Collecting Books

This is the leading book on cigarette lighter collecting. There are nearly 1000 lighters illustrated in color. The variety is incredible. From Zippo to Dunhill and so many more. There is even a value guide to give you an idea of value. This is the authors third book on lighters and they really went all out to make this the best book ever.

This book is a walk down memory lane for the Baby Boomer generation. I can't tell you the fun I had doing the research! Here presented in color are the dolls that were cherished from 1946-1964, often considered the Golden Age of collectible dolls. If you like vintage dolls and those who loved them, then this is the book for you! A. Glenn Mandeville

back in 1971-73,there was a doowop revival of sorts..and a renewed interest in 50s doowop record collecting.
desperatly needed at the time,was a book..ANY book..that could shed some light on what records were being looked for..what records were "rare"..and what record labels to look for.
steve propes took up the task and did a fairly competant job considering the large scope of this subject!
he lists vocal group discographies from the ravens and four tunes..to the orioles which he claims(and its true) that they are the first honest to god doowop group..and then the book climbs into the second generation groups as the robins and the five keys.

the data is a bit off..many records released only on 78 are speculated to be "extreemly rare" on 45..and they werent ever issued on that form.
so this would lead some to believe that there were 45s of the earliest robins records..not to mention the absurd possibility of a manor 45 by the four tunes!

on a good note,the book makes for VERY interesting reading and propes gets into record "themes"..my favorite part of the book.
drinking songs..sex songs..ect...
beach party music was THE best afro american music ever and for a breif time in the very late 40s and early 50s,it was in its prime.
this wonderfull and outdated book will take you back there!
and as a alast comment..the prices are a hoot!
"stormy weather" is only remembered..as the mster was lost in a fire and there are no known copies(false) and its a steal at 100 bucks! quite!
buy it!!

I love this book! It's an invaluable resource for those of us who collect celebrity vocals, but more importantly, it's endlessly entertaining. For those who don't collect, it's a great introduction into the wild world of celebrity LP's. There are some great photos and biographical details that make this more than your average discography.

I hope someday they'll make an updated version. 448 pages just doesn't seem like enough!

Highly recommended.

This book is truly excellent. I read this book in one evening, a real page turner! I highly recomend this book.

This book is the most beautiful and informative book I have ever seen on the subject on antique lace. I am a second generation antique textile collector, and this book is truly the best I have ever seen on antique linens and lace.

It is the perfect gift for both the expert and the novice.

Gerry Nichol President - Decorative Textiles

This book spends more time on loan to antique dealers and decoy collectors then it does in my library. It is an excellent reference work for collector and waterfowler alike. Everyone who sees it and collects, deals or dreams wants a copy. But we simply can't find them. Superb pictures and detailed text. We rate it excellent all around.

This book is unparalleled in its thorough coverage of the impact that plants have made on our economy and even played in the creation and execution of wars.

You may find books that have chapters that rival this book but none of these books comes close to the comprehension and interest that Anne Dorrance puts into this book.

Marco Polo came back from his journeys to the east with tales of where cinnamon came from.

The book covers the ways in which nations hid their botanical secrets or knowledge of where plants grew, maintaining their monopolies. The wars other nations fought to gain these secrets and brake the monopolies.

Many plats were used as money including peppercorns.

The origin of the wardian case (terrarium) is also discussed.

We read how plants were moved all over the world to similar climates. And how the problems in shipping and growing were overcome.

Every page is an eye opener. You will never look at plants the same way.

This is possibly the best (definitely one of the best) existing books on the history of Old Orchard Beach. The book's format makes a fascinating subject also an easy read. It is extemely unfortunate that the book is out of print--if you have any interest in Old Orchard Beach's history, this book is a must read.

...This Would Be It! Colonel Allen's enthusiasm for the subject led him to produce what is probably the definitive work in the field of collecting cookbooks. This book sweeps up both the new and the experienced collector into the fascinating world of vintage cookbooks and their value as a source of historical information. The only drawback I found was the grouping of books in categories for the price guide section, as I found myself thumbing through many places to locate a particular cookbook. However, it contains an exhaustive listing, and once you get used to it, the layout is only a minor annoyance. Along with Dickinson's and Barile's books on the subject, it is fast becoming dog-eared from daily use!