Collectibles Books

I was born in early 1953 so many of the fashions still mean something to me. I have to admit that I'm still drawn to the femininity of the period but I have my dreams and you have yours and we'll leave it at that. This is a good book for the money. Not too detailed, the reproductions can get a little bit fuzzy and there is no color; but this what you get for $15 these days. If you like what you see here, there are other resources to persue. It's a pretty good starting point.

I truly enjoyed reading the old advertising copy while looking at the old ads. Some of the fashions I remember my grandmother and mother wearing. Lots of fun reading.

This is a primary source book that tells the prices and materials, which are very helpful to a costume designer. I also enjoy the book Fifties Forever, which is similar except it's color photos of actual vintage stuff (the color does help, but the Sears catalogue is still great without it).

Whenever I take this book out, people fight over a peek into its glossy pages. It covers everything in fashion from the fifties, though mostly focusing on women. The pictures depict fashions, from dresses to shoes, hats and gloves to maternity wear; the women's hairstyles, makeup, and overall looks give the reader the most authentic possible view of fashion and the aesthetic ideals of the time. The catalogue also shows the prices and features descriptions that include fabric, color, and price. There are some pictures of teenage, male, and children's fashions. This book is thorough and unbelievably beautiful.

I thouroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was packed from start to finish with pictures. The book gives an excellent overview of what the average woman was wearing in the 1950's, unlike many similar books which focus on important designers.
While it is very light on text I still feel that it is a must for anyone interested in this period.

Just what i needed for my college class, nothing is wrong with the book and seems to be well written.

i am feeling difficulty to understand terminology(glossary required at the end of book) i think all the supported material like test bank or software must be attached with this book in form of CD(ROM)

This book is choc-full of useful techniques for good, solid business communication. The samples are well thought-out and are very true to life. However, the questions, especially the ethics questions do not have any answers provided. Even the instructor copy doesn't have any of the answers, so effectively it boils down to your opinions and whether or not you can defend them. Yee Hah, just like real life.

I always thought I was good at communication until I read this book (text book really). I was particularly impressed by the examples of emails that on the surface look fine until the writer points out the loop holes. Despite its title this book comes in hand for many situations well outside business. I have also used my newly acquired skills in academic, political and philanthropic forums and received very positive feedback from colleagues who noticed a change. Buy this book.

I use this book for my primary text in a Business and Professional Communication class that I teach. The students like how the book is organized; I appreciate the examples that we can use in class for discussion.

Beyond that, the AIDA approach to business writing is clear and easy to use once students get the hang of it. My students' major project is to work with an organization in solving a communication problem, they are responsible for writing memos and reports to both the client and me.

However, I guess that the biggest endorsement is the number of students who do not resell this book at the end of the semester. I have had several tell me that this is one of the few books that they will take with them when they graduate because they view it as a good reference book.

For those of us who could never afford a Lichtenfels piece, this is the next best thing. The realism and detail she is able to achieve in cloth is phenomenal. The beautiful large-format all-color photography does justice to these amazing works. One of the most important artists in the field.

You don't have to be a doll collector to appreciate the art dolls created by Lisa Lichtenfels. Her dolls are more like people than anything else. The work she does with needle and thread, batting, wire and nylons is phenomenal. If you are a doll artist, then this is the book to take you to the next level in doll artistry. I would highly recommend this book for the art collector, doll collector as well as doll makers who want to become doll artists like Lisa.

Outstanding book on a unique artist with the professional photography that matches her work.

Buy for yourself, coffee table, inspiration!

A must have for all doll makers for whatever reason!

For those of us who could never afford a Lichtenfels piece, this is the next best thing. The realism and detail she is able to achieve in cloth is phenomenal. The beautiful large-format all-color photography does justice to these amazing works. One of the most important artists in the field.

For those of us who could never afford a Lichtenfels piece, this is the next best thing. The realism and detail she is able to achieve in cloth is astonishing. The beautiful large-format all-color photography does justice to these amazing works. One of the most important artists in the field.

This is a wonderful book in the series with wonderful reproductions of the posters of the decade. Makes a wonderful gift for someone who loves movies as well as a great coffee table book. Highly recommended

Excellent... add it to your book collection! If you are a Star Wars fan check this out!

When I first looked at this book, it was like going back to my childhood, well, sort of, it was so neat to see posters of some of my favorite films from back then and a lot from movies that I never knew they made. The artwork on those posters is most certainly something to see and admire!!! If you love art and or movies this is THE book to get you won't be disappointed!

back in the day this was the best visual present.if the poster was cool then the movie would get Love.a picture can tell a thousand words.and the 70's had the coolest posters and arguable the best films in Movie History.before video tape you walk to the movie house and see the poster and the reaction you felt led you or back the other way.a solid must have book.

Like the other decade books in this series Film Posters of the 70's is a sensational buy. You could either keep it intact as a collection of posters in a book to show and discuss with friends, or cut the book up and actually have a vast number of posters up on your wall. This book is about a third the size of your standard film poster and most movies are full page colour. Any of them would look great up on the wall.

The 70's gave the world Star Wars, Grease, The Godfather, Mad Max, Alien, Taxi Driver, Texas Chainsaw Massacure, Halloween, Rocky and a very blood thirsty shark who changed human perception of sharks for decades to come named Jaws. These films along with other greats fill this book. Roger Moore also took over from Connery as James Bond and Clint Eastwood made a heap of Westerns. Find them here as well.

I use this book constantly for reference. I received it as a gift, and have given it to others as a gift. It's a lot of fun!

AS A PAST COLLECTOR OF FISHER PRICE TOYS (15+ YEARS)---
EXPERIENCE SAYS - THIS IS AN ACCURATE PRICE GUIDE ALONG WITH A VERY INTERESTING APPRAISAL OF FISHER PRICE (THE COMPANY).
THE INQUISITION OF TOY VALUE COMBINED WITH DAINTY PHOTOGRAPHY GIVE THIS PUBLICATION HIGH MARKS IN MY EYES.
THE AUTHORS BRING A DISTINGUISHING MARK OF AUTHORITY TO FISHER PRICE AND ITS PRODUCT LINE'S....I WISH THIS MATERIAL WAS AVAILABLE AT THE PEAK OF MY COLLECTING..
VERY NICE JOB.....................

I collect toys. A friend gave me this book as a gift. It is an excellent resource for anyone starting to collect toys or someone that has been doing it for a long time. I applaud the authors for making this available. The history of the company was also quite good.

If you are at all interested in collecting Fisher-Price toys or simply want some interesting background about the toys you grew up with -- then you'll like this book.

It is by far the most thorough book I've found related to Fisher-Price. It has a complete company history, product catalog and price guide for all the toys made by Fisher-Price (and even some never released).

I am a novice toy collector and bought this book because I've always loved my FP toys. I found every toy I've ever had (or at least can remember) in the book along with some amazing facts about them. Unfortunately, I learned that my Jalopy prized #724 Jolly Jalopy is probably not worth more than...

The authors were obsessive in their attention to detail, pointing out all the nuances that make certain products more valuable than others and providing a detailed history of the company and how some of their favorite toys were born.

My only disappointment was that the book is not available in hard cover.

Have fun!

I enjoyed this book because of the great photos and details. As a toy lover and collector, I can appreciate the authors' memories of collecting and the interesting facts about Fisher-Price. It's a great portable reference to take with you to garage sales or flea markets! The colorful pages and concise information make the world of Fisher-Price toys come alive. It's been a wonderful edition to my library.

Fairly comprehensive. I felt that more information regarding the current value of some of these sleds would have been helpful, though.

It sounds like a great resource for collectors. And I miss my Flexible Flyer (40+ yrs). If they're so great (and they were), why wouldn't they (the new owners) continue making them? They are is still demand. They were and are tremendously superior to the cheap (and expensive) plastic garbage (i.e. sleds) that are now available. The plastic "sleds" slide all over the place and offer little or no control (steering) on hard pack surfaces. Are these in the book? I hope not.

I don't suppose this is the correct site to be in, but I don't know where else to go. I have a 41-42 (year) sled (60") and I refinished it recently. I do not have the logo any longer, and was wondering how I could go about finding one so I could put it on the sled.

Joan certainly knows her stuff when it comes to sleds and 'sledorabilia'. As a collector, I find it an invaluable resource for dating items and the values she has established are a good 'ballpark' for bargaining over prices. Best source I've encountered for Flexible Flyer information.

As a kid, I loved to slide down the hills on my sled. At that time, my trusty, steerable sled provided the biggest thrills of my life. Now everyone can evoke those nostalgic moments by reading this exceptionally well researched and documented book on sleds in general, and Flexible Flyers in particular. The photographs are clear and colorful, and the stories relating the rise and fall of the sled manufacturers are quite interesting. It makes a useful reference book for collectors and I think it would make a fine addition to their library.

If you own three books on pens, this should be one of them.

This handsome volume reflects the high quality standards, cantankerous spirit, and eccentrically traditionalist preferences that seem to characterize many of us who are drawn to the impractical beauty we call insist upon calling fountain pens.

An introduction and six chapters tell the story of this writing instrument, its long evolution, its demise in the twentieth century, and its rebirth as a collector's item here in our twenty-first. Five lavishly illustrated chapters meander their way from the pre-fountain-pen spectacle of rooms-full of 'inexpensive scribes' with quill in hand doing the work of a small iiterate class ('Pre-1880s: before the fountain pen', pp. 22-39) on to moderate levels of pen production ('1880-1910: early marketing efforts, pp. 40-52) to the rise of a corporate behemoth (1910-1925: competing with Sheaffer', pp. 54-85) to the fountain pen's twentieth century misfortuntes ('1930-1940: how the depression affected the market', pp. 86-107); '1945: the war: how bargain debasement nurtured the ballpoint pen', pp. 108-121) and finally to a day when--mirabile dictu--people write books about fountan pens ('The future: the rebirth of the cottage industry', pp. 122-128).

Mr. Steinberg is neither an economist or sociologist and so given to amusingly sweeping explanations of pen life: 'By the 1930s the world was in the grips of the Great Depression. The public wanted to be dazzled by technological marvels to take their minds off their economic woes. Hence the uncommon popularity of the Schneider Trophy seaplane races and the land-speed record attempts ... For fountain pen design, the Great Depression made utilitarianism and functionality the order of the day.'

However, Steinberg *is* a lover of pens and that's why he's a capable author of a coffee-table illustrated book like this one.

One closes this book with several impressions forming themselves in his brain.

First, there is the sheer technological challenge of making a pen where ink flows in the directions it's supposed to, with tolerable evenness, and a refusal to leak. This is one of those small technological adventures that culminates in something the rest of us take for granted rather than to the cleaners with ink stains around the pockets.

Then there is the sheer variety that flourishes within somewhat unbending natural limits. As with dogs, there are only so many ways and means to make a pen. Yet the plethora of canine breeds on offer has its parallel in the dazzling display of pens of which photographs, paintings, and reproduced advertisements flavor this book.

If you are so inclined, you may well find a resource that will educate your more thoroughly about fountain pens. But probably not with a more satisfactory outcome for the appreciative eye.

I purchased this as a Father's Day gift for my dad, who is a fountain pen addict. He loved the book and the history, but especially the pictures of the old ads for some of the classic fountain pens. He continues to talk about the book and for about $20 I found a gift that has become one of his favorites.

This is a beautiful book. The covers and pages are of high quality papers. Steinberg has written a truly excellent book on history of the fountain pens. Though by no means it is comprehensive and detail but definitely more than adequate for any serious collectors as part of the essential knowledge on fountain pens. The illustrations are well laid out accompanying the story and they are simply superb. A very elegant book and suitable for both beginners and serious collectors. Even good as a gift to introduce someone to pen collecting. I simply love the book and a pleasure to read it.

I've received the book yesterday. It is not the first related to Fountain Pens that I see, but this one is really nice. It is not written as the others but as a review of the history and the kind of pens. I've read almost a half of it last night!

"French Style - How to Think, Shop and Dress Like a French Woman" was published by Express (the clothing store) in 1993. The book design is unusual. It is a an oversized 10" by 9" soft cover book with a stiff book jacket cover making it a cross between a hard cover and soft cover book.

The text is illustrated with line drawings and a number of photographs (mostly black and white). It helps you learn to THINK like a French woman. It will help you learn to make the decisions a French woman would when shopping, dressing, playing and more.

French woman are known for their chic appearance and attitude. Within these pages Vienne who was born and raised in France conveys what it is that makes the French woman so stylish. She begins by looking to the past. A look at how the French fashion evolved. Then she shares the purebred classics that make the French look - items such as the supreme black turtleneck, hermes scarf, red gloves etc.

Vienne encourages you to "epater les bourgeois" that is shock say a French matron. Here is where you wear things that will raise the eyebrow such as a sweater turned inside out, sunglasses in the rain etc. As Vienne says "you cannot have style without breaking the rules". Take what you have and add little twists to make it special and give it style.
In the States we dress "appropriately" in France a French woman will push buttons - be surprising and fresh.

Vienne gives a list of "do's" and "don'ts" and she gets into "Le Shopping". Armed with more attitude than cash the French woman will use her wits and savvy to find the very best.

Like the design itself this book is very unusual. Not your usual dress like this fare. This is a book that goes beyond the obvious of what is style and helps explain the mystery of how to make style yours.

French style is not a trend, it's a way of life. A way of thinking and feeling. Veronique captures that in this book!

Lee Mellott

I bought this book about 5 years ago. Just casually flipped through it and read only parts (I don't why). Now, I've found another copy and have read it from cover to cover. I honestly don't think I was ready (5 yrs ago) to tackle the suggestions in this book. I am now.

I can't think of anything that's more inspiring or more helpful for getting the French look. I've read all of Anne Barone's books (helpful) and the tres terrible French Chic and this is absolute best..hands down.
The best thing I have come away with from this book is that you don't needs tons of money to create that French allure. The tips and tricks in the book anyone can do and will create that mystique you're after.

Today, I decided to mix navy and black together (as the book says "Very French") and I've gotten a few second glances. Shock les bourgeois...ooh I do feel so very French!

Get your hands on a copy of this book and don't let go!

Amusez-vous bien!

I, too, bought this book from Express way back when and read it religiously numerous times. As a high school girl who didn't want to look like a tart, Mme. Vienne's words of wisdom were just what I needed to create a classy style of my own.

Sadly, I donated it to the Goodwill or Friends of the Library a couple of years ago, during a momentary lapse of reason and good common sense. Guess I thought I didn't need it anymore. Boy, was I wrong!

Get it if you can, my dears, as it's a great read for the exact reasons the other reviewers love it. Thankfully, I still remember a lot of the advice.

I wish I still had mine!!!

If you're lucky enough to come across a copy of this funny little book, grab it immediately!
The illustrations & photographs are marvelous, darling! See Audrey Hepburn, the museums of Paris, street cafes & much, much more. The history is fascinating, the tips practical & usable.
And if you're into book "altering", this book is oh so chic!

I loved this book when I was in high school, and still remember (and use)some of the tips.

it sparks the imagination and use of wine for not just drinking

A wonderful cookbook featuring the glories of wine. The book contains two sections of essays, one prior to the recipies and one following. The first section of essays deals with the history of wine as food, wine as medicine, and wine in theology, all interspersed with biographical information about the author. The second section of essays, written by another author, deals with ordering wine in restaurants, stocking a wine cellar, and similar subjects. In between, are numerous recipies featuring wine in every course of a meal, along with appropriate recommendations.

All in all, a delightful book.

Jeff Smith has always been an influence on my cooking from the first time I saw him on television. I was very excited to get this book many, many years ago and it has been a staple in my kitchen ever since. This is a cookbook focused on using wine in virtually every recipe. That made it dear to my heart right away.

The book begins with an introduction where the author considers the properties of wine as food. He goes on to discuss romanticizing wine and concerns about alcohol. The introduction is, like all of Jeff Smith's writing, peppered (pun intended) with personal anecdotes that always bring a smile to the face.

The book then moves on to a section filled with cooking hints and tips. The author discusses various pieces of kitchen equipment, cooking terms and various definitions. A brief discussion of herbs follows, although I believe he could fill an entire book with this type of wisdom about the culinary use of herbs. The section is completed with information about the TV series and a few hints on entertaining.

The next chapter opens with another wonderful anecdote. Unlike many dry cookbooks, this one is filled with life and warm commentary. The author discusses wine and how it relates to history, theology, healing and cooking. This is no mere cookbook filled with indexed recipes and little else.

Finally, the recipes begin. The first section includes a variety of "tapas". 15 different tapa ideas are offered, although only 3 are actual recipes. 4 more appetizer recipes follow including a recipe for zucchini fritters that are simple and are simply out of this world.

A chapter on soups is next and opens with comments on adding wine. Simple instructions for making various stocks (without wine) are included. Mr. Smith includes a recipe for minestrone soup that, while challenging compared to many of the other recipes in the book, is beyond description. Recipes for various chowders and soups total 13 recipes in this chapter.

The next chapter deals with fish and shellfish and I must confess that I have rarely used recipes from this section. 11 recipes include one I have made. The scallops in cheese sauce was easy to make and tasted wonderful, although I was loathe to try it the first time.

The next chapter proves that wine and salad do 'go together'. A variety of simple dressing recipes even includes a recipe for mayonnaise. The 17 recipes include one for a tuna and potato salad in pesto that sounds odd but is delicious. A far cry from 'tuna helper'.

The next chapter moves through pasta, rice and dumplings. 12 pasta recipes and includes the sultry 'Hooker's Pasta'. Only 5 recipes wait in the rice section and the green rice recipe is a favorite at our table. Only 5 dumpling recipes follow but it was from this book that my dumpling making began. Semolina, polenta and German dumplings are all simple to make from the pages of this book.

Mr. Smith's well known love for poultry is well represented. Chicken is first with 10 recipes. I have used more than half of those recipes with some frequency. I think each recipe from this section has passed through my kitchen at one time. The 5 duck recipes have seen far less use. Duck is not popular in our house so it is hard to judge these recipes. Knowing Mr. Smith's talent I am certain they are perfect. Turkey rounds out the poultry with a single recipe I have yet to attempt.

The chapter on "confits" is next. Growing up we called this "potted meat". Only 6 recipes are offered, but they are in the true spirit of the 'frugal gourmet'.

Beef (8 recipes), pork (7 recipes), lamb (6 recipes, including 1 for curry powder) and even rabbit (5 recipes) are also covered. 4 marinades are offered. 8 recipes for sausage might not be the healthiest choice. Each recipe I have tried has been wonderful.

A small section about veggies includes 12 recipes. The carrots in vermouth is recommended by all of my friends. A short section about the eggplant includes 8 recipes. I would have easily ignored this section were it not for the television program that accompanied it. I was convinced to try something new and was rewarded with these recipes.

The next chapters deals with a topic near my stomach. The sauce recipes range from a basic brown sauce to a white cheese sauce that stirs my hunger even as I type. The tomato and garlic sauce is simple. It has served as the base for many other sauces I have created. 8 recipes in total offer sauces for most occasions.

4 recipes for "molded dishes" have held little interest for me, but the ice cream bombe is simple and fun. Never one to ignore simple aspects of life, Mr. Smith even includes 10 sandwich recipes and 3 for casseroles.

A short section on "tabletop cooking" (with 3 recipes) introduces a section on international cooking kicked off with China. The author introduces the basic concepts of the Chinese kitchen and the use of wine. The 10 recipes in the Chinese section are merely a prelude to the Chinese cooking series that was to come later.

A mere 6 recipes are found in the French section. That is surprising considering the wine theme. Perhaps so much had been said on the topic in other books. 10 recipes are found in the Italian section and the spareribs in gravy is recommended if you enjoy pork.

Though I am not a fan of Japanese food, I did find the 13 recipes interesting and have made several of the sauces from the book. A mere 4 Spanish recipes finish the international section.

10 recipes comprise the "wine specialties" sections. Such oddities as garlic wine and wine jellies are discussed. A section about coffee follows and includes 6 different recipes.

Finally desserts are discussed. After a two page discussion of the topic in general, the author dives in with 5 wine desserts and 6 ice cream recipes.

The conclusion of the book covers many aspects of wine selection, opening wine and other general wine tips. Although not a dedicated book about wine, some of the tips from this section were insightful.

My copy of this book is worn and dog eared which I consider a tribute to Mr. Smith's recipes and research. If you have never read a Jeff Smith book before, this is a perfect first choice. If you do not like wine you will still find many valuable ideas in the book. Those who do enjoy wine will find a new treat with every turn of the page.

This is another excellent cook book by Jeff Smith! It's full of great recipes and stories by a very talented cook and writer. This one focuses on cooking with wine. I have used many of these recipes and found them to be very good. Being a home grown cook myself and having had many of my grandmother's classic recipes handed down to me, I found this book to be very helpful in expanding my culinary taste buds.

Jeff Smith entertained us for years on his PBS program 'The Frugal Gourmet'. Not only did he teach us many savory dishes, he also educated us. Not satisfied with just cooking delicious meals for his viewers, he would give detailed history lessons about the origins of the dish and made it all a lot of fun!

This may be Mr. Smiths best cook book and it is a worthy edition to everyone's cook book library. I own and have read many, if not all of his cook books, not only for the man's knowledge of cooking, but his incredible wit! This guy was funny and I would have loved to have hung out and throw a few beers down with him.

Unfortunately, this man had some very seriously bad press released about his personal life and well..... I am not one to spread rumors.....he seemed like a great guy and sadly he died before he was able to clear his name.

R.I.P. Frugs!

Jeff Smith has always been an influence on my cooking from the first time I saw him on television. I was very excited to get this book many, many years ago and it has been a staple in my kitchen ever since. This is a cookbook focused on using wine in virtually every recipe. That made it dear to my heart right away.

The book begins with an introduction where the author considers the properties of wine as food. He goes on to discuss romanticizing wine and concerns about alcohol. The introduction is, like all of Jeff Smith's writing, peppered (pun intended) with personal anecdotes that always bring a smile to the face.

The book then moves on to a section filled with cooking hints and tips. The author discusses various pieces of kitchen equipment, cooking terms and various definitions. A brief discussion of herbs follows, although I believe he could fill an entire book with this type of wisdom about the culinary use of herbs. The section is completed with information about the TV series and a few hints on entertaining.

The next chapter opens with another wonderful anecdote. Unlike many dry cookbooks, this one is filled with life and warm commentary. The author discusses wine and how it relates to history, theology, healing and cooking. This is no mere cookbook filled with indexed recipes and little else.

Finally, the recipes begin. The first section includes a variety of "tapas". 15 different tapa ideas are offered, although only 3 are actual recipes. 4 more appetizer recipes follow including a recipe for zucchini fritters that are simple and are simply out of this world.

A chapter on soups is next and opens with comments on adding wine. Simple instructions for making various stocks (without wine) are included. Mr. Smith includes a recipe for minestrone soup that, while challenging compared to many of the other recipes in the book, is beyond description. Recipes for various chowders and soups total 13 recipes in this chapter.

The next chapter deals with fish and shellfish and I must confess that I have rarely used recipes from this section. 11 recipes include one I have made. The scallops in cheese sauce was easy to make and tasted wonderful, although I was loathe to try it the first time.

The next chapter proves that wine and salad do 'go together'. A variety of simple dressing recipes even includes a recipe for mayonnaise. The 17 recipes include one for a tuna and potato salad in pesto that sounds odd but is delicious. A far cry from 'tuna helper'.

The next chapter moves through pasta, rice and dumplings. 12 pasta recipes and includes the sultry 'Hooker's Pasta'. Only 5 recipes wait in the rice section and the green rice recipe is a favorite at our table. Only 5 dumpling recipes follow but it was from this book that my dumpling making began. Semolina, polenta and German dumplings are all simple to make from the pages of this book.

Mr. Smith's well known love for poultry is well represented. Chicken is first with 10 recipes. I have used more than half of those recipes with some frequency. I think each recipe from this section has passed through my kitchen at one time. The 5 duck recipes have seen far less use. Duck is not popular in our house so it is hard to judge these recipes. Knowing Mr. Smith's talent I am certain they are perfect. Turkey rounds out the poultry with a single recipe I have yet to attempt.

The chapter on "confits" is next. Growing up we called this "potted meat". Only 6 recipes are offered, but they are in the true spirit of the 'frugal gourmet'.

Beef (8 recipes), pork (7 recipes), lamb (6 recipes, including 1 for curry powder) and even rabbit (5 recipes) are also covered. 4 marinades are offered. 8 recipes for sausage might not be the healthiest choice. Each recipe I have tried has been wonderful.

A small section about veggies includes 12 recipes. The carrots in vermouth is recommended by all of my friends. A short section about the eggplant includes 8 recipes. I would have easily ignored this section were it not for the television program that accompanied it. I was convinced to try something new and was rewarded with these recipes.

The next chapters deals with a topic near my stomach. The sauce recipes range from a basic brown sauce to a white cheese sauce that stirs my hunger even as I type. The tomato and garlic sauce is simple. It has served as the base for many other sauces I have created. 8 recipes in total offer sauces for most occasions.

4 recipes for "molded dishes" have held little interest for me, but the ice cream bombe is simple and fun. Never one to ignore simple aspects of life, Mr. Smith even includes 10 sandwich recipes and 3 for casseroles.

A short section on "tabletop cooking" (with 3 recipes) introduces a section on international cooking kicked off with China. The author introduces the basic concepts of the Chinese kitchen and the use of wine. The 10 recipes in the Chinese section are merely a prelude to the Chinese cooking series that was to come later.

A mere 6 recipes are found in the French section. That is surprising considering the wine theme. Perhaps so much had been said on the topic in other books. 10 recipes are found in the Italian section and the spareribs in gravy is recommended if you enjoy pork.

Though I am not a fan of Japanese food, I did find the 13 recipes interesting and have made several of the sauces from the book. A mere 4 Spanish recipes finish the international section.

10 recipes comprise the "wine specialties" sections. Such oddities as garlic wine and wine jellies are discussed. A section about coffee follows and includes 6 different recipes.

Finally desserts are discussed. After a two page discussion of the topic in general, the author dives in with 5 wine desserts and 6 ice cream recipes.

The conclusion of the book covers many aspects of wine selection, opening wine and other general wine tips. Although not a dedicated book about wine, some of the tips from this section were insightful.

My copy of this book is worn and dog eared which I consider a tribute to Mr. Smith's recipes and research. If you have never read a Jeff Smith book before, this is a perfect first choice. If you do not like wine you will still find many valuable ideas in the book. Those who do enjoy wine will find a new treat with every turn of the page.

I just saw the Gene Marshall - Girl Star book at Borders. It is beautifully photographed with excellent illustrations. This book will make an excellent addition to any coffee table in any home. The story line is very well thought out and it can rival any fiction of the 1940s. Also, the book should be displayed right along with the Gene dolls that all of the collectors have, it would make a great conversation piece for visiting guests in your home.

For the fans of Miss Gene Marshall, this walk down Hollywood's memory lane will not be a disappointing one. Gene's early days from childhood to her initial experiences on the set of her first motion picture, Blond Lace, serve to chronicle the much anticipated story of one of the 20th centuries most beloved celebrities.

A carousel of sweetly flavored reminisces from "those in the know" are often interwoven by the tartness of tensel town's own diva, Madra Lord.

This well written text left this particular reader wanting more, more, MORE!

I had wanted this book since I first heard about, so when I got it for my birthday, I was very pleased. The book is just beautiful, Mel Odom's illustrations are fabulous, as are the photographs which make Gene seem to come alive. After reading through the "interviews" and letters from people who worked with Gene, you almost find yourself believing that she was a real person, and want to go and rent a movie staring her, which sadly one cannot do. It is a wonderful book to add to your collection, and it makes Gene's story even more real. I highly recomend it to any Gene fan. Even if you do not collect Gene dolls, this book would make for an entertaining read.

This is a terrific book. I am a big fan of Gene - as well as the way she is presented. The use of shadow and light in the wonderful photography makes her looks very real. In addition, the thing that makes Gene special is that she has a whole story - of how she was discovered and became an actress. They have interviews with various friends, enemies and family, again, making her become very real. Two thumbs up!

This is a very entertaining and beautifully illustrated story of the rise of Gene Marshall. Anyone who has enjoyed reading Hollywood history and movie star biographies will love this. The story is told in snippets from studio memos, a gossip column, and excerpts from the biographies of Madra Lord, Trent Osborn, Eric Von Sternberg and others. It all begins with Gene's childhood and ends with the debut of her first film "Blonde Lace". There are some new characters introduced into Gene's story such as Trent Osborne, an aging actor who has dated Madra Lord and Ivy Jordan, a character actress who becomes Gene's friend. The photographs are cleverly done and the illustrations are wonderful. Anyone who has studied Hollywood lore will see the similiaries to real life stories and situations and that makes it all the more fun. The only reason I don't give the book 5 stars is because it ends too early. An entire synopsis of Gene's career would have been welcome. It really leaves you wanting more.