Collecting Books

I was pleasantly surprised to see several of my toy concepts presented in Ms. Baker's book, "Modern Toys". As Vice President of Product Concept & Development for Creative Playthings of CBS Toys, in the late 70's, when the broadcast giant also delivered quality educational and learning toys and games, my group birthed what I now frequently grace the tables of flea-markets and yard-sales. One series, "Block Family", is represented in the "Who-Sit?" category, to which I quickly responded with patent details for Linda's "next book", which I sincerely hope she may produce. I grew up with many of the classics in her array, and applaude her for preserving, at least in print, memories for millions of youngsters, of a more simpler period in childhood-Americana.

Mattiene'Moustakas Industrial Design & Invention Box 251-University Station Syracuse NY 13210-0251

This book has a selection of toy pictures from all the big toy manufactuers, with an extensive section on Fisher Price, both for little people and their earlier push toys. A great book to go to for reference when I am checking on a set's piece count or number. The color pictures are wonderful, but coverage can be spotty....that is, not all toy manufacturers and their lines are as fully represented as I would like them to be. Nevertheless, this is one of my main toy reference books. Feel free to email me if you would like to know how well a certain manufacturer is represented, and I will be happy to look it up for you.

"Motorcycle Toys : Antique and Contemporary" is a rich exploration of motorcycle toys through the years, showcased in text and color photos, including current values. Toys represented include cast iron, tin windup, battery operated, friction, rubber, plastic and wooden toys. A wonderful reference and a great conversation piece.

Great for the beginning collector of toy motorcycles and very useful for the long-time enthusiast. One of the few books to focus exclusively on toy motorcycles. A must for the serious collector.

Alice Hulett Metz's Much More Early American Pattern Glass provides an excellent guide of updated values for American pattern glass, including patterns not previously listed and almost 900 photos lending to identification. Don't expect the color photos of some; this is a bare-bones yet important values guide which includes plenty of details on how to see, judge and price good early glass.

This book is a good guide to finding older patterns from the mid to late 1800's through mid 1900's. The pictures are all in black and white, which makes it a bit harder to see some specifics, but in all, it has been incredibly helpful and I would definitely suggest it to anyone researching Early American Pattern Glass. 5 Stars! Thanks Alice Hulett Metz for all of your research!

I think the BOXCAR CHILDREN is extremely fun to read. It tells about adventurous kids who are running away from their grandfather. While running away they had many adventures. The four kid's names are: Henry, a boy who is strong and is the oldest, Jessie, a girl who is adventurous and knows how to cook excellent food, Violet a 10 year old girl who is smart, and Benny, the youngest, well mannered, and funny boy. Henry worked for a man named Dr. Moore because he wanted to make money to buy food to eat. He also worked for Dr. Moore so that he could support his siblings. These kids are very creative. I really like this book. I think everyone should read this book because you could learn something. It is a good bedtime story too because, you could have wonderful dreams instead of scary nightmares. I give this book 5 stars.

After their Grandfather has bought a bookstore and rented it to his friend, Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny are helping out. As a reward, they each get to pick a book to keep. But the Boxcar Children find mysterious clues of a person entering the store and even their rooms at night, unseen. Then Violet's books disappear. Can they get to the bottom of this?

I couldn't put the book down, it was filled with excitement and adventure. I think boys AND girls aged 9-12 would enjoy this book. Here is a little bit about it... Playing a game of house tag leaves Tait, Katie and Marcus with a riddle. Mr. Schiff, a greedy pawnbroker, tries to find the treasure along and against the kids. The children find the gold but Mr. Schiff found it too. Tait and Katie with their lives at stake get rescued by Marcus. They all rush out of the underground place. But what happens to Mr. Schiff, Uncle Bernie's evil brother?

I couldn't put the book down, it was filled with excitement and adventure. I think boys AND girls aged 9-12 would enjoy this book. Here is a little bit about it... -Playing a game of house tag leads Tait, Katie and Marcus with a riddle about a treasure. Mr. Schiff a greedy pawnbroker tries to find the treasure also. The children find the gold, but Mr. Schiff found it too. Tait and Katie with their lives at stake get rescued by Marcus. They all rush out of the underground place. But what happens to Mr. Schiff, Uncle Bennie's evil brother? Pam age 10

Any book that can have me chuckling through an explanation of how to create a web page deserves special mention. The Net User's Guide ups the reader's giggle quotient while deftly communicating the how-to's of not only simple web site construction, but the whole, intriguing world of collectibles and the Internet. I'm a relative newcomer to collecting, and I appreciated the depth of information, and especially the inside tips! Having access to the Members Only section of the author's supporting web site is a major bonus, too. I believe even seasoned `gatherers' will find much to satisfy their thirst for ever more knowledge about their own particular (and, as R.J. Gulliver points out, sometimes peculiar) passion.

This is a wonderful book that gives a very thorough introduction to collectibles on the internet. Mr. Gulliver has really done his research! He includes information on why we collect, and has sections on buying, selling and trading. The author gives lots of examples from his own experience, and gives the reader hints on how to be successful and careful. He gives detailed advice on using internet auctions as a safe and exciting way to find or sell a special item.

One of my favorite parts is the appendix! Mr. Gulliver has a large list of web sites for companies that deal in collectibles, making it easy to check into them. He also lists many of the internet auction sites, complete with a review of the good and bad points of each.

Another part of the book I liked was the very detailed instructions on how to build a web site of your own! The author gives easy to follow information on basic html, plus how to link pictures and upload your site from your computer. The pictures throughout the book are a real plus!

I strongly recommend this book to anyone that is involved in any way with collectible items on the internet! While it is geared to those that are new to auctions, message boards and internet buying and selling, it is a valuable resource for experienced collectors as well! I have been buying and selling on auction sites for some time and really enjoyed the book. I sure wish I had had it when I first got started! I will keep this book close to my computer as a handy reference!

My father and I just got back from visiting The Nethercutt Museum. The book does a great job of bringing the museum home with you. If you can get to the museum you can pick up a copy of the book at the reception desk for [money]-a bargain.

For the first time, all of the automobiles in the Jack Nethercutt Collection are pictured in one book! This book exhibits all the characteristics a book on automobiles should have. Using it's horizontal format to great advantage, photographer Dennis Adler displays all of the cars in all their glory. Mr. Adler understands his subjects and each photograph shows exactly what the viewer would wish to see. The text is short, concise, and highly accurate. Due to space limitations, there is little technical data. This is not missed. Also touched upon, are the Nethercutts' collection of mechanical musical instruments-- pianos and automotive mascots. This book has my highest recommendation and exhibits better photography and more taste than some books costing many times over.

A wonderful guide to Noritake. History, basic patterns, unusual pieces and much more. Any collector or dealer in Noritake should have a copy of this book.

Finally, a book on Noritake collecting that does not sound like it was written by a snobby, snooty museum curator! Most Noritake collectors are lovely people who enjoy the "thrill of the hunt" and delight over every lemon plate and berry bowl they are able to obtain no matter how common and inexpensive the pieces may be. Who needs a book with pictures and prices of Noritake pieces they will never see except in private collections? Robin Brewer writes in a "down to earth style" and communicates her love for porcelain beautifully. Her photographs are excellent and her prose is charming. Some of the names she assigns the backstamps are homey and silly but descriptive. (Alot better that decimals) A wonderful book for the experienced Noritake enthusiast but especially appropriate and helpful for the beginner.

I really like this book. It has all the prices I can't find any where else. 5 STARS BABY!!!

Great Book. Has all the cards I was looking for. Even the unusal ones

This book contains 150 pages of beautiful color photographs as well as an easy to use index section. It is an excellent source for identification of these very collectible plates, and even gives a rarity guide. Provides information on the manufacturers, as well. An invaluable guide to the oyster plate collector!!!!

Although the 2 plates I have are not featured in the book, there are pages and pages of color pictures and information that are really informative. There is also a chapter or two on oyster "trivia". For the price, this book should be a hardback, but otherwise the content is relavent and beautifully laid out. I highly recommend it to anyone who is even thinking about starting a collection. I never dreamed there were so many exotic oyster plates from so many different places!