Artifacts Books

Bonita Campbell has done a phenomenal job. She has the gift of providing whatever needs to be said. i am amazed at the scope and accuracy of her work, and ma the good Lord bless her and the work she is doing.

I wear the hats of both an artist, and a collector of decorative aluminum. As an artist, I am drawn to the Campbell book, because it represents the first fully researched history of the company that introduced this uniquely American art form. As a collector, I am delighted to find a work that gives me information to determine the provenance, including dating, of the Wendell August Forge artifacts.

A beautifully illustrated book showing countless vintage pieces of hand forged aluminum artwork of exceptional rarity. Comprehensive appendixes on trademark handstamp marks and dating clues allows collectors and dealers to date peices with considerable accuracy. This book is valuable to novice and experienced collectors, antique dealers, researchers and historians. It is destined to become an essential resource to anyone interested in decorative, architectural or hand hammered aluminum.

"Wendell August Forge: Seventy Five Years of Artistry in Metal," by Bonita Campbell, is a benchmark work. For dealers and collectors of decorative and hammered aluminum giftware, the book is noteworthy because it is well researched, well written and generously illustrated. Campbell skillfully relates in a readable narrative format, the history of this company and its place in the decorative aluminum industry that it founded. Moreover, Campbell's research also gives the reader information on company marks, motifs, and production styles, that makes it possible to date Wendell August Forge pieces. Collectors and dealers who know the provenance of a piece will always have advantage over those who do not. We can only hope that Campbell, as a noteworthy expert in this genre, will soon be publishing additional works about decorative aluminum.

Finally, a well researched book that chronicles the Wendell August Forge, pioneers of hand forged decorative aluminum giftwares and architectural items. Not only does this book detail the incredible story of the Wendell August Forge but also gives much insight into other producers who had their beginnings with the forge. Artisans such as, Arthur Armour, James DePonceau and Arthur Palmer along with many others are briefly discussed also. Wendell August Forge: Seventy Five Years of Artistry in Metal is beautifully illustrated showing scores of wonderful pieces of hand forged aluminum items of both giftware and architectural nature. Appendices showing marks help to date pieces more accurately, making this book valuable to collectors, dealers and researchers. This book is extremely well written and is a joy to read. You will refer to it again and again!

This book is a nice sci-fi tale about the journey of an ancient artififact and all the lives it affects along the way. Told by nine authors, it flows seamlessly and grasps the reader at page one, not letting go until the final, thrilling chapter! Highly recommended to all!

This book is an amazing Sci Fi adventure, full of mystery and suspense. A book for any fan of sci fi. It kept me on the edge of my seat and wanting more.

THE ARTIFACT: AN ANTHOLOGY is an awesome read. I want to let everyone know there are nine authors involved in it's writing and every word is worth every penny!

Many thanks to: Chris Whigham, Eugene Ramos, Carolee Eubanks, Leila McNamara, D.G. McMurry Jr., Christpher Valin, Sally Jean Genter, Steve Boudreault and Sheri McMurray!!

A great book written a by a group of people who's story is almost as interesting as the tapestry they created.

Great book! Moving chapters, with a nice twist at the end. You'll love it if you enjoy fiction. What makes this book unique is that each chapter is written by a different author; yet, each chapter progresses the overall story.

I believe Mr. Bennett is take over for one of the late great authors of artifacts. The book is well done like his Authentication Book.
Looking forward to the next in the series!!

Purchased this book for my husband. My son has been collecting for years and has recently got him hooked! He loves this book and the detail!

Libraries catering to either archaeologists or amateur Indian collectors and historians will relish Jim Bennett's collector's guide ANCIENT INDIAN ARTIFACTS VOLUME 1: INTRODUCTION TO COLLECTING. It provides a fine survey of Indian artifacts, including Rowe's glossary of artifact terms, and covers artifacts ranging from pottery to arrowheads, drills, weights and more. More than just a valuation guide, it offers plenty of historical background on how the Indian artifacts were used, where they can be located, how they are identified and arranged into a collection, and other topics key to artifact collecting.

This new book is an overview of collecting ancient artifacts that will help novice and seasoned collectors alike understand their avocation. The thousands of artifacts, ranging from "field grade" to "museum quality", are all authentic and portrayed well with the excellent photography.
Bennett begins with American prehistory and the timelines of archaeology then describes in detail the classes of artifacts encountered. Subsequent chapters define artifact grading and values, then how to build a collection. Reproductions are defined but as this book is only the first in a series of six, more details will come in future books. One of the best features in Volume 1 is the inclusion of Rowe's Glossary of Artifact Terms, a valuable resource for students of archaeology and hobbyists alike.
Ancient Indian Artifacts Volume 1 Introduction to Collecting is sure to become a classic reference for all collectors of prehistoric relics. This is a first-class publication with unequalled information and photography that should be a part of all collection libraries.

This was an interesting tale, and kept me occupied for its total length. During the course of the book, it came to pass that the author was keen on embellishment where he saw fit, and I began to wonder how much of the book was embellishment and how much was actually real. He mentions hardly anything of his day-to-day life outside of his quest, which would have been nice to hear about. There is no mention of where his money to live came from during all these years after he left his wife and kids; nor who footed the bill for his air and land travel. Was he privy to a trust fund, or did his wife give him a stipend? He doesn't mention anywhere getting paid to do his "research." The book would have been more balanced had he included more of his "real" life, as it seems like everything after he left his family was golden.

Daniel Stat fully explains how he rediscovered this technology for instant transformation that has been lost for 1,000 and how it has transformed his life. Since I steward a set of his Whistling Vessels, the book helped me to better understand how I can share this technology with others using the Whistling Vessels and made me respect their power even more. I recommend this book to everyone who attends my Shamanic Whistling Vessels Ceremonies.

www.shamanicwhistlingvessels.com

I could hardly put this book down, of particular interest to me because the author went to Friends School, just a mile or so away from me. He had a great interest in American antiques, and began hanging around a popular tavern in a historic area in the hope of meeting a wealthy woman. He hit the jackpot and
married a descendant of Benjamin Franklin who lived in a 200-year old historic house, and they continued to accumulate appropriate antiques.

At one antique auction, he picked up a little Peruvian whimsical-looking clay pot, and blew into the spout, which
emitted a whistle. Embarrassed, he set it back down, but for
some unknown reason, was compelled to buy it. At home, he sat
down and blew into it, and immediately had a terrifying out-of-body experience.

This led to a long odyssey of becoming an expert on these pots
(not just whimsical curiosities, but used harmonically in consciousness-expanding rites), exploring the Peruvian and other native cultures, and he was able to advise the Smithsonian about their collection. It ended his marriage as well.

It's interesting to speculate what triggered this experience. His background is Eastern European, no Peruvian roots.
Shakespeare had it right - "there are more things on heaven and earth than are dreamed of in your philosophy" (Hamlet)

This is an interesting little book, written in a very believable and likable voice. A great read.

Wagner's book on chronological methods applicable to recent materials is an outstanding achievement in terms of completeness, clarity, and ability to present multidisciplinary materials in a consistent and readable form. All chronological methods, even the most recent ones, are carefully described in principles and practice, including an impressive array of well described examples and case studies. A MUST for every serious geologist and archeologist, absolutely necessary for geo-archeologists and archaeometrists.

The book provides a reader with a very complete introduction to physico-chemical methods of datation. The book contains clear and complete explanations of terminology and methodological basis (geology, as well as physics) allowing the beginning reader to understand the essence of described methods and their limitations. Many additional information make it also an excellent handbook to specialists. One can find here practical advice, common traps, datation possibilities vs. archaeological and geological materials and enlarged references. It is a really good example of German precision and exactitude.
I strongly recommend this book to all archaeologists and naturalists. It could be also a very educative piece of reading for students and non-specialists interested in the subject.

Within this book's content,several qualities are united which make it not only the best aviable introductory textbook into such crucial topic for archaeology and anthropology,but a truly unique contribution that transcendes the compromistic exposure of subject which could be found within more formal textbook.

First,author provided brief but quintessential introduction into the very fundaments of physical and chemical properties which are relevant in those phenomenons which enable exegesis of temporal relations in the form of absolute chronology.

Second,a highly critical disscusion is given for selected materials and their specific characteristic,with conclusions about dating methods which are most appropriate,plus refference to other part of the book which deals with dating methods per se,and this was a very wise choise in semantical organisation,since it enables easy refference to particular issue.

While one could think of style as something not important with regard to books that are dealing with hard science,this is not case here,because author truly suceeded in making his presentation inteligable to readers who are not experts in nuclear physics,but are obliged to know fundaments,methods,and logic of age determination process in quaternary geology-geologists,anthropologists,paleontologists,archaeologists.

Students of these sciencies have often difficulties in finding materials of explanatory,introductory,practical and bibliographical kind,since it is often too fragmentated to be easily obtained.Up to this day,this book is absolutely the best for that purpose.

Finnaly,one must mention that within entire content,one persistant quality is wide diapazon of perspectives on subject-ranging from theoretical and empirical foundation,to such practical aspects as proper taking of samples.Richly illustrated,with strong bibliographic back-up,this is book that is definitely the most accurate scrutinisation of quarternary age determination,and one needs to follow progress in the field from other,more proptly informative sources-corections in calibration,development and refinement of method etc.-but no more to seek for book that synthetises this area of science in a fashion that is both approachable and also professional.

I purchased this book after many other arrowhead/artifact book purchases, this book gave to me, personally, more information, it was simple to read and understandable. I was able to identify alot of items I had found on my property here in the mountains. I know he is in CO. but there were a good lot of items I could identify from here in OR. by the illustration and writing identification. I would like to thank Mr. Yeager for writing an easy to follow book on artifacts and such...I would also LOVE to see his collection sometime. :0)

This guide contains information on what artifacts are made of, how they were made as well as the types of places to look for them. It also offers valuable moral advice on site preservation and the laws pertaining to artifact collection.

June 19,1992 was surface finding in a plowed field in Wilmore Ky., found to my surprise found a 10 pound mint, polished axe. Was very excited... I have found 2000 pieces over the past 10 years. Just found a top to a water jug. Would enjoy any correspondence from other collector's. have many different types found in only 5 fields. cannot identify all of them...One is a triple fulton turkey tail arrowhead, notched at bottom. I also have a piece of drift wood with a large spear inside wood with a celt, and other piece unidentified.

I have enjoyed owning this book thet I use at work as a Historic Interpretor for the state of North Carolina. I would be interested in purchasing the BBC documentary that furnished the cover photo.

Before the Mast: Life and Death Aboard the Mary Rose (Archaeology of the Mary Rose) (Archaeology of the Mary Rose)Has to be one of teh BEST research tools available for this period. I have personally used it to create reproductions. We''l planned, executed and illustrated. If you need information on 16th century sailing ships and the sailors, this is it.

The Mary Rose shipwreck is a unique time capsule for those interested in history, let alone in Tudor England. The range of artifacts represent the life, death and warfare aboard a late medieval ship, consisting of the naval equipment, arms and armaments (arrows, bows, cannon, etc), furniture, clothing, the bones of those drowned, jewellery, medical supplies, games, musical instruments, and this list goes on. Because of the condition of the finds it is a great reference for those using it to make replicas. The descriptions, line drawings and measurements make it all the easier to understand how the artifacts were made and used.

The presentation and and text is well done and easy to read. All in all a worthy addition to any libary or bookshelf.

In today's society it is common place to be forced to suffer through an extremist's babble about their causes and religions. "Does Your Dogma Bite" takes an anti-special interest group approach to the differences of some of the hottest push button topics we face as a society. It gives a hypodermic injection under the topical skin of peoples belief's and forces one to think outside their own "soapboxes". Read it and experience the rush of freedom from complacency. IT IS A MUST READ FOR TODAYS MOVERS AND SHAKERS!!!!

This book reads like a novel although it can be Biblically supported. The footnotes are hilarious. What is it about?? Our concept of God, religion, and practical rules for decision making on everything we encounter and struggle through in life, love and our decisions (which we may not have made on our own). I am a cradle born Episcopalian who frequently gets "turned off" by the locked in thinking of some Christians who are more interested in defining "sin" than by looking at the real point of Christianity and our creator's plans for us and our happiness. Just read it and see . . .even and especially if you hate religion. Author is a talented writer, methodical, humorous and a born teacher. Do yourself a favor and read it . . . .entertaining, informative and food for thought. I've never read anything like it, but my copy is already dog-eared! Beware: this is NOT a self-help psychobabble book and you can discuss it at all the holiday parties!

I am a public speaker and a trainer. After about forty pages, I was already recommending this book to audiences, and by the time I was finished I would place it in the top ten books that I've ever read (with the likes of Zig Ziglar, Stephen Covey, Robert Schuller, Tony Robbins, and Shad Helmstetter). This is not a self-help book, nor is it written to entertain. It pushes the reader to examine long-held beliefs only to find that those beliefs might be grounded on false assumptions. It had me laughing one minute and scratching my head the next. The author has an incredible ability to lay out a theoretical framework and at the same time, through HUMOROUS footnotes, convey complex ideas in the simplest terms. As a former Social Studies teacher, I wish that I had read this book while I was teaching; it would have made it much simpler to explain complex concepts in everyday language, and to teach students to look beyond the surface. For example, Aud draws parallels between the temperance movement, Communism, and present-day education in a way that the similarities are obvious.

This is a must read for anyone interested in change, religion, prejudice, the affective aspects of decision-making, etc. If you are going to use it as a book for group discussion, be aware that some references are borderline risque, but in the context of the subject matter, it lightens the content nicely.

My hat is off to the author!

I think one of the reasons why I like this series so much...aside from the yummy alpha male hero's is due to the fact that each small episode is a stand alone read so if you've missed any you aren't left scratching your head in wonder. These stories are short, steamy, and with great protagonists that compliment each other very well.

Eli is in in a tight situation. He has just returned to undercover duty after being poisoned. He has lost a lot of ground and he must now free 12 women and one thorn in his side lady before they are all sold into slavery. Taking his one shot at making sure this happens he indirectly involves the "thorn in his side" or Stella to create a diversion in order to make contact with the Smithson Group in order to make arrangements to get the heck out of dodge. Well, the diversion works...maybe a little to well and the hostage becomes the prison taker when Eli feels a little more for Stella than irritation. Can he get Stella and himself out of harms way or will Spectra IT win?

This was a very short story. It totals only 115 pages. As a result readers are in for a very fast-paced read since there is a lot included within the previously mentioned pages. Ms. Kent has made the most of what she offers so readers should not be let down in the slightest. I look forward to the continuation of this series and recommend that you check out this series!

Official Reviewer for www.romancedesigns.com

I read this book not expecting it to live up to The Beach Alibi, my favorite in this series. It proved me wrong and delivered a healthy wallop; definitely the most earthy, most gritty and the edgiest of this series to date. Eli McKenzie is attempting to rescue young girls who have been kidnapped and are headed for an uncertain future. Stella Banks is on a mission to retrieve the missing daughter of her housekeeper when she herself is taken captive, necessitating Eli's interference with her captors in order to keep her safe. Eli and Stella are naturals together and they go together like a hand and glove, perhaps the most compatible couple in this series. Thankfully there are continuing stories yet to come from Ms. Kent's incredibly creative mind, I am eagerly anticipating each one!

Alison Kent's The McKenzie Artifact grabs you on page one and doesn't let go.

Eli McKenzie's undercover SG-5 agent is trying to stop the selling of young girls by Spectra. A major thorn in his side is PI Stella Banks. Eli was poisoned several months ago and is just now coming back to the rebel camp. He finds Stella being held captive and subjected to the men from the camp. Eli joins forces with Stella to save the girls and to get out alive.

Eli and Stella are a perfect match, both in determination, wits and passion. The McKenzie Artifact is a fast paced story, it's another gem in the SG-5 saga. Though it's a short story it's packed with intrigue, steamy sex and friendship. Everything I look for in an Alison Kent book.

This is a testimony. A book that maybe can't be done anymore. A reminder of a lost identity among franchise. A poem to the past.

A great photographer is one who sees the beauty in the banal and everyday aspects of our surroundings, and frames and shoots so that these things are brought to our attention. And so it is with Jeff Brouws. "Readymades" is a collection of subjects that are so much a part of America's cultural landscape that they are barely noticeable; 60's tract homes repainted in bright, hot colours; pick-up trucks with dents, primer touch-ups and replacement panels; ruins of the 20th century - drive-ins and gasoline stations; farmyard buildings; neglected freight cars and trailer homes in various states of abandonment, ten-pin bowling buildings and accompanying signs, roadside and inner-city signs advertising goods and services long forgotten, and even an artifact of the current age - storage units - which already have an aura of desolation.

My favorite series is of the "Partially Painted Pick-Up Trucks". Deeply American; all of these vehicles indicate a gritty, blue-collar life, yet there is something in them that is inexplicably beautiful and noble. The ghostly and forlorn aspect of the abandoned drive-ins and gasoline stations bring to mind the questions - "who worked here"? and "did this place really mean anything to anyone"?. "Do they ever think of it" and even "where are these people now"? "Dead? - and does anyone care"?

Books of this type are quite often large and unwieldy (big pictures usually equals bigger visual impact). This one is small (15cm x 23.5cm x 2.5cm) and much easier to handle, but this does not reduce the value of the photography; the power of the images has been retained. For its genre, the book is exceptionally good value (particularly for the current price on Amazon); 272 pages, including over 220 crisp, sharp images. The essays accompanying each section are short and enjoyable, being as they are personal reflections by different contributing writers who have some real connection to the subjects, and - thankfully - there is no tedious discussion of photographic technicalities or of the merits of urban photography. Overall, this is a thorough exploration of the range of Jeff Brouws' work. After this, I would strongly recommend his "Approaching Nowhere" - a much larger book in terms of size, but a closer and deeper examination of the American landscape.

Yet another roadie book but `Readymades' is a cut above the usual photographic selection of what can be seen along the nation's back roads. For a start the book is landscape, just the right shape for images that are basically horizontal. Secondly the photos are divided into sections rather than loosely hung together by state or date order. Thirdly the choice of material is refreshing, for example, tract housing, freight cars, trailers or storage units (no kidding).

This is Jeff Brouws second road book, his first, the excellent `Highway: America's Endless Dream', was more the traditional photographic road book, a mixture of everything plus a selection of interesting black and white images from the thirties and forties. I like the formal arrangement of `Readymades'. By having each of the eleven chapters devoted to a particular theme he "presents the subject in the most factual terms possible" as Diana Gaston says in her intro. The chapters are tract housing, signs, abandoned drive-ins, farms, pickups, abandoned gas stations, boxcars, signs two, trailers, bowling and finally storage units.

Partially painted pickup trucks are just that, twenty-five of them are all taken side on and nicely framed within the image area. Twenty-six abandoned gas stations (in black and white) are one to a page and just the sort of thing Robert Frank would have stopped his car for back in the fifties. Freight cars, again one to a page and neatly framed, are an amazing colored selection of various shades of rust and railroad livery. Perhaps the most unusual chapter is storage units, hardly the sort of thing to capture the creative eye but here they are, eighteen shots including a stunning one taken in West Virginia in 2001 showing three power station cooling towers in the distance, the storage units in the middle and a parking lot in the foreground. The photos of these units remind me of Lewis Baltz and his photos of the industrial parks in Irvine, CA, simple oblongs just placed in the landscape.

`Readymades' is a refreshing look and presentation of the vernacular everyday and I think it might well turn out to be a classic photo book of the decade.

***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.