Antiques Books

Looking at this book reminded me of the many toys and games that I grew up with or found in the attic when I went snooping through the old stuff as a kid. This book is very well done, with lots of pictures and interesting facts. It is obvious that the book is very well researched. Worth the money.

Have you ever wondered who the creators are of the wonderful toys and games you and your family have enjoyed over the years? THE PLAYMAKERS has the answers. You may be especially interested in those most famous or very rare toys or games that you have tried or maybe just heard about over the years.

Even those that may deny they are toy lovers must admit they have some time or another played a game they really enjoyed or had a favorite toy of their childhood. Therefore, everyone is a toy lover! THE PLAYMAKERS will bring back memories of happy times for all ages. The collective book Tim Walsh has put together is remarkable. This is not about toys that can be picked up in any toy store or mall or even those toys made just for children. No, no, no! This is about toys for everyone: young and old, male and female. Toys and games made for all to enjoy.

This colorful, informative book by Tim Walsh is so fascinating that every family should have one in their bookcase. THE PLAYMAKERS is a terrific book that is not only fun to read but is also an historical chapter in the civilization of man.

I was looking for a price guide for these toys and this isn't it, but I didn't even care because this book is fabulous. Wonderful pictures and the origination of the most beloved toys. Big, thick heavy book. Nice coffee table book.

If you have fond recollections of tossing a Frisbee with a friend, putting a hotel on Boardwalk, using a "Q" on a triple word score, dressing a Barbie doll, watching a Slinky descend a stairway, yelling "Yahtzee," or winning a game of Trivial Pursuit or Pictionary, this fine retrospective by Tim Walsh belongs on your coffee table. All those memories and more came back for me as I turned the pages of "The Playmakers -- Amazing Origins of Timeless Toys" and learned of the inspirations, the struggles, the near-misses and the overwhelming successes of toy and game inventors of the 20th Century. The nostalgic experience and the well-researched backgrounds of these fun and educational diversions make for hours of reading and fact-finding enjoyment. I was surprised to learn that most of the big sellers over the decades have been of American origin -- though Trivial Pursuit came out of Canada and Rubik's Cube has Hungarian roots. It's a bullet-proof selection for anyone on your Christmas list who never quite grew up when it comes to playing with toys and games.

A flip through the pages of Tim Walsh's "The Playmakers" is a trip in a time machine. I had more fun reminiscing about my favorite toys than I remember having when I played with them 25 years ago! The genesis of the greatest toys of all time is a captivating story that has never before been told in such interesting detail. Tim's passion for playthings oozes from the pages and stirred nostalgia in the heart of this overgrown kid.

In this second volume of her series for collectors, Barbara Conroy shares the details of hundreds of manufacturers that produced dinnerware for restaurant and transportation companies. The section on each manufacturer includes a detailed history, examples of the backstamps they used (along with date charts where applicable), copies of period advertisements, and *lots* of fantastic photographs showing the range of wares produced. This book is an invaluable reference, and a must-have for the serious commercial dinnerware collector!

I have had this book for 3 months and still have not put it down. Great source to I.D. all kinds of china and the date codes. I can't wait for Volume 3!

Two Words - "Invaluable Resource!" Any collector of Restaurant China should not be without this identification and reference guide. Can't wait for Volume 3.

I have been using both of Mrs. Conroy's books extensively for the past 2 months in preparing for the biggest research project I have ever done with restaurant, railroad, steamship, and hotel china. Book 2 on the date codes has been a lifesaver. It was not until about 2 months ago that I really realized just how much time and effort she had put into it making these possible. Having a handy reference (especially for backstamp dating of pieces) is beyond valuable. It is a "masterpiece."

A superb reference book for the serious collector / dealer. The appendix sections devoted to distributors, restaurants and hotel chains are special interest. Often collectors interests are in a narrow field - such a book helps to widen their appreciation of other collecting opportunities.

David Dole has accurately researched the prewar era of Lionel Trains in detail with descriptions and great photos. If you are collector or just interested in old toy trains young or old you will enjoy this book. The pictures of the actual trains and copies of pages from the old catalogs are worth buying the book for. My grandchildren love looking at David Doyle's book on Lionel Trains.

This is definitely required if your are intrested in these trains or thinking about purchasing one. It is a total and complete refrence for every item released in those 42 years. It has ratings, and excellent photos. It is like have an encyclopedia for my trains, as I use it to find a particular engine or engine or car #. Hats off to David Doyle

David Doyle's new Standard Catalog Of Lionel Trains 1900-1942 is the most complete guide available for Lionel products: collectors won't want to be without it. From the turn of the century until World war II, Lionel turned out toy trains for kids of all ages: over a thousand color photos blends with pricing guidelines for different conditions to accompany a history of Lionel products. Organized by type of product, from passenger cars and ballast cars to box cars, collectors will find this quite an easy reference to use.

David Doyle's new Standard Catalog Of Lionel Trains 1900-1942 is the most complete guide available for Lionel products: collectors won't want to be without it. From the turn of the century until World war II, Lionel turned out toy trains for kids of all ages: over a thousand color photos blends with pricing guidelines for different conditions to accompany a history of Lionel products. Organized by type of product, from passenger cars and ballast cars to box cars, collectors will find this quite an easy reference to use.

Very help in determining age and type of Lionel items,and value before purchasing or selling.

It's a complete and very informative book about world coins. I used it everyday as a price reference and getting the right description of old coins.

My collection of 18th century coins is virtually non-existent and their value is so low that this catalog cost me much more than they are all worth. But I did not buy it to see how rich I am or how wisely I invested my money. I treat this book as a very special history book. I read it every now and then, starting from a state I have never heard of to discover some new information from the past. This is the imperfect but only source to dig into the history of minute Italian, German or Indian states which often had nothing but minting rights which they excercised profusely. About sovereigns who believed themselves mighty enough to have their profiles struck on multiple thalers only to disappear from annals of History within just a few years. About political plans, expectations and pretences of which we can't remember anymore but they were all detailed on coins.
Coin-collecting is not a way of investing money (it well may be though in most cases it is rather by luck than wise planning), it is a life-time of studies. You have to invest your time, and coins will start speaking to you. Half-worn faces will become flesh and blood individuals from the past. Strange letters will mean their might and their dreams. You will probably never have too many of these coins (even if you have the money, actually) but this is the kind of book which can give you knowledge. And knowledge, in time, may turn into wisdom.

This is the best guide to world gold coins dated
after 1600. Before 1600, look for Friedberg's
"Gold Coins of the World" which has gold ancient coins
and gold coins up to year 1600.
Clark Smith
www.coinvault.com

Certainly this is the book for 18th century coins, unless you are mainly interested in one country like the UK or France -- in that case you would find more information more attractively laid out, along with other centuries, elsewhere, usually more cheaply too. But for its coverage of the world, including hugely complicated countries like Gemany, Italy and India, it is unbeatable. This 3rd edition is an improvement over earlier editions, because more pictures (especially of the smaller coins) and more obscurities have been included.

For users in countries which do not speak English, the conversions such as VF = TTB = BB =MBC are very useful !
The book is not difficult for foreigners to use.

I need a guide so I just do not blindly pay big bucks for cute pictures. There are a lot of good guides and some more specific on particular eras and locations such as Westphalia. But as you do a coin search you are bound to run across something you are not familiar with and need a guide. This guide is a great place to start; it is easy to navigate and gives cursory information on particular locations and times surrounding the coin's production.

Keeping in mind that this is just a guide, there are holes and the coins are not displayed in color. On the other hand the coins shown are in actual size; size is hard to translate form internet pictures.

With all the electronic references today it is nice to have something tactile, static and transportable. This book meet al those needs.

The photographs of Santa Fe and its Farmer's Market take the reader halfway to that beautiful place, but it is the smells and flavors that come from cooking these recipes, that transport the reader to the land of the high mesas, Georgia O'Keefe and crystal blue skies.

Having been fortunate enough not only to travel to Santa Fe several times in the past few years, but also to take classes from Janet Mitchell (the author) at the Santa Fe School of Cooking, I can recommend this cookbook without hesitation. It offers tried-and-tested recipes that yield a wide range of dishes and flavors unique to a very special part of the United States. I will be buying this cookbook for friends and family for years to come.

I received Summer in Santa Fe as a gift and have been trying all of the recipes! Delicous and amazing! The cookbook is easy to follow and so far, all of the recipes I have tried have been awesome. I love the way the cookbook features menus and suggestions and am looking forward to having company over to try out some of the put-together menus. It is a beautiful, colorful cookbook and I have been impressed with the recipes. Everything has turned out delicious! I am ordering some copies of Summer in Santa Fe for friends! I highly recommend this book!

I have enjoyed this cookbook so much, that it has become my current favorite hostess gift! The recipes are wonderful, and I appreciate the variety of the suggested menus. Most of all, this book educates the reader with "Chefs Corner" tips and a lengthy explanation of southwestern cooking terms and proceedures. Learning how to properly roast vegetables has given a healthy boost to my repetoire, as well as introductions to other southwestern staples.The pictures are also very appealing~ this is just a delightful cookbook that I would highly recommend to anyone with an interest in colorful, healthy food.

I have used several of the menus, and have received rave reviews from all my guests. Everything I have made was FLAVORFUL,TASTY AND INTERESTING. Many of the recipes easily lend themselves to advance preparation - I prefer to spend time with my guests, and not cooking in the kitchen. There are recipes for all levels of expertise, and my 12-year old daughter has made several of the dishes. The recipes interpret historic Santa Fe cuisine in an innovative contemporary style. I am so happy to have added Summer in Santa Fe to my cookbook collection....

This absolutely gorgeous book immediately brought back memories of an idyllic summer stay I once enjoyed in Santa Fe. While the recipes themselves are quite nice, it is the photography, history of the city, and evocative intros to each section of the book that make this cookbook really stand out. The layout and design of the pages beautifully conjure the city too, with southwestern woodcut borders decorating each page. From the ripe, prettily plated blueberries on the cover, to the darling little boy in the giant sombrero in the fiesta section, this book is truly a feast for the eyes!

This is the best book. The instructions are clear and easily understood. The photos are excellent. I love this book!

A must have for anyone wanting to add another dimension to their applique.
The illustrations and the instructions are very clear. Each flower has a color picture of the results. Great book for beginners and advanced.

This is one of the nicest applique books I have found on 3 dimensional applique. Beautiful work, clear instructions and great ideas. I highly recommend it.

A ture number one book on 3D applique'. Highly recommend for all who love this style of quilting.

This book has alot of how to for learning. The picture are easy to see and understand. A great book for someone just starting. I have quilted for years and still learn new ideas.

What a lovely book. The photos are absolutely superb. So clear. Love the photo's of the owners wearing them. Such a diverse range of designs. The skill of the designers & the jewellers who made them is just brilliant. If you love jewellery this book will not disappoint you.

Excellent adventure into an art form using precious metals and jewels to make the perfect man made crowning glory. The text and photos bring a historical context to enjoy the art and creativity this subject requires. The gems , the glitter and imagined glamour make this book a must have along with Geoffrey Munn's definative text published earlier "Tiara's : A History of Splendour" .

I was lucky enough to SEE the exhibition at Vic and Albert in London and that is where I got this book. Tiaras were absolutely fabulous and the book transportes the magic and splendor very well. I gave this book to a friend who owns antique jewellery shop and am thinking about getting another copy for myself.

Wow! I just got this book, and G.Mann's huge other tiara book. This one is based on the exhibit that was done at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and contains not only old tiaras, but modern ones done just for the exhibit. There is very little overlap between the two books, so I was not disappointed. The photos are huge, clear, and show lots of detail. There's also lots of good information. The other, bigger book is a better deal at $47, but this one's no slouch either, and the price and size would make it a great gift.

[...]

I recived this book as a gift. It was one of two books on tiaras by G.C. Munn, this book gives you a look at what kind of Tiaras are being made and worn by todays Women. The Photos are of good quality and sharpness You can see the Craftmanship in each piece.
If you ever wanted to have your own Tiara this is the closest thing to it.

seeing personal items that belong to people who lost their life in such a tragic way,really touch my heart.we sometime forget they were just people like us.who had dreams and families.

This book is great for a quick read on the Titanic. The pictures are wonderful and filled with interesting captions. Also, there are brief anecdotes, such as the story behind Mr. Astor's watch. The book discreetly handles such a terrible human tragedy.

This is one of the best White Star Line Titanic books I own. As a Titaniac I find the pages of this book to be seen many, many times. Having been to the touring exhibit in Norfolk, and the exhibit at The Mariners Museum I appreciated the effort. This would make one want to visit The Orlando, FL musuem instead of those other things like Universal, or Disney World. Any Titanic, Olympic, or Britannic enthusiast would love this book to add to his/her collection.

There isn't much to say about the amazing book exept that throught the words and photos of the passangers' letters, diaries, quotes, tickets, staterooms, clothing, ect.; you get an exellent feeling of who was on the Titanic, not just a group as a whole, but you begin to know them as individuals.
Believe me, this "Fortune" is one exellent investment!!![...]

This book must adorn your bookshelf if you are a serious Titanic fan. The book contains everything from a complete passenger list, tantilizing facts and amazing pictures of artifacts that will make any "Titanic-maniac" feel like they're owning the real thing!

As you read the book, you can't help but feel as though you've been transported back to 1912 and feel a part of history...

This book is definately a keeper, Good Work!

This book has helped me to identify several pieces I have that I have
been wondering about. It has helped me to be able to differentiate
between the real thing and the fake.

Turquoise Unearthed is a well written, very useful guide to this most attractive of minerals. The organization by site or mine is helpful to those with Native American jewelry from different sources. This reader found a number of long standing interests and questions satisfied. A small volume, but a "keeper".

THIS BOOK OFFERS ALL THE INFORMATION YOU WILL EVER NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TURQUOISE. I LOVE BROWSING THROUGH IT AND KEEP IT ON MY COFFEE TABLE. ANYONE WHO HAS A LOVE OR DESIRES A KNOWLEDGE OF TURQUOISE WILL ENJOY THIS BOOK. A MUST FOR THE COLLECTOR!! YOU WILL NEVER AGAIN BUY A PIECE OF TURQUOISE WITHOUT KNOWING WHERE IT ORIGINATED FROM.

"Turquoise Unearthed" in a brief but thorough introduction to turquoise that would be suitable for anyone interested in turquoise and turquoise jewellery. Although only 74 pages in length, this book is packed full of information, including a history of turquoise, advice on purchasing turquoise, and a guide to the different turquoise mines in the American South-West. There are colour pictures throughout the book, including colour photographs of the turquoise you would find in each of the mines (yes, turquoise does differ between mines); a recommended reading list at the end; and most importantly, it actually has an index. The only thing that could have made this book better would be some sort of pricing guide. Nevertheless, this is still an excellent book and well worth the money I paid.

I have been a gem and mineral dealer for over ten years...and a rockhound for a lot longer than that...but this book taught me more in a single sitting than all my years in the buisiness and in the hobby.

I have dug, traded, bought and sold a whole bunch of "Turq"...natural, treated and "color-shot"...and this book instantly became my favorite reference for the rest of my life.

If you are planning on investing in real American or Persian turquoise jewelry or stones...and it is an investment...then this book is a "Must Have!"

No sooner did I put this book down than I called up one of my suppliers and bought all of the Blue Gem and Turquoise Mountain stones they had left in stock...I am sure they are wondering what precipitated that call!

My many thanks to the Lowry family for their labor of love...from the "Turq" Museum to this book...and I hope we cross paths real soon.

Summer 2000 Collectors's Value Guide for Ty Beanie Babies is great. Packed with lots of useful information, colorful pictures of all, and places to record your collections. Includes new Beanie Kids too!

Looking for a good book to give you information on your collection? I know this book sure helps me! This guide with it's color-filled pictures, and acurate Ty prices is the perfect book to help you with your collection. It also has bonus ways on how to tell a counterfeit from an original. I almost bought a counterfeit Pincess and Doby, if this guide didn't help me. It includes a time line of all Ty Beanie Baby events, plus information on how to tell which Beanie Baby will be expenisive in a year. I bought one for (sadly) $20 and it was $40 two months later. And don't forget, this book it good for all different stages of Beanie collecting! If you're a collector, this Beanie book is the book for you! :-)

as a 'novice' beanie collector, this book has been the MOST helpful in learning to recognize all the beanies/teenies/et al; don't waste your money on any others, as I have... the pics alone are great; i would be totally lost without this guide!

Ty Beanie Babies Summer 2000 Collecor's Guide is a great way to inventory your collection whether you collect Beanie Babies, Buddies, Teenie Beanies, or *New* Beanie Kids. This book details with a picture of each baby and value by version tags. It also has a guide to distinguish which "hang tag" or "tush tag" you have. Whether you have a large collection or just getting started, I highly recommend this book for you.

Looking for a good book to give you information on your collection? I know this book sure helps me! This guide with it's color-filled pictures, and acurate Ty prices is the perfect book to help you with your collection. It also has bonus ways on how to tell a counterfeit from an original. I almost bought a counterfeit Pincess and Doby, if this guide didn't help me. It includes a time line of all Ty Beanie Baby events, plus information on how to tell which Beanie Baby will be expenisive in a year. I bought one for (sadly) $20 and it was $40 two months later. And don't forget, this book it good for all different stages of Beanie collecting! If you're a collector, this Beanie book is the book for you! :-)