Collectibles Books

Love this book! Beautiful photography and good explanation of bakelite history. A must have for a collectors library. Wish I had been involved in the publishing of this book. It must of been a delightful ride to see all the vintage bakelite. Like being in a candy store. Corinne Davidov and Ginny Redington Dawes did a wonderful job. But please invite me next time, okay? :-)

This is a beautifully photographed book. Shows many wonderful pieces of vintage bakelite jewelry. I can't fault it except to say, I wish it had even more examples of bakelite to look at.

The Bakelite Jewelry Book by Davidov and Dawes was published in 1988 and it was the first book I bought when I started collecting Bakelite jewelry many years ago. Big and beautiful, with wonderful pictures, this book does a great job of showing the variety and personality of this fun jewelry while also educating the reader about the history of Bakelite. Unfortunately, the price guide in the back is now outdated. This book is a visual feast and, even though I now have a shelf full of books on Bakelite, it is still the first book I grab when I want to check on a piece!

This was the first book on Bakelite jewelry that I ever bought, and the mouthwatering pictures wheted my appetite to start collecting Bakelite jewelry. However, after this luscious introduction, I was in for a big disappointment out in the real world. Most of the stunning pieces in this book have long since been snapped up by collectors, and in the years since I got this book I have rarely found a piece of Bakelite that appears in it. In terms of seeing some of the best of the best, Davidov shows Bakelite jewelry at it's finest. She also does much to enlighten collectors about the Bakelite jewelry industry. Although there is a rudimentary pricing guide, it is completely out of date and is of little use to today's collector. None the less, Bakelite collectors will enjoy this book. It's not a collector's guide. Instead, this beautiful book is a glorious celebration of top of the line vintage Bakelite jewelry, and a guilty pleasure to just thumb through and savor....

A wonderfully rich book on batik, including valuable contributions by Indonesians. This will become a classic. Lively, sophisticated, and informative, as well as gorgeous in its imagery. This is the kind of writing we need on textile arts! A splendid addition to my library!

As a batik lover...this is a great book. Ever since I travelled to Jogjakarta in Java and saw my first batik mask hanging on the wall in a restaurant I was hooked. I'm traveling back to Yogya this month and plan to take a batik class. As a result of my travels to Indonesia, I decided to start my own business importing batik and other items. So 7 years later, I have manufactured and import tons of batik to the U.S. and love it all. Especially the traditional batiks. Warning...shameless promotion to follow: check out our site 1 World Sarongs for our beautiful collection from Java and Bali or you can even find us here on Amazon Market. Anyway, this is a great book with loads of beautiful pictures and articles. I'm still reading it but so far it's very good. I'm biased because I fell in love with batik.

This book is essential for anyone interested in batik and its history in the Indonesian island of Java. It also provides Java's religious background and how batik was affected by Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. The pictures are outstanding, showing to the reader the complexity of batik and the great talent of Indonesian batik artists. I would recommend this for anyone, especially those interested in art or Indonesian culture.

This book is eye candy. The fabrics shown in this book have amazing detail, sophisticated designs, and the colors are beautiful. The fabrics are lovingly photographed. I would recommend this book for anyone who is interested in design, patterns, or textiles. And the book itself is beautifully produced.

This is a fabulous, beautiful book as are many Rizzoli books. It is not perfect as to attributions etc, so scholars may quibble, but for inspiration and a wonderful overview of international beading with small beads it is terrific! I am going off for my first class in peyote beading this morning and this was a perfect source of ideas and information to get me charged up! It is not, however, a how to book. There is a technical section at the end describing how the various techniques are done but not in anyway sufficient to make any projects. The descriptions are clear but not detailed enough for that. To attempt any of these techniques the reader will need a good teacher and most probably additional books.

I'll start with a quote from the introduction "our aim is to draw attention to objects decorated with, and constructed from, the tiny glass 'seed' beads" (pg 8 introduction). I will attest to the fact that the authors have succeeded in the most magnificent fashion!

Divided into deceptively simple sounding sections, this book will take you on a trip around the world and through history. The six sections are: Bead Manufacturing Centers; Africa; the Americas; Asia, Oceania, and the Arabian Gulf; Europe; and Construction and Techniques. Then each of these sections is divided into the the various countries and regions covered with the broad section heading. There are photographs everywhere - color, black & white, historical, and studio quality. This is a very visual book for a visual medium.

I've always felt as a beader that I am carrying on a tradition that goes back centuries, this book pays homage to the traditions from around the world. It is an incredible resource that belongs on every beader's shelf for inspiration and rememberance of all that has come before. This book will be to beadwork what "The History of Beads" is to beads and bead collectors.

TWO NOTES:
ONE: The section on Construction and Techniques is not meant to teach you how to do a particular type of beadwork, but to give you an idea of what is involved. There are several excellent teaching books available.
TWO: On page 151, there is a set of beaded sleeves from a dress from Western Europe that are absolutely breath-taking.

i've just re-started beading after a hiatus of about ten years, so i am not familiar with recent beading books and can't compare this to any other overviews that might be out there.

however, in and of itself, this is a beautiful, well-illustrated, far-ranging work. africa is well-represented. north AND south american indian work is represented, including the work of the inuit and northwestern nations. there is a section on greenland beadwork, short, but more than i have found yet. asia, india, oceania, the middle and near east and europe have their sections. the final section is a brief but reasonably adequate, description of techniques.

the photos are breathtaking. and dangerous. i have already mentally designed at least five new projects. the only complaint i have is the lack of dating for some of what are probably 19th century postcards and photos and for what may be relatively recent photos.

i think this would be a worthwhile addition to even extensive beading collections.

This is a wonderful book. It is beautifully photographed with sumptuous examples of beadwork traditions from around the world. The text covers each tradition rather lightly, but the information the authors do provide is solid.

That said, some of the size and proportion choices for the photographs make no sense. Entire garmets will be tiny, while beaded trinkets will be magnified. The most annoying example is the Bagobo shirt on page 137. This garmet is worked in the unusual shell and bead embroidery found in the Philipines, and the technique is discussed over several paragraphs in the accompanying text. However, the picture is so miniaturized that if you were not reading a book on beadwork, you would have no idea that the design on the shirt is any kind of applied decoration, much less beads and shells. Meanwhile, a photo of an unremarkable (and undiscussed) purse covers half the page.

A huge disappointment is the complete lack of information about where any of these beautiful pieces may be. For those doing bead research or travelling (or both), it would be helpful to know which are in collections that the public can access either through web contact or museum visits.

Neither of these should deter buyers interested in beads or beadwork. This book is a keeper. If there is a second edition, however, I would hope for the addition of information about the collections from which the beadworks come.

Enjoyed the book. Learned about furniture shopping. Especially good for people that live near the cities whose furniture stores she reviewed.

I recently purchased a new home and had decided that I wanted completely different furnishings. I had no idea where to start and Best Furniture Tips became an invaluable guide. It enabled me to understand various styles,furniture terminology, what to look for in a piece of furniture and information on how to negotiate prices.

I especially liked the advice and insights from some of the nation's top designers. Since I travel frequently the book was easy to take along and enabled me to check out design centers and stores in other cities in my spare time.

Litwin has a pleasant writing style that explains in easy to understand English all the furniture jargon and pricing structures which many times seem overwhelming to a buyer. I would recommend this book to anyone who is contemplating a furniture purchase. Armed with this, one can confidently enter any store and not feel like a babe in the woods.

One suggestion, buy her previous book, Furniture Hot Spots to find out where the really good stuff is.

As an Interior Designer I found this book an interesting read. I like to check out books written for the public to see what kind of advice is being given (there's a lot of bad information out there). This book offers insight into the furniture buying world of which the public is often unaware. Be warned, though, if you are used to bargain hunting this isn't likely to help you find a $50 sofa or $30 dresser. This is intended for people who want to buy better quality, long-lasting furniture. (she talks about good dressers starting at $1200 - for some people this may seem like a lot of money).

It is also most helpful for people who live near a city as she talks a lot about shopping design showrooms. One thing I did not see mentioned is that trade showrooms usually require that public shoppers be accompanied by a trade professional or at the very least have a legitamate letter from one (and an appointment) stating exactly what the client will be looking at. Many of these places will not offer assistance or pricing to the public without such. You'll need to investigate this prior to embarking on your shopping trip. If such is the case, your best bet here is to have a design professional aid in the process or you will have to pay outrageous retail prices. The Design Center usually offers these services (for a fee).

That said. She does explain a lot of terminology found in furniture buying as well as many pitfalls (one being that your average furniture salesperson's opinion varies markedly and can often be based on fabricated speculations). Ms. Letwin also offers an education on furniture styles for those who are interested.

If you are shopping for quality pieces that you plan to have for the rest of your life you may find this book helpful. It pays to be forewarned. For the price it can't hurt to get this book.

This book was such a great help. I use it as a source for everything, most recently for online antique shopping. I never would have known which stores to check out -- and to trust -- without the information I found in this book. It's great.

This cookbook has become a staple in my already-large cookbook collection. I have used this book many times to "lighten" up a family favorite dish, and have made many of the recipes contained here. The book is organized in the following categories: Getting to Know Good Nutrition, Mouth-Watering Main Dishes, Tempting Side Dishes, Enticing Desserts, and Refreshing Snacks.

Some of my family's favorites include: Beef Stroganoff, Spaghetti Pie, Fajitas, Scalloped Potatoes and Ham, Coq Au Vin, Chicken & Dumplings, Oven Fried Chicken, Chicken PotPie, Tuna Noodle Casserole, Quiche Lorraine, Macaroni & Cheese, No Fried Ice Milk, Creamy Coleslaw, German-Style Potato Salad, Caramel Rolls, Pumpkin Bars, Carrot Cake, and Heavenly Cheesecake,

The recipes try to offer lower sodium, fat, calories, and cholesterol than the original "family" favorites, without decreasing taste. My family could barely tell these were not the original versions, and I feel good lowering fat and sodium wherever I can. This cookbook may not offer many "gourmet" dishes, but it gives wonderful recipes for favorite recipes you thought you could not enjoy anymore because of the high fat/sodium/cholesterol content. Enjoy!

Family Favorites Made Lighter is a collection of over 100 family-friendly recipes that are practical, quick and delicious. These recipes are the same dishes your mother made -- made modern. The information on fat, cholesterol, and salt is accurate and helpful. These are the perfect transitional dishes for the family trying to change the way it eats. Our family has found many new favorites in this selection. A reliable source, even at the last minute! Highly recommended!

I have had this cook book for quite a long time now, and it is one of my most used books. It has all types of recipes, from appetizers to main meals to deserts. The recipes are not wild and extravagant, requiring trips to specialty gourmet stores; they are mostly recipes you are already familiar with, just made lighter. Try their version of sweet and sour pork, it is absolutely delicious! The banana bread is fantastic too - I've made that one so many times that my book just falls open to that page automatically.

Excellent cookbook with easy to prepare versions of entrees we all want to eat but don't know how to prepare without destroying our diets. Not only are these recipes quick and low-fat, but they allow for good-size portions and are filling. The recipes also use easy-to-find, ordinary ingredients, so you don't have to spend time hunting for things you've never heard of at the gourmet store. Worth the money!

This book is a excellent book showing what God can do. I have read and reread Harold Morris books and each of them have a wonderful story of how life as a christian is great as well as difficult sometimes. I and very grateful that I got to read these insiring books.

This is an excellent book about a man who made the wrong choices as a young adult. He faced the consequences of his decision and now he has been given a second chance. He has dedicated his life to young people. We are not all fortunate to have a second chance. We must make wise decisions now! A great and quick read!

Absolutely excellent! I have read this book many times & have bought and given away more than ten copies over the years. It is a book of such encouragement...even when times are tough, the faith of Harold Morris exemplifies the faith we must all have in this day & age. Thanks, Harold.

An outstanding read. The book is really a series of stories of "unlikely" lives that were made available for God's work. Be prepared to want to put your life on the line for God if you read this book. It's a fast read about real people who were used to change the world. You'll want to pass this one along to friends and family.

Good details about the dolls (markings, tags etc.) Useful for helping to identify "mystery dolls". I like the arrangement of the photos as well. Nice book all around.

This book is a must have for anyone who collects black dolls.It is the reference book that gives insight into your personal treasures. In it I found dolls in my collection I have a greater appreciation for, seeing them listed as well as finding their monetary value.

Once I decided to expand my doll collection I needed reference material for identifying my "babies". I've combed the book stores, internet and so far Ms. Perkins two books are the best source of reference in black doll collecting available. There are other books out there but not as comprehensive. What is still surprising I have a number of dolls that were not included. That means Mrs. Perkins must be planning Vol. III. I hope so!! And thank you!

Black Dolls, an Identification and Value Guide by Myla Perkins will open up the world of black doll collecting to its readers -- particularly if the readers did not own black dolls as children. Those who possess an interest in black dolls and thirst for more knowledge thereof, are certain to perceive Black Dolls as a satiable quencher of this thirst. Even those who have possessed little to no interest whatsoever in black dolls will develop a peaked interest in them after reading this informative book.

Black Dolls informs readers of the multitude of beautiful black dolls that were actually in existence during and predating their childhoods. It further informs readers of the types of black dolls available at the time of its publication in 1992. This book may, in fact, prompt readers to undertake an avid search for black dolls of varied mediums from varied periods of manufacture.

This well-written, extremely informative book that contains hundreds of pictures to help readers identify black dolls, as well as accurate pricing information, bears the responsibility for this reviewer becoming the proud owner of many of the dolls it identifies, describes, and values.

Not only does Black Dolls provide identification and value information for black dolls, it also gives reverence to them. Black dolls and black playthings play an extremely important role in a black child's development of positive self-esteem; this first-of-its-kind book proclaims this importance.

Reviewer's Final Comment: After reading Black Dolls, an Identification and Value Guide, the reader will also want to purchase Black Dolls, an Identification and Value Guide, Book II, which further identifies, values, and incites one's interest in black dolls.

The 91/2" X 121/4" X 13/4" hardcover Book describes all production firearms, variations, prototypes, experimentals and seldom seen engraved guns. Markings, barrel lengths, finishes and ammo are presented for easy reference. It presents thousands of facts in over 1,250,000 words and over 1,250 black and white and 67 color photos.

This has got to be the foremost book ever written on Colt. It reads better than an episode of "A&E's Biography", yet in convenient book form! Great glossy stock on all pages, history, statistics, serial number ranges and identification, rare pictures, advertisements, TWELVE POUNDS of pure and permanent pleasure! Flayderman's has NOTHING on this man, Wilson! Well worth the $149.00.

Always wondered where Colt quotes from when I call for models and years of manufacture and this is the book on the reference desk at Colt. R.L. Wilson went to colt to do all his research and is the Master of Colt information, he also has a website where you can order his books (even autographed and numbered) This book was originally [$$] and I have seen it go for as much as [$$$] and getting scarcer. I have found this book to be one of the most informative books ever written, the illustrations are tremondous also. I have also started to buy additional copies as a future investment. The book is one of the first books that company grabs for when they come over. Can't say enough about it.

Sgt. P. Jones

If you have a serious interest in Colt firearms; be it as a collector, shooter, or just plain armchair aficionado, this book has no equal. What ever you want to find, you'll find here in all the detail possible. It is an outstanding work and should be on every "gun person's" shelf, within easy reach. You will find something new no matter how many times you open it.

This book, translated from the French, is beautifully beguiling in its phrasing. Relates the history and techniques of the production and embroidery of exquisite linens. Photographs are handsome and even the dust cover is worth framing. Makes a great reference book as well as entertaining reading. One of my all time favorites

This seductive book is more than an excellent history of fine linen. It is a sensuous and seductively, elegant book! The author, Francoise de Bonneville give the reader more than a lesson on the history of textiles. She presents us with some of the most extrodinary examples of bed linens, tablecloths and napkins. Apart from the excellent section on the social history and care of fine linen, she presents detailed information about the various types of linens used, fibers, color, and weaves. The must sumptous commissions were the set of bedsheets created for American Heiress Barbara Hutton. These pink sheets were made out of silk and trimmed with point de Paris lace, fouteeen inches wide, Which was made by d'Porthault & Co. Examples of the two major Italian linen firms, Frette and Pratesi are also well represented. I agree with my fellow reviewer. This is an excellent gift for a bride; but don't be surprised to learn that men would be just as likely to buy this book as women. It is worth every Dollar!

This book, written with a forward by the Porthaults (who better to comment on fine linens?), is wonderful and I highly recommend it, price notwithstanding. This book is translated from the French and inlcudes: a history of linens, from chintz to damask; a glossary of embroidery stitches and styles with notations of illustrations throughout the book; and photographs of the finest linens in the world (including many made by the Porthaults). This book is very large and would make such a lovely gift for anyone who collects linens or who does fine embroidery.

Linen was once an elegant showing of a family's wealth. This book is filled with the history of linen. It is throughly documented with detailed indices. Translated from French, the details provided and pictures are glorious. Turning the pages is a true historical lesson in how linen was created, embellished, and used during times past. The use of lace and embroidery is stunning. I marvel at the complexity of the designs and when I sit with my needle and thread under a magnifying glass and high powered lamp I am in awe of the early needleworkers toiling away without the assistance of these tools. The book soothes me and transports me to another time. This is one of my favorite books in my personal library.

Mr. Hill's magnificent contribution to the world of Hebrew/Yiddish scholarship enriches the field in a way rarely seen in modern times. This catalogue is an indipensible addition to the library of any institution with an interest in this field, and to the home library of any serious student.

Mr. Hill has compiled a splendid catalogue of the riches of the British Library's collections of books on vellum. This meticulously researched volume is a tremendous boon to the serious bibliophile of Hebrew/Yiddish literature. With a sure hand and a remarkable eye, this catalogue highlights the rarities and the backbones of the collections in a volume that is surely historic in its scope and aesthetics. An absolute must-have for the library of the serious and discerning academic and layperson alike.

This book reflects not only the inherent interest and beauty of the bibliographic items that are illustrated and described therein. It is a testimony to the remarkable knowledge and aesthetics of the author, Brad Sabin Hill. Mr. Hill is surely one of the world's leading experts on Hebrew and Yiddish bibliography, and his expertise is reflected nicely in this very attractive and beautifully executed catalogue. A must for all Hebrew bibliophiles.

This beautifully appointed and richly illustrated catalogue of books printed on Vellum in the British Library is a collector's delight. Particularly impressive is the collection of rare Hebrew books assembled by Brad Sabin Hill, who is currently the Librarian of the Oxford Center for Postgraduate Hebrew Studies. A masterpiece worth owning for all lovers of books.