Guide Rating -

NOTE: This review is for a book originally published in 2004 (I have not reviewed the most current price guide). Since older books are readily available online, this review is kept up as reference resource material.

Ralph and Terry Kovel's newest book is another must for the collector. Their up-to-date information, illustrations and pictures are always a huge resource for the collectors. This book is a good reference point to see what glass and dinnerware is selling for around the country. And the book is really great for those with a limited knowledge of Depression glass.

Plus, at the price of around $16., it's affordable for those novices who do not necessarily want to build a huge or expensive library of books on glass. With over 200 Depression glass patterns shown, the pattern you're looking for will most likely be quickly found. Although I am not a glass collector, I was immediately thumbing through the book to find more information on a few miscellaneous pieces in my possession. (It seems all collectors always have a little bit of everything!)

The book is divided into three main sections: Depression Glass, Ceramic Dinnerware and a short section on Plastic Dinnerware. Factory information, prices and references are in each individual section. Also included is a lengthy list of clubs, websites and publications for Depression Glass and Dinnerware collectors. The price guide includes glass patterns from 1925 - 1970, dinnerware patterns and companies from Autumn Leaf to Willow and a history of the popular plastic dinnerware used in the fifties. (Did you know that the formula for melamine was first discovered in 1834? -- I didn't, but do now!)

End result -- it's not the complete reference book, but if you are looking for a compact reference guide that is done by someone who knows what they are talking about, this is the one to buy.