Miniature Books

If you have been looking for a tiny address book to carry with you in your purse or pocket, this is an excellent choice. The adorable size does not mean you will have no place to write. In fact, there are only two entries per page, allowing for name, address, phone and e-mail. The picture on the front can be changed and you can insert a picture of your favorite person, pet or nature scene. The durable cover and little pen makes this a practical and useful address book that may also be given as a gift. A ribbon bookmark is included so you can keep the location of your most frequently dialed phone numbers highly accessible. Of course you could put them in speed dial, but what fun would that be? Another use for this book is to fill it with addresses so when you are on vacation, you can easily send out postcards.

~The Rebecca Review

"Alliance and Empire" is the seventh expansion set for the Star Wars Miniatures game, which started with the Rebel Storm Starter set back in September, 2004 (see more about the minis game itself in my addendum below). This set was released to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Star Wars. As such, these figures have a special square bases with "Star Wars" written on the front. HOWEVER, THIS SET IS STILL FULLY COMPATIBLE WITH THE OTHER STAR WARS MINIS SETS. There are 60 different figures in this set. Each booster comes with seven durable, pre-painted minis (including one rare OR one very rare figure).

The first thing I look for in any expansion set are how many characters I recognize from the movies (vs. those that appeared only in the books). I am particularly interested in figures from the original trilogy, and I am happy to say that there are at least 40 figures from the original trilogy in this set. Most are interesting and/or more powerful variations of earlier figures (for example, Boba Fett, Lando Calrissian, Jabba, Wampa, R2-D2 with C-3PO, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Imperial Governor Tarkin, three different versions of Han Solo, and three different versions of Luke Skywalker). But, some of the figures have never been released before (for example, Wicket the Ewok, Ewok Hang Glider, and Jawa on Ronto). Notably, there are even a few great new common and uncommon figures from the original trilogy in this set (for example, Death Star Trooper, Death Star Gunner, Rebel Commando Strike Leader, Talz Spy, and a variation of the Ewok with a bow -- rather than just melee attack).

The rest of the figures are either from the prequel, the books, or generic/minor characters (however, some of these characters are also very good -- especially for use in the Star Wars RPG).

In sum, this expansion set is excellent for those interested in the original trilogy, and fair for those interested in the prequel.

ADDENDUM: (Please note that I include this addendum at the end of all my Star Wars minis reviews, so if you've read it before, there is no need to read it again.) If you want to play the Star Wars minis game as it was designed to be played, it is best to have at least one starter (each starter comes with game instructions, a map, a D20, terrain tiles that are very helpful and add great variety to the game, and more). I like the Rebel Storm Starter the best because it's from the classic era/trilogy, but the Clone Strike and Revenge of the Sith starters from the newer movies will also work. If you don't want to invest in a starter, you can also get one of the three "Ultimate Missions" books, as each comes with a double sided map and a few smaller terrain tiles (again, I like the Rebel Strom Ultimate Missions book the best because it is also from the classic era/trilogy). Or, you can buy the "Attack on Endor" scenario pack, which comes with TWO double sided maps (in addition to a scaled AT-ST that is fully usable in play). The main point here is that you'll need some type of map/grid. If you don't want to buy a Star Wars one, generic ones are also available at most gaming stores (you can use your imagination to set the scene, or draw terrain with an erasable marker right on the grid). Of course, the minis are also useful for the roleplaying game (RPG) - in which case you may not need a starter or map, but will likely need the "Core Rulebook" instead. Finally, they are just fun to collect for those who like all things Star Wars!

My favorite alphabet book. My 20 month old insists on reading it every day - I haven't told her its a 'coffee table book for adults' yet (see book description). A true master of the linocut print.

very simple and easy to understand. one of my son's favorite books. I would recommend it to anybody.

Its as simple as they come but it works! My four month old baby boy is mesmerized by it!

I read this book, and was very moved, and saddened and laughed at alot of the things that Amber was saying. I feel this book should not only be viewed by children, but also adults. Anyone who has a pet would relate. But this is a story that tells you that you can do anything you put your mind to do. And LOVE can in alot of ways conquer anything. Amber was so loved that she didn't want her Family to be without her. She had her way of telling her family things that no other would understand. Read the book, it is worth it. It is encouragement to all.

Great background history on miniature art and the Manney collection. Only wish I'd been able to see the works in person!

AMERICANA IN MINIATURE is a unique panorama of the American past. Thirty different periods in American history from colonial days until the turn of the twentieth century have been captured in specially constructed miniature settings that show the way people lived in each period. Each miniature illustrates in painstaking detail the clothing that Americans wore in a particular period, the way their homes were furnished, the recreation they enjoyed, the important historical events and technological developments they witnessed. We can see in these scenes not only the major events of our history, like the American Revolution and the Civil War, but the smaller details of daily life, such as the first newspaper in the colonies, the introduction of knives and forks, the first paper bags in stores.

Each miniature is shown in color on a full page and in numerous detail photographs, accompanied by descriptive text. Thus the reader can get a complete visual impression of a particular time in the past and at the same time learn about the events and customs of the people who lived at that time.

Because these miniatures give such a vivid feeling about the American past, everyone who wants to learn more about the history of the United States as its 200th birthday is being celebrated will find this book fascinating and rewarding. And teachers, hobbyists, doll and toy collectors, antique fans and needlework enthusiasts will find it of special interest. It is a perfect introduction to American history for adults and children alike.

AMERICANA IN MINATURE has been described as "folk art being used to tell folk history of America." The miniatures are so beautifully done, each doll and costume and piece of furniture so exquisitely fashioned by the author, that they are entertainment in themselves; they can also tell us a great deal about the past we all share.

This book was my favorite gift last xmas. I've found countless pages of quotes that relate directly to my life. The thoughtful and thought provoking insights are both entertaining and helpful. I'm buying 4 and giving them to women that I work with.

If you want to learn more about scale modelling (armored vehicles specifically) than this book is "the" book to own. It's been put together almost like a cook book with an extremely sturdy reinforced external cover and then the book inside is spiral bound (sturdy plastic spiral) so it has been well designed to be placed open on your home workbench (without the pages flipping or book closing itself). The topics covered include everything you could or would need to know about building scale models of armored subjects. The chapters include: Tools/Materials/Paints, Example building tiger tank, painting and finishing, creating bases, working with photo-etched metal, working with resin and white metal, scratch building conversions, at least 3 more example model building instructions, a final chapter on reference and research. The pictures are color, very detailed and well chosen to provide reference for the written sub-sections. The overview of tools is current, and very complete going over photo-etch bending tools such as the hold-and-fold, the grab handler, the brass-assist tool, etc. The price of this book is absolutely worth it considering it really is like a school text book or a very detailed cook book for the scale model builder. If you are just getting into this hobby and like building armored subjects I would say this book is an absolute must own (even if you have been building models for a few years you will still find some very good info). I was hesitant at first since the price is a bit higher than most other how-to type books but once you have it in your hand you will understand that this isn't at all like most modelling books and that even paying 25% more, this book would still be an excellent value... 5 stars all the way.