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Is This An Antique?
Reflecting
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New Books for Collectors
—
May 2007
Warman’s
Children’s Books –
Identification and Price Guide
by Steve Santi
Reviewed by Robert Reed
(Antique & Collectible News Service)
 |
Warman’s Children’s Books offers grand coverage for the collector plus lots of pleasant childhood memories as well. A wistful reader or two will fondly hope that many of those books of childhood are now perhaps safely tucked away back home by good old mom. Lots of luck kids.
Whether holding a treasure chest of such beloved books from the past or perhaps trying to assemble one, Children’s Books is most helpful.
More than 2,700 color photographs and secondary market listings are included. Among those listings are the title, book, author, illustrator, page count, publication date and current value.
The book’s author also provides an enlightening introduction to such leading publishers as Golden Books, Whitman, Rand McNally, Wonder, Treasure, Owl, Pied Piper and Star-Bright. Generally, the generous coverage extends from the 1940s through the 1970s.
In the section on Little Golden Books author Steve Santi notes that during World War II a paper shortage in the United States had a major effect on children’s books.
“To help ease this shortage, in 1943 the War Production Board put restrictions on paper use,” explains Santi. “As a result, retailers were receiving only one of every 10 books they ordered. Once the paper shortage was over, back orders that had piled up during the shortage began to be filled, and the company now had thousands of new customers.”
Besides Little Golden Books, there is also coverage of other favorites such as Tell-A-Tale, See Saw Books, Fuzzy Books, Elf and Junior Elf, and Wonder Books.
Santi is a familiar name in collecting children’s books based on his pioneering work with Little Golden Books. He has already written three books on that enduring subject for Krause Publications.
Warman’s Children’s Books – Identification and Price Guide color illustrated with 256 pages, is $24.99 plus shipping from Krause Publications, 1-800-258-0929.
Chinese Provincial
Furniture – Selections from the Late Qing Dynasty
by Kimberly R. Hessler
Reviewed by Robert Reed
(Antique & Collectible News Service)
 |
Chinese Provincial Furniture written by Kimberly Hessler offers essential information and dazzling illustrations within its appealing format. Sections of the quality volume are drawn from the late Qing Dynasty, basically that period from the early 1800s through the early 1900s. Included are chairs, benches, beds, screens, stands, storage pieces and other items used in the eight Chinese provinces.
“Furniture from the Ming Dynasty is nearly impossible to find unless it is passed down through a family member,” notes the author. “Qing Dynasty furniture, on the other hand is still moderately available and affordable. My collection of vernacular furniture is primarily from the central and northern provinces of China.”
Hessler explains in an introduction that the book provides information on construction, lacquer, style and functionality. Adds the author, “In doing so, I thought it was important to categorize the furniture by regional province, thus allowing the reader to appreciate the complexity of the furnishings from each province.”
Certain chapters divide the book into northern, southeastern and central regions. There are also chapters on selection, restoration and pricing. Current values are also included with the hundreds of fine quality photographs.
Chinese Provincial Furniture by Kimberly Hessler, hardcover, with 550-plus color illustrations and values, 240 pages, is $49.95 plus shipping from Schiffer Publishing, 4880 Lower Valley Rd., Atglen, PA 19310.
©2000-07 Discovery Publications, Inc.