Collectibles Books

This product arrived promptly and in brand-new condition as ordered. It was very nice and I'm sure my aunt-in-law will love it for Christmas.

The Sparkling Story of Coca-Cola will delight all those who would like to know the origins of the world's favorite soft drink and see many delightful early examples of advertising and promotional materials. One of my favorite museums with a commercial focus is the Coca-Cola Museum in Atlanta. I was prepared to be disappointed with this book, assuming that it would have less material that I found at the museum. Instead, I found The Sparking Story of Coca-Cola to be much more detailed, easier to follow and with higher quality graphics than in the museum.

The people who will be disappointed in this book are those who want to follow Coca-Cola's progress in detail from 1935 on. The book is a little sketchy for the last 68 years, but wonderfully detailed before that.

The historical side of the book captures the development of carbonated soft drinks in drug stores from medicinal mineral waters and then connects how the formula for Coca-Cola emerged. Anyone who has wanted to understand about the cocaine and caffeine in the original formula will probably have their thirst for knowledge slaked. There also plenty of educated guesses about what the rest of the ingredients are now.

The book goes on to explain the transition into distributing the syrup around the country, bottling and supermarket distribution. I found all of these explanations to be thorough, without being dense, and interesting without trying to be cute.

The illustrations are what really made the book for me. In Coca-Cola's earliest days, the company was a pioneer in mass advertising. Although a fountain glass of Coca-Cola only cost five cents, that was a lot of money when the product first came out. With a sure instinct, the advertising portrayed attractive, healthy upper class young women with the product. These images appeared on trays, calendars and hand-outs. The quality of the reproductions is very fine. You can then see how these illustrations gravitated towards women celebrities and eventually towards ordinary looking young women. During times of trouble, boys were included.

I also enjoyed the discussions of how Coca-Cola handled the challenges of sugar shortages and the Depression while maintaining its quality image and integrity.
While many books about a product like Coca-Cola would ignore all competitors, this one has some material on the early soft drink makers like Hires for root beer and Schweppes. There's also some material on the challenge of Pepsi-Cola beginning in the 1930s. These references enriched the book for me.

Those who are looking for an explanation of the Roberto Goizueta era at Coca-Cola will find little information, except for a discussion of the introduction of the failed new Coke. Bottling development and international expansion similarly lack much information beyond the initiation of both activities.

So, as you can see, this is more than a coffee table book . . . and less than a complete history. It's just right for those who want to know more about one of their favorite beverages and enjoy the nostalgia of seeing interesting memorabilia from an earlier time.

After you finish this book, think about other symbols that you relate to that once had a slightly "fast" image. Is that same image involved now? Is the change good or bad from your perspective?

When you are in Atlanta, all those who enjoyed this book will probably also enjoy the museum there . . . especially tasting the flavors of Coca-Cola products from around the world.

I recieved this wonderful book as a Christmas gift. What an enjoyable read! Full of enjoyable tidbits that every Cokeaholic would love to know. From the history of Soda Fountain beginnings to the pop culture icon Coca-Cola has become. The Sparkling Story of Coca-Cola covers it all. A visual feast of historic photographs and illustrations accompany the well written text.

I vividly remember the first time I saw this book at the local comic book store. Wow~ Just amazing, it blew my brains out. There is no other book like Spectrum series books. Book features full color drawing, paintings and sculptures by fantastic artist from all over the world. You will see so many styles and techniques that you never seen before. This is a must for Artist, Illustrators, and Art Directors.

Almost any one of the pieces in this collection is worth the price of the book. There are no monkey swathes of paint against white canvas here, my friends. No, here are works that will quicken your breath, accelerate your heartbeat, and ignite the synapses in your mind. And as my fellow reviewer commented, this book is a wellspring of inspiration. Just flip the pages and see for your self. Works like "Number 16" and "Prudence II" present this point more eloquently than I ever could. I have only one pique. There was no art from any of the Galerie Morpheus artists like Giger, Yerka, and De Es. Despite this, I urge all fans of SF and Fantasy art to buy this book. You won't be dissappointed.

Spectrum 4 is one of those books that artists turn to when ideas are at a premium. The artwork is so voluminous and diverse in character. Every possible stylization of fantasy art is represented. Some works are intense and mysterious, dark and brooding. While others follow a campy, comic book hero genre. My favorite works are more of an illustrative fairy tale approach. However, I find this book to be a wonderful resource for those times when the well is running dry.

This book is well worth the money if you are an avid collector of Straffordshire pieces. Many detailed photographs, identifiying marks and interesting history make this book a must for your collection. Highly recommend.

In words of one syllable, YOU MUST BUY THIS BOOK! As the owner of an antiques business and one who sells Staffordshire figures, I endorse this book without reservation. Narrowing the subject to one category of Staffordshire collecting and an in-depth study makes this reference text as unique as Adele Kenny's other books and numerous articles that have been published in widely circulated periodicals like The Antiques News, Antiques & Auction News, and Carter's Antiques & Collectables (Australia). This is MUCH more than the usual Stafforshire picture book (although the hundreds of illustrations are marvelous). The presentation is wonderful, the book design and quality are superior, and the content is without equal. Staffordshire Animals is destined to become a standard reference in the field.

This specialized and comprehensive reference book is a must-have for collectors and dealers! Unlike those large and unwieldy "catalogs" of little more than picture after picture, Kenny has included interesting amd informative text that provides invaluable insights into pottery making in Staffordshire as well as a substantial sampling of illustrations. Suggested values give an accurate sense of current, and rising, market. Kenny's book is well-organized and beautifully presented. Her writing style is intelligent, lively, and very reader-friendly. If you love Staffordshire figures, you'll love this book!

This was a helpful book for husband who wanted to assess the value of some of his old farm tools.

This is a good reference book with pictures and prices.

My first farm toy was my dad's Product Miniatures Farmall tractor and wagon with McCormick-Deering decals. It was his as a child and has seen its share of play. That toy was also my inspiration for the improvements included in this 2nd edition.

In creating the 2nd edition of a popular title, the most important considerations for an author are the needs of the audience. I consulted with farm toy expert Kate Bossen and other enthusiastic farm toy collectors to make this edition more comprehensive and easier to use. It contains more than 1,800 new listings and several hundred new photos bring the grand total to well over 5,000 photos. And the positive reactions from collectors this year made our efforts worthwhile.

This book is a must for farm toy collectors who like their toys in green, red, and every variety in between. Like the dedication says: "This edition is dedicated to all who participate in the farm toy hobby, to everyone who remembers that first toy tractor, and to everyone who still has that first toy tractor."
Karen O'Brien

Okay- say I lavished praise on other gun books... as the best and biggest. (Though they were all from the same publisher.) This one by Krause publications is the biggest, most comprehensive guide to firearms available. If you own over 5 guns like myself... then you should have at least one good gun identification guide.

Whether your a collector or just curious about a gun you saw somewhere, this book will identify it for you. Its sections on the most collectible firearms like the 1911/1911A1, Colt SAA and the like are very well researched. Although Festad's blue book is the industry standard its lack of pictures puts off a lot of guys new to the hobby. You won't regret getting this book.

If you Love guns you wonn't be able to put this book down . Its full of Info on everything you need to know when collection and buying ..

No matter what year model mustang you own/like you will find the information on them in this book.Color photos of each year model with details like colour codes,options lists,engine codes and many other details will help you learn more about your favourite Mustang's.A reasonable guide to Mustang's.

If you love the Tang like I do this book is all you need babe. It has all the goods and then some. Buy it, read it and love it just as I do.

This was an amazing book for knowledge on the Mustang from beginning to current production years. Each year of the Mustang is listed separately with full color pictures, production details, color codes, model year changes and more. Brad Bowling definitely knows Mustangs inside and out. Very well organized by year. Definitely worth the money to buy online. I couldn't find this in the stores locally.

Just a great book all around. So may great cars to look at and read about. If you want detailed information on a single car or generation of a car then look elsewhere, but for pretty good commentary and loads of pictures, this book is an excellent read, and reference.

This book really rocks! They've got A TON of cars in here, great photos, cool writing by John Gunnell. I really like his writing style. Lots of cool information and period reviews of the coolest cars Detroit ever produced.

I had a copy of the previous editon of this book, and the 4th Edition is a great improvement. 400 pages! This is a great bargain on a really well-done book.

This is a big book.Its mostly color photos throughout.Each car has 1 page devoted to it,1 color photo (sometimes 2 photos)and plenty of information.Its a great book.

The standard of these books from this publisher has improved over their former black and white photos and low quality paper.Now these books are printed on very high quality paper and plenty of color photos.

This book is an overview of American muscle cars.It helps knowing whats out there.If you wanted specific and detailed information on your favourite model you should consider looking at books that cater for specific models.This book is a gem and an ideal book to start with.

I originally got this book when I purchased a lot of Starr dolls off eBay. Not knowing much about Starr other than she was from Mattel, I went to my Barbie identification guides to learn more. Nothing. I went to Doll Collectors guides. Nada. Then I found this book. This was GREAT! It had the doll, her back story, interesting trivia, and extremely helpful pictures and detailed captions. I even found other Mattel dolls I had found here there and yonder listed in this book. So like a child with a blanket, I have taken to carrying the book around everywhere. It has joined my Barbie Field Guide and Barbie:A Visual Guide to the Ultimate Fashion Doll as the MUST-HAVES when I look for new find on eBay or when I'm listing dolls to resell.

While this book does not contain all of Mattel's dolls between 1967 and 1997- it is great. The pictures are fantastic- tons of color pictures. Each doll featured has a picture and a detailed summary.Lots of the newer dolls from 80's to 90's that are just now becoming collectable. This is such a nice book to look at and gives values as well for reference. Most dolls are pictured in their original packaging.

Great info on so many mattel dolls... Celebrity dolls (from the osmonds to 90210), Barbie, Princess of Power (my favorite), Lady Lovely Locks, Disney Classics and so much more. All complete with pictures and detailed information. A must if you collect fashion dolls from this era.

IT WAS VERY WELL WRITTEN AND THE PICTURES ARE FANTASTIC. IT BROUGHT BACK GREAT MEMORIES AS I TOO OWNED A FARM, IN INDIANA. I AM ON MY WAY TO OWNING A RANCH, SOON, I HOPE AND READING THIS BOOK I LAUGHED AT THE ANTICS OF KIDS AND ANIMALS. I DON'T THINK FARMERS, OTHER THEN THE AMISH WOULD KNOW HOW TO DO ANYTHING IN THOSE PICTURES TODAY HAHAHAH. EVERYTHING WAS DONE BY ANIMAL OR BY HAND. THE PICTURES AND WORDING ARE JUST GREAT. I THINK IT IS A WONDERFUL READ ESPECIALLY SOMEONE WHO LIVED AND WORKED BACK THEN ON THEIR FARM

The pictures alone make this book a "must have" for anyone who grew up on a farm. It brings back warm fuzzy memories.

I loved the book, "This Old Farm". The memories it brought back to me are some that I had forgotten for many years. The writers of "This Old Farm" knew exactly what they were talking about. I could smell the odors, see the colors, feel the grass, hear the sputter of the tractors and machines. It brought tears to my eyes as it brought back memories of my life on a farm while I was growing up.

I'm an artist with a particular interest in the decorative arts - and, while I can't say much about the text (I haven't read much of it), the artwork shown in this book is exquisite. I purchased this book for the eye candy - and there's quite a bit here to be had.

The book focuses on hand-painted Tibetan furniture, and it's the highly stylized, decorative, and "folky" painting which I find so appealing in the work presented. The book is richly illustrated with many examples, the examples are well photographed, and the printing is high-quality.

If you're an artist, it's a great reference book - there are many decorative motifs and design ideas from which you can "steal", "borrow", "adapt", or otherwise use as inspiration in your own work.

This beautiful book offers much more than a generous selection of wonderful photographs! It is historically informative and well organized so that it is easy to read for both the professional and collector. If you are interested in Tibetan antique furniture-this is the publication for you!

This is an early book--one of only two at the present time--focusing on Tibetan furniture from the perspective of the antiques field. Tibetan furniture is an area that will surely find a wider, recognized place given the growing role of some Asian countries, especially China and India, in global political and economic affairs. Already one sees a growing interest in Chinese antiquities and art. As Buckley notes, the time when a survey of ancient and older Tibetan furniture including many photographs such as found in this book is possible is likely passing because many of the finer pieces of Tibetan furniture are already scattered in private homes and museums throughout the world and there is already considerable interest in this field among Hong Kong and other regional dealers. Although the author admits he is "biased toward chests," these serve sufficiently for instruction and examples on the construction, materials, dates, and carvings, illustrations, and other decorative and symbolic features of all Tibetan furniture. "The echoes of contacts with peoples all over Asia can be traced in the designs found on Tibetan furniture." Yet the furniture and its designs are not a simple imitation or composite of forms, designs, etc., of other cultures, but shown the stamp of the "unique identity" of the Tibetan people and culture so that Tibetan furniture is unmistakable. The illustrations and symbols of Tibetan furniture are usually related to the Tantric Buddhism of Tibet. Buckley's book is not only a guide to identification of the desirable antique Tibetan furniture, but it also relates the historical and cultural context of the furniture. The author is a recognized expert on antiques and collecting currently living in Beijing.