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New Books for Collectors
—
January 2008
TV and Film Toys and Ephemera
by Arthur Ward
Reviewed by Robert Reed
(Antique & Collectible News Service)
 |
TV and Film Toys and Ephemera are a delightful gaggle of treasures fostered by our youthful occupation with an array of television shows and movies.
This latest volume by Arthur Ward offers general coverage of our childhood heroes of fiction from Bonanza and Happy Days to Star Wars and Harry Potter. Virtually every type of so-called spin-off merchandise inspired by these TV shows and movies 1950s forward is given mention.
“We never forgot the excitement of the toys, plastic kits and board games we played with as youngsters,” notes the British author. “Today, many years after we quite naturally threw away our Action Men, Dinkys and Meccano sets, we want them back. Amazingly, although many of them can still be found, they cost an awful lot more than they did when first available.”
Ward’s fine book gives special attention to the iconic toys of the 1960s and 1970s, which were the playthings of the Baby Boomers. And today those same Baby Boomers are said by many to make up the core of the toy collecting community.
TV and Film Toys and Ephemera’s choicest items range from common puzzles, figurines and games to the more unusual, such as Planet of the Apes diorama-in-a bottle kit and soap with pictures from the movie E.T.
The book is told with a British accent in that many endearing toys and promotions are offered in the manner they that were first presented in England. However on the whole, the coverage splendid and the color illustrations are delightful. The detailed text covering toys and relevant merchandise from generation to generation is exceptional.
TV and Film Toys and Ephemera by Arthur Ward, hardcover, color illustrated, 160 pages is $45 from Trafalgar Square Publishing, 1-800-888-4741.
High Fashion
Handbags
by Adrienne Astrologo & Nancy Schiffer
Reviewed by Robert Reed
(Antique & Collectible News Service)
 |
An essential part of the well-dressed lady of any generation is of course her charming and cool handbag.
A fine new book from Schiffer Publishing, High Fashion Handbags, presents from than 300 outstanding bags is breath-taking color photographs.
Many of the most fetching are designs of the past, which have survived competitive runway battles for a generation. Still others are enriching accessories, which have challenged the classics for shelf space and boutiques, and closets around the world.
The array of names is highly palatable from Louis Vuitton, to Gucci, Chanel and Celine. Others include Roberta di Camerino, Escade, Mauf Frizon, Gilli, Emilo Pucci and Vivienne Westwood.
This fine new volume offers sections on exotic materials, evening styles and special daytime styles and well as designers.
It also provides an index, and values for its hundreds of quality handbag illustrations.
“A handbag is only accessory or a utility in which to put our daily needs for easy portability,” notes author Astrologo. “Yet, it has so much more meaning as a measure of how a woman has evolved over the last 50 years. Her success is measured by a quick look at a women’s accessories.”
Astrologo is known as Ladybag International at exclusive accessories, antique and vintage shows where her collection of handbags is presented. Co-author Nancy Schiffer is a noted collector and author of numerous books on decorative arts.
High Fashion Handbags by Adrienne Astrologo and Nancy Schiffer, hardcover, 192 pages, color illustrated with values, is $39.95 plus shipping from Schiffer Publishing, 4880, Lower Valley Rd., Atglen, PA 19310.
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