An amazing book with terrific images, an excellent layout and useful resources. I can't say enough good things about this latest book from Judith Miller -- it should be on everyone's bookshelf. No, let me change that to Buy, Keep or Sell should be on everyone's coffee table. It's attractive enough to be a coffee table book and it should be kept within reach. You'll use it that often.
Miller really gets it when she explains why collect and what's collectible. Then she nails it when she says "the range of objects considered collectible is now immense. Traditional areas such as ceramics, glass and textiles have been augmented with newer, equally sought-after categories as diverse as cell phones, jelly molds, sunglasses and even shoes!" Tell me about it, she must have been reading the emails I get!
The introduction in this offering from DK Publishing deals with where and how to buy, what to pay, ideas on selling, as well as care and repair -- it's only a short four pages before getting into the meat of the book, the category chapters. Each category is broken down into numerous subjects which are not necessarily covered in depth, but I think of them as a pictorial tutorial! It's great for a collectible that is not in your field of expertise, but you still want to have the knowledge to make a smart decision.
Lavish photography is the hallmark of Miller's books and this book does not disappoint. Each subject has numerous pictures, a short history of the collectible, loads of tips and a few prices, but best of all a great synopsis on whether you should Buy, Keep or Sell?
The category chapters include: Ceramics; Historical Memorabilia; Household/Kitchenalia; Glass; Beauty and Fashion; Toys, Dolls and Teddy Bears; Entertainment and Sports; The Written Word and Ephemera; Technology and Travel; and Modern Design.
Buy, Keep or Sell? also has an extensive resource area in the back of the book which includes a glossary, list of collectors clubs, specialist dealers and other books as resources.
From the publisher:
Like having a collectibles expert at your side, Buy, Keep or Sell? will assist beginner and experienced collectors alike by:
- Identifying a specific type of collectible to buy, keep or sell and explaining why
- Showing the essential collectibles ina featured field
- Providing a closer look at a maker's marks, a specific item, an outstanding example of a designer; work or a price comparison of two similar yet differently priced items.
- Give expert advice on how to recognize fakes
- Suggesting key examples of various collectibles to look out for and giving an overview of relevant information such as styles, inspirations and techniques
