Miniature Books

I received my first set of old Britains lead toy soldiers when I was five years old. Two sets, actually, the cavalry and infantry display sets of Union and Confederate troops of the American Civil War were under the Christmas tree and I played with them until they literally fell apart, except for one Union infantryman which I still have.

I was hooked, and I scrimped and saved to get the ocassional set for myself when going down to the old Buffums' Department Store in downtown Long Beach, California through grade school and high school. Metal and plastic, swoppet knights and Guradsmen, Waterloo artillery and French Zouaves, they all found their way into my modest collection, to end up in boxes in my closet until one day in 1987 when I bought one of James Opies' superb books on Britains and the bug hit again. I broght out the old figures, put them on display and started to buy the old veterans on the secondary market, to where I now have over 2,000 of them and my modest collection is becoming somewhat definitive.

This book, which chronicles the output of Britains for 100 years is indispensable to the collector and enthusiast. If you don't own it, you are missing out on a visual treat, seeing soldiers produced by Britains that you may not know even exist. As I restore and convert the old broken ones I find, it is also invaluable as a photographic record of Britains immense output over the years.

The book was issued a Britains catalogue number, was issued in two 'versions', one with a set of four new figures, two Scots' Greys and two fusiliers, in a box, the other with a dustcover.

The book IS expensive, but well worth the cost, and I have used it innumerable times to research a figure, read the text, or to just enjoy the pictures.

I have over 4,000 total Britains now, old and new, metal and plastice, and the collection has grown in large part because of James Opie, and his books, especially this one.

This lavishly illustrated history of the world's greatest manfacturer of toy soldiers is a must for fans of William Britain's company. From the early hollow metal days through the years of great plastic models to the recent resurgence of metals, it's all in here.

It felt wonderful after many years to be making the Gregg characters again! This is a GREAT little book! If I could make one wish, though, I'd wish for the "Short Forms" and some examples of words used in sentences, or perhaps even illustrative dictation. But it's good to know that Gregg is still out there, making a difference.

At 39, and the second time around at taking shorthand (orig. took in high school in 1978) this book adds to the learning process and supplies help in several areas of brief forms, phrases and it greatly necessary when transcribing someone elses shorthand.

How we did without it before is unknown!

This is an adorable little book about plants and gardening. Very informative with gorgeous illustrations in a tiny package! :)

Great for chasing away the winter blahs.

A lovely and informative book that is beautifully illustrated.

Ezra Pound, William Carlos Williams, H.D., Richard Aldington, Amy Lowell--all those most associated with the Imagist movement, the leaders of the movement are in this anthology, as well as some poets you don't quite expect (such as Carl Sandburg, e.e. cummings & Wallace Stevens). Also within these pages are T.S. Eliot, James Joyce, D.H. Lawrence, Marianne MooreT.E. Hulme, F.S. Flint, Archibald MacLeish, John Gould Fletcher, Herbert Read, Max Michelson, and Adelaide Crapsey. This is an important anthology because of how important the Imagist movement, and the poets involved in it, was to the creation of modern poetry. Pratt explains it best in his essay/introduction to the anthology. Which is yet another reason to pick up this book, Pratt's essay is truly one of the best about the Imagism. I can't recommend this enough.

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William Pratt's Preface and Introduction provide perspective and a history behind the Imagist movement in poetry. Pratt credits T.E. Hulme as being the first Imagist poet and the genre's driver - through his London Poets' Club. Hulme is credited as initiating the first interval of Imagist poetic output. Pratt states: "...the periods of Imagist activity were brief, sporadic, and practically discontinuous. Which is only to say that the history of Imagism was like its poetic product-a pattern of lucid intervals. His Introduction, written in 1963, covers the history, theory, and "place" of the Imagist poem in modern poetry. Granted, there is likely more thorough analyses and discussions of Imagism available elsewhere, but in 29 pages Pratt does an exquisite job.

The anthology of poetry is wonderful. Pratt pulled together work from poets most commonly associated with the Imagist movement, as well as some surprises. One can argue that keystone Imagist poems are missing from the collection, but its clear that Pratt has assembled an excellent anthology nonetheless. There is plenty of space on the pages to allow the poems to breathe - which adds to the enjoyment of reading. Included in the volume are poems by Hulme, F.S. Flint, Ezra Pound, H.D., Richard Aldington, Amy Lowell, Herbert Read, John Gould Fletcher, Adelaide Crapsey, as well as James Joyce, William Carlos Williams, D.H. Lawrence, Wallace Stevens, Marianne Moore, e.e. cummings, Carl Sandburg, and Archibald MacLeish. Each poet has anywhere from a handful to 15 poems included.

All in all, this truly is, as the cover proclaims, "An anthology of the finest Imagist poems," I'm glad to see it's still in print and can highly recommend it.

This is one of the best bonsai books. It should be in every seriuos hobbyst's library. It contains all the information needed to get started on bonsai. It has an apendix for tools, equipment and soil, and another one very helpfull, with plant names in Chinese-Japanese Characters. Yoshimora is a truly great Bonsai master. The disvantages are that the B&w photos are not of very good quality and the text can be a little tedious to read

This book, beyond a doubt, has all of the information the serious bonsai artist needs to know. A friend gave me this book when I first expressed an interest in bonsai, and it succeeded in intimidating me. The authors provide very thorough details about creating bonsai, and take it to the level of science rather than art. However, it is because of this high degree of detail that I was struck with how serious the art really can be. I find it unfortunate that it is currently out of print, since it does cover bonsai in such detail. I would tend to recommend Japanese Art of Miniature Trees and Landscapes to the person who is quite dedicated to pursuing the art, and would not recommend it to a person with a more casual interest.

I received this book as a gift and what a surprisingly smart and thoughtful gift it has been. As a busy working mom I travel a good deal of the time and making Meg's finger puppets is the perfect in flight activity! Trust me I am not a crafty mom but I can manage making these puppets. Small enough to pack away plus a great present to give to my daughters when I arrive home. I will be gifting my mom friends with this book!

Recently, my husband went on a trip to Antarctica and he would tell our daughter about all the penguins he met on his trip. A friend gave us 4 penguin finger puppets that she made from the book. We've named these finger puppets and they each have their own personality. The puppets are just delightful and everyone loves to play with them (underline and bold everyone). They are easily packed in my handbag for my daughter. If you are looking for a unique gift, this book is it. We've had people who have never knit before creating these puppets (including me). What is best about the book is that it also shows you how to create your own. AMAZING.

No two wreaths are alike, yet they are all beautiful. Each reflects the character and ability of an individual - romantic, vivacious, formal, or gentle - and conveys the refreshing uniqueness inherent in each of us. ~Teddy Colbert

I was amazed when I first notice a real-life succulent wreath. I had no idea you could grow plants in a wreath shape. This book shows you how to make living wreaths and how to care for them. There are horizontal and vertical styles. You might want to make one as a table wreath or even hand one like a chandelier with candles.

The chapter on "Making It From Scratch" shows you exactly what you need to make the wreath, from soil quantities to how much copper wire and moss you will need.

While reading this fascinating little book you will also find lore and decorating ideas. Once you have read about how to make the wreaths, you can adapt the basic design with other plant materials. The Culinary Herbs section shows a wreath made with Italian parsley, summer savory, cilantro and basil. The most interesting wreath is the one where you grow strawberries.

~The Rebecca Review

Nothing makes a garden project book better than glossy photos and clear step-by-step instructions. The Living Wreath has both! This Martha (Stewart, that is) approved activity developed by Teddy Colbert, is an exciting way to look at "container" planting. Although the book sometimes seems to be a vehicle for promoting Teddy's living wreath products, including tools, materials and completed wreaths, her products are not necessary to create your own living wreath. Teddy's technique was created with succulent plant materials and the majority of the "how-to" section focuses on creating a succulent living wreath however, there are also inspirational examples of adaptions that include such creative ideas as a fresh herb "clock" for the kitchen, a living strawberry wreath, a fresh spring greens wreath (put it in the center of your dining table and let everyone "pick" their own salad!) plus several flowering wreaths with petunias and impatiens or a beautiful mix of flowering annuals. 50 wreaths are pictured in all. A great book for the "crafter" in ever gardener.

The small shape of these books are perfect for a 15 mth old and up to hold and carry around. They are easy to carry in the diaper bag but longer than most board books so your kid is entertained longer in the car, on the changing table, . . . I also highly recommend the Fast Machines, Rescue Machines, etc. series. My kid loves all eight!

I purchased this book to use with my Pre-K class. The pictures are gorgeous and translations appropriate. There is no "story" or "rhyme", just pages identifying colors and a few bonus pages at the back about stripes, polka dots, etc. The only BUT I have about this book is pay attention to the dimensions: It's only 3 inches tall. Muy bien for a Smurf--not so great for a class of 20 kids.

This is an excellent book and I have enjoyed it very much. It is easy to follow the instructions and there are many of them in this book. She does concentrate a lot on English miniatures, these are useful though. She gives many tips and instructions on how to use everyday items and turn them into beautiful miniatures with excellent step by step instructions. I was and still am very impressed by this book. I also paid more for mine since I purchased it in a retail store. Buy it Here! Believe me you are saving money! You won't be selling or giving this one away, but you will have it worn around the edges from using it so much. I know you will enjoy it as much as I have. I plan on using it for a long time there are still so many things to do and make. I have just scratched the surface. Although this is a 5 star book, I do not like to put that on anything, I like to see the authors continue to strive for better things. I do thank her for the wonderful work and the clear concise instructions and wonderful pictures in this book. As I said in the beginning, it is a keeper!

Wonderful household accessories from the Tudor through early Art Nouveau periods. The section on making electrified lighting is outstanding. Items shown look like expensive antiques. However, all are made from very cheap supplies and found objects. Easy instructions and lots of color photos. Complementary books from the same British publisher: 1) Making Victorian Dolls' House Furniture. 2) Making Dolls' House Furniture. 3) Dolls' House Bathrooms: Lots of Little Loos. All by Patricia King.

MINI QUILTS gives directions for making the small quilts that are used for wall hangings. Most of the quilts are smaller than 36 inches by 36 inches.

The book is divided into 7 chapters. Techniques, Traditional Quilts, Applique Quilts, Amish & Mennonite Quilts, Scrap Quilts, Templates and Quilting Patterns. These chapters give the directions for making 17 different quilts.

The instructions are good and I really liked the various design and color combinations of the quilts. The skill levels are varied, but this is a good way to try out small projects and get a taste of the many designs shown in the book.

This book features quilts as described in the above review. There are simple and challenging projects. All the projects show a completed quilt top which feature a range of colour themes, with an emphasis on bold contrasts and strong colours. There is an introduction covering the basics of piecing and quilting as well as quick sew methods.