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| This page lists and provides our reviews of books about design, designers, and collecting that you can order. Check often; we'll be adding more to the listings regularly. If there's a book you think we ought to list, drop us a line. |
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| Books Available For Order --
Alphabetically by Author Click on any title to order |
| Hawaiiana: The Best of Hawaiian Design. by Mark Blackburn Hard cover. 256 pages. The comprehensive overview of collectible Hawaiian designs and objects, this wonderfully illustrated book contains over 600 color photographs. Author Mark Blackburn, a major Hawaiiana collector from Hilo, Hawaii, individually identifies and provides values for the items, making this an easy to use reference. A must for the Hawaiiana collector and an informative visual delight for all those who love the aura of the islands. Get it at a discount here. Highly recommended.. Place An Order |
| Patio Daddy-O: 50s Recipes With a 90's Twist by Gideon Bosker, Karen Brooks, Leland & Crystal Payton Paperback, 96 pages Much more than a cookbook, this compact gem pays a stylish tribute to the world of the 50's backyard barbecue. Colorful and spirited use of archival material - vintage illustrations, tablecloths and aprons, dinnerware and other period essentials - make it a fun read and an excellent gift for every 50's aficionado. The recipes, ranging from cocktails to dessert, with their modern spin on classic American favorites - steaks, burgers, BBQ chicken, "sides"- provide a wealth of ideas for your own nostalgic summer barbecue. Russel Wright fans, relax in your Samson folding armchair with a plate of "Date Nut Cream Cheese Dee-Lites" (p. 67)or pass those kabobs on the chartreuse American Modern platter (p.13). From "Cracklin' Sugar-Charred Cowboy Steak" to "Backshack Blueberry Cornbread," "Mongo Bongo BBQ Chicken," and the "Atomic Cocktail," you'll have a great time with this book. Highly Recommended. Place An Order |
| Fabulous Fabrics of the 50's (And Other Terrific Textiles of the 20's, 30's,and 40's) by Gideon Bosker, Michele Mancini, John Gramstad Paperback, 120 pages Published by: Chronicle Books Publication date: May 1992 Dimensions (in inches): 10 X 9 5/8 A wonderful walk through the upbeat, exuberant fabrics of an bygone era sought after by so many collectors today. With its 175 striking color photos and detailed documentation, this book is a not only a visual delight, but a great resource for artists, designers, decorators and pop-culture buffs of all kinds. Includes postwar abstract and fantasy designs, the well-known cowboy and boomerang prints, florals, tropicals, 30's satins, and more. Makes an excellent gift. Highly Recommended. Place An Order |
| Atomic Cocktails: Mixed Drinks For Modern Times by Karen Brooks, Gideon Bosker, Reed Darmon Hardcover, 96 pages Published by Chronicle Books Publication date: May 1998 Dimensions (in inches): 0.62 X 7.28 X 7.32 Another fun, stylish and well-designed book from San Francisco's Chronicle Books. Bosker and Brooks also collaborated on Patio Daddy-O, and Bosker co-authored Fabulous Fabrics of the 50's. This guide to the cool of 50's, '60's cocktail culture includes vintage graphics, mixology fundamentals, and 50 recipes from the classic (martinis, Manhattans)to the creative (try "The Angry Red Planet, a bloody Mary with wasabi, or Neon Watermelon Margaritas). This book serves cocktail novices and party givers well. Over 60 color illustrations, plus a glossary of liquors. Recommended. Place An Order |
| The Atomic Cocktail Party: The Essential Drinking Kit for Modern Times by Karen Brooks, Gideon Bosker, Reed Darmon Boxed Edition Published by: Chronicle Books Publication date: September 1998 Dimensions (in inches): 2.59 X 5.31 X 7.87 The perfect companion to the Atomic Cocktails book, the kit features cocktail napkins, swizzle sticks, and reusable coasters with vintage designs. Just what you need to throw that retro holiday party in style. Add your Russel Wright, Franciscan Starburst, or other appropriate dinnerware and barware - and, for easier entertaining, the cool paper placements in our Potluck section. Recommended. Place An Order |
| Frank Lloyd Wright (video) by Ken Burns 2-tape set Publication date: 1998 Clearly deriving from some of the existing biographical information already in print, but adding the "Ken Burns" touch already an American icon from his Civil War series. This piece helps bring the elusive and cantankerous master to light. Suitable viewing for fans and critics alike Strongly Recommended. Place An Order |
| Collector's Encyclopedia of California Pottery, Second Ed. by Jack Chipman Hardcover - 264 pages Long-awaited update. Now available on order. Strongly Recommended: essential Place An Order |
| Collector's Guide to Bauer Pottery by Jack Chipman Hardcover, 176 pages The highly-respected Mr. Chipman's invaluable volume. If you are interested in collecting Bauer pottery, this is your essential guide. Strongly Recommended: essential Place An Order |
| Collector's Encyclopedia of California Pottery by Jack Chipman Hardcover, 167 pages The initial edition is difficult to find, but if you don't have this edition of Mr. Chipman's important book, and you're a real collecting enthusiast, you may want to seek it out and add a copy to your collection. Recommended. Place an order |
| The Best of Collectible Dinnerware: With Values by Jo Cunningham Hardcover Finally a revision to Ms. Cunningham's useful book. Contains a price guide, coverage of major potteries and designers, and interesting samples of dinnerware manufacturers' ads. The price guide can be frustrating to use, as it only gives prices for items for which there is actual photography. As many items are depicted only by their original promotional material, no prices are provided for these items. |
| Collector's Encyclopedia of Howard Pierce Porcelain : Identification and Values. by Darlene Hurst Dommel Hardcover, 144 pages A highly-useful identification and price guide with extensive color photos. An excellent resource for Pierce lovers at all stages of collecting. Currently offered at a discount. Recommended Place An Order |
| The Official Price Guide to Pottery and Porcelain by Harvey Duke 8th Ed., Paperback Although Mr. Duke's book is not exhaustive, it is extremely extensive and eminently useful. Particularly helpful are the line-drawing profiles of many pottery and dinnerware lines, including some of the best coverage available on the designs of Ben Seibel. The price guide, though not infallible, is generally indicative and reliable. Highly Recommended: essential Place An Order |
| Collectible Glassware From the 40s 50s 60s: An Illustrated Value Guide by Gene Florence
Published by Collector Books This is a selection by our site visitors, who have ordered it, along with other items from this list, so we've added it here. Increasingly, we find that collectors of mid-century pottery and dinnerware become glassware collectors, too. Gene Florence is a well-respected writer on glassware, and his book is a useful guide to the period. |
| Collector's Encyclopedia of Metlox Potteries : Identification and Values by Carl Gibbs Jr. Hardcover Dinnerware collectors are becoming increasingly aware that the Manhattan Beach, CA firm produced more than kitschy cookie jars, and this book gives you a good guide to the far-out contemporary designs. |
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Collector's Encyclopedia of Roseville Pottery With Price Guide Is Bound in the Book by Sharon & Bob Huxford Hardcover, 184 pages Published by Collector Books Publication date: March 1989 Dimensions (in inches): 0.70 x 11.38 x 8.81 Place An Order |
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Roseville Pottery Price Guide No. 11 by Collectors Books, Sharon Huxford, Bob Huxford 11th Edition Paperback, 32 pages Published by Collector Books Publication date: December 1997 Dimensions (in inches): 0.09 x 11.03 x 8.50 Place An Order |
| Collector's
Encyclopedia of Weller Pottery by Sharon Huxford Hardcover, 375 pp. |
| The
Collector's Encyclopedia of Homer Laughlin China: Reference and Value Guide by Joanne Jasper Hardcover, 205
pages Ms. Jasper is an extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic writer and lecturer on the subject of this giant among American potteries. This book provides a reliable, well-researched, and well-organized guide to the myriad of Laughlin shapes and patterns. Recommended. Place An Order |
| Higgins: Adventures in Glass by Donald-Brian Johnson, Leslie Pina, Illustrator Hardcover 30% Savings! This enjoyable book contains a wealth of photos and advertising materials, from studio through production pieces, spanning Michael and Frances Higgins' creations from their inception to the present. The most comprehensive work on the subject extant, it is an excellent introduction to all things Higgins for beginning collectors: studio plates and bowls, flip art, mobiles, rondelays, ashtrays, posy pockets, jewelry, and more. It is also an invaluable reference guide for those already-initiated, with substantial information on pricing, patterns, production periods, artistic technique, and distinguishing marks. Not to be confused with an earlier work by Leslie Pina, this book was written by Donald-Brian Johnson, grandson of the founder of Dearborn glass. Pina did the photographs, not the text. Recommended. Place An Order |
| American Art Tile: 1876-1941 by Norman Karlson Hardcover, 224 pages
I had the pleasure of engaging Mr. Karlson for a lecture to our antique club recently and can attest to the enthusiasm, research and scholarship that went into this fine book. For those already collecting tiles, this is a must-have reference work. For the uninitiated, it is an enticing invitation to take the plunge. Karlson takes us on a tour of 149 potteries, factories, and studios across the U.S., providing a wealth of details, images and anecdotes along the way. Histories of the tile manufacturers and biographies of American art tile movement leaders are also presented. Well-organized and illustrated by many color photographs, the book combines enjoyable browsing and practical information for collectors. Glossary and bibliography included. Price list , keyed to photos in the book, available. Highly Recommended Place An Order |
| The
Collector's Encyclopedia of Russel Wright by Ann Kerr Hardcover, 240 pages This is the much-anticipated new edition of Ms. Kerr's survey of Wright's work, which is the standard reference for Wright collectors and enthusiasts. The book addresses Wright's work in pottery, furniture, fabrics, wood, metalware and other materials. The selection of pictures is vastly expanded and improved, and the price lists have been conservatively updated (a topic of avid debate among dealers and collectors). Some of the new material comes directly from active and experienced collectors, and photos from a number of individual collections appear in the book. Highly Recommended: essential Place An Order |
Shaken Not Stirred: A Celebration of the Martini by Anistatia R. Miller, Jared M. Brown Paperback, 160 pp. Published by HarperCollins Publication date: July, 1997 The perfect guide to making the perfect martini for all those period parties featuring your vintage bar ware and dinnerware. Learn forty ways to make a classic martini, experiment with new recipe variations, (espresso, berry, chocolate), and explore the history of the martini ritual. Includes a directory of the world's best martini lounges, literary quotes and toasts, photos of great martini moments, and more. Lots of fun and information at a great price! Recommended Place An Order |
| Red Wing Dinnerware, Price & Identification Guide by Ray Reiss 1 Ed., Paperback If you have an interest in seeing some of the most far-out and sought-after of all dinnerware designs, you may be aware already of Red Wing's "Chuck Wagon," "Cactus," and "Smart Set." If not, this is the book to help you discover what you're missing. Excellent pictures, descriptions, and background. Recommended Place An Order |
| Dinnerware of the 20th Century: The Top 500 Patterns by Harry L. Rinker Serial, Paperback, 288 pages A well-organized pictorial guide to a host of popular, generally more traditional 20th Century dinnerware patterns (Russel Wright fans, look elsewhere). Excellent color photographs, and much useful information for identifying and pricing patterns and pieces. Includes brief histories of the manufacturers, extensive listings of pieces in each pattern, and dates when patterns were introduced and discontinued. Recommended Place An Order |
| Hawaiian Shirt Designs. by Nancy Schiffer Hard Cover. This colorful, beautifully put together design book by Nancy Schiffer is a pleasure to browse. It is also a very useful reference to the variety of designs and their makers. Knowledgeable readers have commented favorably on the historical accuracy of the information presented. Recommended Place An Order |
 California Pottery: From Missions to Modernismby Bill Stern. Photography by Peter Brenner Hardcover - 108 pages The contagiously enthusiastic Mr. Stern, veteran collector, lecturer and writer, has produced a must-have book. There is beautiful photography of significant pieces, but this is not a coffee table paperweight. There is a wealth of historical and trade information. This may be the Christmas gift you'll be giving lots of your collecting friends. Believe us, they'll like it. (Bill Stern is executive director of the Museum of California Design, www.mocad.org) Highly Recommended: essential. Place An Order |
| Bauer : Classic American Pottery by Mitch Tuchman, Peter Brenner (Photographer), Jack Chipman Hardcover, 104 pages One of our favorite books about pottery. This is not really a price and collecting guide, though there's lots of substantive information. The glory of this book is beautiful design, beautifully displayed: photography, printing, and format, which shows not just great pottery, but great collections of pottery. Last time we checked, this book is sadly out of print, but worth checking Amazon for used or stray copies! Recommended. Place An Order |
| Magnificent Obsessions: Twenty Remarkable Collectors in Pursuit of Their Dreams by Mitch Tuchman, Peter Brenner (Photographer) Published by Chronicle Books This book is for all of you... surprising and fascinating individuals with sometimes amazing collections... or are they obsessions? Recognize anyone? Out of print, but worth the search. Recommended. Place an order |
| Vintage Bar Ware: Identification & Value Guide by Stephen Visakay Published by Collector Books Stephen Visakay's 240-page identification and price guide to collectible cocktail shakers, ice buckets, glasses, swizzle sticks and other bar ware features over 350 color photos. This up-to-date reference was recently reviewed in Bon Appetit Magazine (April, 1998) and includes stories about prohibition, rum-running, and many aspects of contemporary cocktail culture. Recommended. Place an order |
| Cook Books featuring modern dinnerware |
| See the Two Lions "Potluck" page for collectible cookbooks. |
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| Page revised 12/26/02 |