Collecting Books

Almost every page has full color photos. Included is maker's marks identification information, as well as a value guide in the back. If you're interested in figurines, this book contains some valuable information about who made what where. Here are some of the kinds of figurines in this book: piano babies, Heubach, Fairing pieces, snowbabies, Frozen Charolettes, nodders, half-dolls, Occupied Japan. This is the most comprehensive guide to china children figurines I've ever found. I bought the book and then became a collector. It might make a collector out of you, too!

"A large number of beautiful and unusaul photographic material, many of the early dolls with china, parian and bisque heads are presented in this book for the delight of collectors and art enthusiasts. Skillfully modeled hair styles and trimmings adorned these dolls. Through their subtlely and artistic modelling they are often far more valuable as an art object than a play doll. Since many of them are sought after by collectors, this book presents for the first time in great diversity and color, a wide selection of the most beautiful dolls. They are the oldest among the china head dolls, especially remarkable, and their past extends up to the Royal Porcelain Manufacturers of the 19th century from Meissen and Berlin. Until now their past lay rather poorly illuminated, so that very little was known about these dolls. Only in the last few years has painstaking detective work by comparison of old findings determined new information. Thus was it possible, for the first time to associate a larger number of doll heads to their respective manufacturers. This book illuminates a largely unknown chapter of doll history, offers new knowledge and provides the collector and student of art with valuable help in appreciating, identifying and collecting the modelled hair dolls of the 19th century German dolls."

This book on fans is written from a purely Chinese point of view. It deals not with the fans China made for the west (Mandarin fans and elaborate ivory brise fans), but with those that were made for local use and taste.

First we are given a history of Chinese fans dating back to prehistoric times, quoting numerous examples of ancient fans found in archaeological digs over the last 50-60 years. It also deals with the methods of making fans -both for sticks and leaves and how they have changed over the centuries. There is also a section of painters noted for their fans whose work is highly esteemed within China. This portion of the book, almost more than any other, gives a good feel for how knowledge the West lacks on native Chinese fans. Many 'Great' artists and calligraphers are mentioned that have almost no references in Western art books on Chinese art.

My only disappointment with this small volume is that many of the masterpieces mentioned in the text do not necessarily have corresponding photos. The author seems to assume that the reader would be familiar with these artists. While this may hold true in China this book almost breaks new ground in the west in dealing with Chinese fan painting and manufacturing in English. This book should be part of any fan collectors reference works if you have an interest in Chinese fans.

I value art and always looking for books or guide to make my job easy to do. I see alot of Chinese Provincial pieces and going online to find it takes time. I open this book and got a great example and price. This is worth the price, for not other reason it a great references.

No one could love all things Christmas and its decorations more than Bob Brenner. I've met him and I have all of his guides on ornaments: he's a delightful man and I don't think anyone is more knowledgable on the history of Christmas ornaments or has a larger collection. He's the expert!

If you want information and pictures on old holiday textiles, this book is for you. It has wonderful photos of every kind of linen or textile, for Christmas time. I remember many of these textiles from my childhood and early marriage days in the 1960's. I am thrilled to find out more information on various nostalgic items. There are 12 chapters, from hankies to aprons, and from towels to tablecloths. You can find almost anything in this great reference book. It would be a big help for selling vintage linens, too, because it has a price guide listed. The same author also wrote a book on Vera Neumann, called "VERA TEXTILES".

I have collected ornaments for years and buy every book I can find on the subject. A collector will value the information and price guide that the author has compiled but the photos will be worth purchasing this book. You just won't find that many different types in one book! Highly recommended!

I found this book most helpful in identifying true vintage ornaments as well as their value. It covers in great detail why specific materials were used for a given time including the color variations. It also contains stories and cuts from celebrations long ago which I found very informative. I came away with a great deal of knowledge and will carry this with me on all my hunts. Highly recommend!

Christmas Recipes: A Collecting & Sharing Journal With Pockets is a do-it-yourself cookbook. It presents five starter recipes for treats like "caramel corn" and "chocolate crinkles", but the vast majority of this journal consists of blank pages to write down treasured food favorites for the Christmas season. Four deep pockets also allow for easy storage of recipe cards, and the simple illustrations here and there add a delightful touch to this excellent consumable resource for the culinary aspects of the holiday festivities.

This book is excellent! The author does a great job balancing impressive information with warm memories of Christmases past. I have found that element lacking in so many other "collectors" types of books. This book will definitely remain one of my all-time favorites!