His honesty and integrity were above reproach as Rusty's book so aptly reveals. James is the ideal role model for modern day politicians and businessmen. Today's world thirsts for people of such character. Month by month, year by year, you will taste the food, feel the sting of the winter snow and the heat of those mid-summer days, enjoy wonderful springtime, hear the music and share in the mirth & laughter from the many grand gala's and balls. Read on and you will hear the freshly made coins clanging into their bins, smell the acrid fumes from the mint smokestack. You will share day to day experiences of the mint workers. You will go hunting, fishing, competition rifle shooting, you will undergo courtroom dramas, suffer political frustrations, you will laugh, you will cry, you will virtually relive that time in astonishing clarity as if actually there. In this regard, Rusty's book is unique as the famous 1873-CC without arrows liberty seated dime! Perhaps Rusty does indeed have a time machine.
"Wanna go for a ride?......read this book!"

I've just finished reading this spellbinding tale of James Crawford, and I must tell you how fortunate I feel to be able to "sit at the feet" of Rusty Goe as he expands on his wonderful book, "The Mint on Carson Street." Because this second volume is not a follow-up, but rather an expansion of that first tome. I doubt if there is a man alive today who knows as much about the Carson City Mint and the period which these two books cover. If you are interested in coin collecting, these books will tell you all you need to know about one of the most desirable and profitable niches of the hobby you can explore. If you are interested in politics, these books will allow you entry into the backroom deals and squabbles that dominated the era. If you are interested in the monetary history of the United States during the twenty years following the Civil War, these books will lay the groundwork for any study of money and the emergence of the Western States. And if you are interested in the social history of the people of the West, their concerns, their personalities, and their way of life, this book about James Crawford will take you inside that world in a way that will amaze you.

This is a book that invites you to give yourself over the customs and mores of the times, while leaving you with a desire to read every chapter with a notebook by your side. It is that packed with detail. You could become more versed in this era than many others if you were to do nothing other than read and study the original source documents Rusty Goe reproduces in this life of Mr. Crawford. But there is really so much more in this book. Be prepared to enter the world of a romantic and exciting bygone era, because Mr. Goe has steeped himself in it and writes the story as an oral historian would--there are lots of detours and meanderings in these pages, but all are there in order to flesh out the person of James Crawford and Carson City and the Mint and the mood and details of a person and a time that we could never be able to experience in today's world.

How Mr. Goe completed this book in three years is hard to understand--there is so much in it. Although I've just finished it, I'm already going back through it and re-reading sections of chapters in order to take in the details once again.

If you are interested in any of the areas I've mentioned, or if you just want to spend time with the master storyteller of this era, do yourself a favor and read "James Crawford: Master of the Mint at Carson City: A Short Full Life." To travel through these times with such an engaging and genial guide is a treasure the equal of the rarest of any coin minted at Carson City. And that's saying something! Thank you, Mr. Goe!

Being a collector of the Jewel Tea Autumn Leaf Collection I found this book to be most awesome. The history of the company as well as the great photographs were well documented. I highly recommend this high quality book to collectors!

Loved the book. Very helpful in cateloging my collection and finding new pieces to search for. Anyone who has Jewel Tea would benefit from owning this book.

A must read book for any Jewel Tea Collector. A very easy AND informative book. The author is extremly knowledgeable about Jewel Tea. I highly recommend this book!

This is a beautiful little book which features photographs of precious jewels fashioned by some of the great jeweler/artists of the past three centuries. The Lalique and Cartier pieces shown here are not the same ones you'll find in every other jewelry book. The quality of the photography and printing is first class. If you love fine art jewelry, or insects, or both, you'll enjoy this book.

If you collect insect jewelry, or if you just love to look at jewelry as an art form, you are going to love this book. The author takes a topic rarely covered, and creates a photo essay that is beautiful from start to finish. The only problem I had with this book is that it made me want to hit the antique shops (...)to find some of the rare and lusterous beauties shown in the beautiful color pictures. I hope we will see more on this fascinating subject in the future. This book has made me hungry for more, and I guarantee if you have a "bug pin" collector on your gift list, you simply won't find a better book to surprise them with. It definately will not disappoint!

Beautiful pictures of rare and unusual pieces. I bought this for my sister and almost kept it for myself.