Collecting Contemporary
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Buy art, not this book....
  • A Veritable Education
  • An insider's view
  • Very interesting book
  • The Meaningful Multi Angle Perspective of the Art World
 Collecting Contemporary
Adam Lindeman
Manufacturer: Taschen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Vinyl Bound

GeneralGeneral | Museums & Collections | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
CollectingCollecting | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Contemporary ArtContemporary Art | Schools, Periods & Styles | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ArtArt | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 3822849391

Book Description

Words from the wise: insiders' tips on how to navigate the art market like a pro Art is about life, the art market is about money. —Damien Hirst

Whether you're an art fan, aficionado, or collector, this completely unique book should be on your required reading list. Like a textbook for a class given by all of the world's leading experts, Collecting Contemporary is the one and only book to teach you everything you ever wanted to know about the contemporary art market. The introduction explains the ABCs of buying art on the primary and secondary markets, at auction, and at art fairs and gives an overview of the world art scene and its social circles. The main body of the book brings together tell-all interviews with the biggest players in the global art market: the Critic (Rimanelli), the Dealer (Boesky, Deitch, Gagosian, Gladstone, Hetzler, Rosen, Shave), the Consultant (Cortez, Fletcher, Heller, Segalot, Westreich), the Collector (Brant, Broad, Joannou, Lambert, Lehmann, Miller, Pinault, Saatchi), the Auction House Expert (Cappellazzo, de Pury, Meyer), and the Museum Curator/Director (Dennison, Eccles, Heiss, Peyton-! Jones, Lowry). Rounding up the book are chapters on the year in art collecting—giving a timeline of the most important annual auctions, exhibitions, fairs, etc. around the world—as well as a glossary of terms every art savvy player should know. The text is illustrated by the work of the hottest artists in today's market, including Matthew Barney, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Damien Hirst, Mike Kelley, Martin Kippenberger, Jeff Koons, Takashi Murakami, Richard Serra, Cindy Sherman, Andy Warhol, Lisa Yuskavage, and many more. Do the math: all in all, these elements add up to the equivalent of an invaluable and privileged real-world collector's education—all between the covers one book.

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Buy art, not this book...........2007-08-20

Starting with the positives: you can read the entire book in about 15 minutes.
Here's the bottom line: buy what you like and can afford.
Dealers and critics try to make artists famous because that is how they make their money.
If you buy something from a dealer and later decide that you don't like it, it is considered hoyle (by dealers) to give the dealer first dibs on the re-sale.
Instead of buying this book, save your money and buy a work from a local artist you like - all will be better served.

5 out of 5 stars A Veritable Education.......2007-08-12

Knowing very little about the contemporary art scene, I bought this book to prepare myself for the Venice Biennale. I found the format of interviewing various experts in the art world--from gallerists to collectors to auction houses to museums--extremely helpful and enlightening. It was fascinating that these seasoned insiders often had violently different opinions on the same topic. I'm grateful to Adam Lindeman for pulling back the curtain in Oz to let us glimpse how this complex microcosm really works.

4 out of 5 stars An insider's view.......2007-06-05

The aim of this book is to give an insider's view of the contemporary art market, through interviews of major players (collectors, auctioneers, curators, art critics, museum directors)who, often in a candid way, deliver their own opinion on this peculiar market to the author who is himself a collector.

Why and how do collectors collect, how does an artist's career pick up, what is it to be an art dealer,what link is there between museums and the market, this is the type of question the book tries to answer. Many books have recently been published on this subject (no doubt because of the current boom of the market and the arrival of many new collectors), and I would say this is the one that gives the best insight on this often opaque market.

5 out of 5 stars Very interesting book.......2007-04-03

This is a very interesting and informative book for anyone interested in contemporary art, specially collecting it.

5 out of 5 stars The Meaningful Multi Angle Perspective of the Art World.......2007-02-08

Although Adam Lindemann has obviously his own strong opinions about the contemporary art world and market, he shows enormous restraint in this book in bringing forward the opinions of many people having a view on the subject from very different angles. I learned a lot. What I appreciate the most is a writer not shoveling information down my throat and wanting me to think like him/her but a writer who respects the reader and allow the reader to make his/her own decision, the same way as opinions about art might vary widely. It would be my pleasure to fill my evenings and thinking moments in the presence of people like this author who dares to take a fresh approach.
Modern and Contemporary Prints: A Practical Guide to Collecting
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Modern and Contemporary Prints: A Practical Guide to Collecting
    Phoebe Phillips
    Manufacturer: Antique Collectors Club Dist A/C
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

    CollectingCollecting | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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    PrintsPrints | Other Media | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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    ASIN: 1851494588

    Book Description

    An exceptionally practical book on collecting prints. Features straight-forward, basic information that is usefule to the beginner and also to the experienced collector interested in buying for pleasure and as an investor.
    The Art of Buying Art: An Insider's Guide to Collecting Contemporary Art
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Great Read
    • If you want to learn how to collect art, Start Here.
    • The Art of Buying Art: An Insider's Guide to Collecting Contemporary Art
    • An informative read and a lovely gift
    • De-mystifying the art world
    		 The Art of Buying Art: An Insider's Guide to Collecting Contemporary Art
    Paige West
    Manufacturer: Collins Design
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

    CollectingCollecting | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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    5. Art Dealer's Field Guide: How to Profit in Art, Buying and Selling Valuable Paintings Art Dealer's Field Guide: How to Profit in Art, Buying and Selling Valuable Paintings

    ASIN: 0060794593
    Release Date: 2007-05-22

    Book Description

    A contemporary art expert demystifies the process of finding, appreciating, and collecting contemporary art on any budget.

    Contemporary art is often misunderstood as intentionally controversial, obnoxiously self–indulgent, or painfully obscure. In this book, contemporary art expert and gallery owner Paige West guides readers toward the understanding that contemporary art can be just as original, tasteful, and breathtaking as traditional paintings. West draws from her experience as a professional art dealer to break all these misconceptions and allow readers to begin developing and enjoying a private collection.

    Beautiful full–colour illustrations and smart layout accompany the humor with which this book explores the current art scene. Dealing with everything from the outrage surrounding Chris Ofili's Sensation, to Salvador Dali's rampage through a department store, this book will appeal to the artistically minded individual as well as the potential art buyer.

    Beginning with what constitutes original art, the book moves on to discuss how to start collecting, where to find modern art, and what are reasonable prices. With gorgeous photographs of representative pieces used as examples, the book is as much a fashionable tool for home decorating as it is an open door into the world of contemporary art. This book educates readers to take those gilded–frame, poster–size wedding photos off their living room walls, or those college poster art sale finds, and put up interesting pieces from limited editions by current artists – without breaking the bank.

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Great Read.......2007-06-15

    I've just started exploring art collection and discovered this book. I thought the book had some great advice about how to get started thinking about what art I want to collect and why. As the author says "art should be fun." After reading this book I realized that my approach was all wrong, I was dealing with galleries that weren't fun and it was nice to hear someone in the business tell me that it doesn't have to be that way for beginners like me.

    5 out of 5 stars If you want to learn how to collect art, Start Here........2007-06-15

    "The Art of Buying Art" is a wonderfully comprehensive primer for anyone interested in real art collection for real people with real budgets (but sophisticated taste levels to boot).

    The author's unpretentious take on collecting is a refreshing point of view, and the scads of illustrations and pics help introduce new contemporary artists and new art styles that a fledgling collector may otherwise overlook. As a budding collector myself, I came away with an "I can actually do this" attitude, and look forward to applying this book's lessons to building my own little gallery in my own apartment.

    5 out of 5 stars The Art of Buying Art: An Insider's Guide to Collecting Contemporary Art.......2007-06-15

    For anyone leery of investing in art, anyone interested in starting collecting, and anyone simply interested in learning more about contemporary art, Ms. West's book is essential. "Buying Art" is well written, engaging and very informative and will make you a much more knowledgeable and shrewd collector.

    5 out of 5 stars An informative read and a lovely gift.......2007-06-14

    I'm not particularly well-versed in art history, and visit museums infrequently (there are few notable ones near my home), but have always intended to learn more about fine art, and particularly contemporary art. Either from the perspective of a novice collector or someone who wishes to educate him/herself, I highly recommend this title. The book is accessible and informative, infuses the reader with the writer's clear sense of enthusiasm for the subject, and lacks the condescending or arcane tone taken by some of its similarly-themed predecessors. If you want to familiarize yourself with the basics of the fine art trade, sharpen your tastes, and/or eventually own a small collection, I strongly recommend this title.

    5 out of 5 stars De-mystifying the art world.......2007-06-13

    When someone recommended this book I was skeptical, as I thought of art collecting as something beyond my means. But Paige West does a good job of demystifying the art world, with solid advice on understanding, selecting, buying and living with contemporary art. It's an easy and enjoyable read, and the book is packed with examples of works from emerging artists. Some I don't care for, but there were others whose work I'll seek out. Fortunately, the book also explains how galleries work, and how to find artists you like. This book is not a coffee table decoration - read it and use it.
    I Am My Own Wife: A Play
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • sexist irony
    • Bag Lady to the Stars
    • A True Story of Survival and Identity
    • Interesting
    • Be your own wife . . . but be someone else's as well!
    		 I Am My Own Wife: A Play
    Doug Wright
    Manufacturer: Faber & Faber
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    United StatesUnited States | Drama | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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    ASIN: 0571211747

    Book Description

    Winner of the 2004 Pulitzer Prize for Drama

    From the Obie Award-winning author of Quills comes this acclaimed one-man show, which explores the astonishing true story of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf. A transvestite and celebrated antiques dealer who successfully navigated the two most oppressive regimes of the past century-the Nazis and the Communists--while openly gay and defiantly in drag, von Mahlsdorf was both hailed as a cultural hero and accused of colluding with the Stasi. In an attempt to discern the truth about Charlotte, Doug Wright has written "at once a vivid portrait of Germany in the second half of the twentieth century, a morally complex tale about what it can take to be a survivor, and an intriguing meditation on everything from the obsession with collecting to the passage of time" (Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times).

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars sexist irony.......2007-07-08

    Excellent piece but note the following irony with the title that most women pick up immediately. The title "I am my own wife" is Charlotte's response to her mother's question of when she is to marry-a question posed WHILE she, Charlotte's mother, is hanging to dry CHARLOTTE's clothing. Charlotte isn't her "own wife"--her MOTHER is!

    1 out of 5 stars Bag Lady to the Stars.......2007-07-03

    All the power to Mr. Wright. After all, it 's not everyone that can hit a home run on Broadway. God bless him. And it is a fascinating little story, of a transsexual in drag who outwits the German Gestapo and the Stasi, living finally to triumph as a post-modern icon of perverse longevity in a land of forgotten heroes, mysterious deaths and torture chambers. One would love to know the true story of this so-called 'survivor.' Whose lap was she/he sitting on? The play itself is a long drag, a monologue delivered to the audience about how fascinating the playwright found this person to be. Of course, one would very much wonder how the playwright decided that what was most interesting about this story was the fact that he found it so terribly interesting. Another interpretation might have been that there wasn't very much there in the first place.

    5 out of 5 stars A True Story of Survival and Identity.......2007-01-15

    I was first introduced to this play by a local theatre group, one of the first in the US to debut it and was absolutely blown away by the subject matter as well as the performance. Charlotte's life story told by Doug through various intermediate characters all while wearing a black dress, is a story that should be shared. Not only is this a story about sexuality, but it is more importantly about survival and how we change our identities to do so.

    3 out of 5 stars Interesting.......2005-07-15

    This is an autobiography of Charlotte, a transvestite German, written in a play format like the works of Shakespeare. This work won a Pulitzer Prize the year it came out, and so I read it thinking it would be interesting. I am not sure what to think of it still, or even whether Charlotte is a man acting like a woman, or the other way around.

    The play is about the life of Charlotte, a person born in Germany before World War II. (S)he grows up in an abusive family, and kills his own father while still a minor. (S)he flees his home in the city during the Nazi's term of power to life in the countryside (I think), and moves back after the Russians move in. (S)he then navigates life under Communism, and survives to see the end of it and the reunification of Germany.

    The bulk of the book takes place during the Nazi reign first and the Soviet occupation second. Charlotte recounts how he/she survives both regimes, both of which were not known for tolerance of homosexual behavior and/or transvestites. There are hints throughout the play that Charlotte evaded persecution in varous sordid ways. One is that (s)he acted as a spy for the government. Second, (s)he might have had clandestine, sexual affairs with individuals in power, who then protected him/her in order to protect themselves.

    There are scenes of tragedy in the book, like when certain friends are carted of by the secret police, but these scenes are not sad enough to make you cry. There are also funny scenes, but none of them are hilarious. In all, this was an interesting read, and being such a short book, is worth the 1-2 hours to finish it.

    4 out of 5 stars Be your own wife . . . but be someone else's as well!.......2005-03-17

    "I am my Own Wife" is the new play (2004) by Doug Wright (screenplay writer of Quills) based on his interviews and friendship with the late gay German crossdressed hausfrau, Lothar Berfelde, better known as Charlotte Von Mahlsdorf. A magnificent one-man show that mesmerized Broadway, actor Jefferson Mays played thirty-five separate characters.

    The title comes from 40-year-old Charlotte's answer to his mother's clueless plea "don't you think it's time you settled down and found a wife?": "But, Mutti, don't you know that I am my own wife?"

    Do buy (and go see) this play! It is well-written, entertaining, very "theatrical," and you will enjoy reading and discussing it with your friends. I also recommend Charlotte Von Mahlsdorf's autobiography. (See my "So You Want To . . . be Your Own Wife" guide to find more materials related to Charlotte's life and times).

    HOWEVER . . . it may sound contradictory, given what I've said, but I have a lot of problems with the central character of Charlotte. I've thought for days about this play and the story. I was very attracted to it because of the sheer theatricality of the situation and the character, not to mention the frisson of the "non-drag-queen-drag-queen." But, despite myself, I have been bothered by something that hasn't struck me quite right.

    Charlotte is astonishing because this dowdy cross-dresser survived both the Nazis and the subsequent communists to become the leading expert on the Grunderzeit period (approx. 1835-1918) of German furniture design.

    That said, there is something strange at the core of this piece: this central character of Charlotte, this hopefully sympathetic trope for beauty and the everlasting human spirit, despite survival at all odds (or maybe because?)---is an empty, severely alienated person. "Autistic" and "disconnected" are the words that stick in my mind. He never really connects with anyone, hermetically sealed in a world of obsession for this furniture and a fantasy past constructed to block out horrible realities. He (debatably) sells out his friends. He is born, lives, and dies for (and with) . . . the furniture. I can't love him because he can't possibly love me back.

    For an example of this genre where real human love and sacrifice are manifest, read the play "Bent."

    This is my final analysis after discussing it with many friends.
    The whole confection is tasty but, after the meal, there has been no lasting nourishment.

    Again, it has been a fun process of discovery and I whole-heartedly recommend reading this play. Whaddaya think? Do you agree or disagree? Read and see.
    Contemporary Barbie Dolls: 1980 And Beyond (Contemporary Barbie)
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Fantastic
    • The Best Barbie Book in Existence!
    		 Contemporary Barbie Dolls: 1980 And Beyond (Contemporary Barbie)
    Jane Sarasohn-Kahn
    Manufacturer: Antique Trader Books
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    DollsDolls | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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    ASIN: 0930625846

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Fantastic.......2001-10-27

    This is a beautiful book the Barbies are wonderful!! The information content is interesting. This is truly a book for Barbie lovers who like myself cannot afford to buy all the Barbies that we love!

    5 out of 5 stars The Best Barbie Book in Existence!.......2001-03-29

    I don't collect Barbie dolls -- I collect books on Barbie dolls. And Jane Sarasohn-Kahn's books are my all-time favorites.

    "Contemporary Barbie" showcases Mattel dolls from the eighties to the present, in more-or-less chronological order. Thoroughly researched and beautifully photographed, this is the best book on the topic of Barbie dolls. "Contemporary Barbie" is more of an artistic exploration of Barbies than a collectors guide, but this edition contains new, revised information about the dolls issued and their market values. I keep this lovely book on the table, and even non-Barbie-lovers can't resist picking it up and thumbing through it.

    "Contemporary Barbie" may disappoint some because it only covers dolls made in and after 1980. But the last twenty years has been a rich period in Barbie history, done justice only by this fabulous book.
    Children's Picturebook Price Guide, 2006-2007: Finding, Assessing, & Collecting Contemporary Illustrated Books
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Lovely format but some disappointing errors....
    • A very useful guide to booksellers searching for hidden paper gold
    • Outstanding reference for all children book lovers
    		 Children's Picturebook Price Guide, 2006-2007: Finding, Assessing, & Collecting Contemporary Illustrated Books
    Linda Zielinski , and Stan Zielinski
    Manufacturer: Flying Moose Books
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    BooksBooks | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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    5. First Editions: A Guide to Identification First Editions: A Guide to Identification

    ASIN: 0977939405

    Book Description

    The Children's Picturebook Price Guide provides values for nearly 23,000 books, covering over 700 children's book illustrators dating from 1929 to 2006. For owners of picturebooks, the price guide is an essential tool to identify and assess their value.

    Today's picturebook collecting market is similar to where the comic book market was in 1970, when Bob Overstreet published his first price guide. The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide became the definitive guide to the hobby and helped to institutionalize values. The general population now has an understanding of the value of collectible comic books. James Beckett published his first price guide to baseball cards in 1979. Once considered a child's plaything, hardly anyone would now sell their Mickey Mantle or Willie Mays cards for pennies. In the case of both comic books and baseball cards, a large and vibrant collector base existed at the time of the respective price guide's publication--however the general population was not aware of the value for either. The price guide helped to get the message out.

    According to the Children's Picturebook Price Guide, the most valuable picturebook is Where The Wild Things Are, with a first edition copy valued at over $10,000 in today's market. The price guide lists forty-four picturebooks with a market value over $1,000.

    The Children's Picturebook Price Guide is more than a price guide, as the book's first 100 pages provides an overview to collecting children's picturebooks. This overview includes a brief history of how the picturebook came to be the picturebook, and concludes with an explanation for why today is the golden era of the picturebook. Today there are more illustrators and authors who make their living by creating picturebooks then at anytime in the past.

    Chapter 2, "Factors Affecting Collectibility", provides details about the six key factors which impact a first edition book's collectibility and value. This is important, since it clearly and concisely provides the reader with information to assess a book's collectibility. Usually, a first edition book's value is prescribed through some altogether unknown process. By providing factors the reader can weigh, they can make more educated purchase decisions--and acquire books they feel the market is currently undervaluing.

    Subsequent chapters describe different strategies or approaches to collecting picturebooks; identifying first editions; grading books; and also discussion/lists of the most valuable children's picturebooks, categorized by decade (i.e. "The Most Valuable Picturebooks of the 1990's").

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Lovely format but some disappointing errors...........2007-02-22

    I just received this meaty (the size of a small town phone book!) guide, and was very impressed with the layout and scope. As a collector (and seller) of quality modern children's books, I have found most price guides of collectible books in any genre to be less than what I wanted in terms of accessibility of the information. This guide, however, starts with well-written chapters on the history of Children's Illustrated books, why and how to collect, how to identify first editions, and many other juicy morsels ("flashpoints" in bookseller jargon). While some of the information might not be new to me, it is presented as a whole which makes sense.

    What I did find disappointing was errors in the main body of the book: the price guide, organized by illustrator's name. On just a quick browse, I flipped to about a dozen illustrators whom I collect, and TWO of them had titles omitted from the list. This was surprising to me, since this book was published so recently, and the books are readily available on major online venues. A simple search on the illustrator's name will yield this information.

    Of course, any guide of this scope will have small errors. I have only been collecting in this area for the last 6 years, so I hoped the author's combined experience and resources would far exceed what I could reasonably research on my own.

    The authors started from scratch in this effort to create a Price Guide for modern (since 1930) Illustrated children's books, and what they achieved is a fabulously accessible guide to the why's and how's of collecting these exciting bits of our collective childhoods. While I did find errors in the price guide, the layout was very well designed and easy to browse or to zero in on specific information.

    I hope the book sells well enough to allow for a second edition... and that anyone else, like me, who finds errors, can contribute to making the next edition a much more accurate reference.

    5 out of 5 stars A very useful guide to booksellers searching for hidden paper gold.......2006-09-12

    Children Picturebook Price Guide: Finding, Assessing, & Collecting Contemporary Illustrated Books is a straightforward guide for book buyers and book sellers, featuring current market prices for over 22,000 illustrated children's books, including Caldecott Medal and Honor books that are individually worth over a thousand dollars. Though the majority of Children Picturebook Price Guide is a straightforward price catalog, the first one hundred pages also discuss such topics as how to identify first edition books, particularly Caldecott Medal books and Dr. Seuss books, where to find first edition picturebooks, key factors affecting a book's value, and much more. Enthusiastically recommended for serious picturebook collectors, and a very useful guide to booksellers searching for hidden paper gold.

    5 out of 5 stars Outstanding reference for all children book lovers.......2006-08-09

    Finally there's a book that details the history and reason why children books are a great collector's item. The easy to read format makes my trips to the used book stores, antique shops and yard sales that much more exciting.
    This has been an outstanding reference for me to review my collection, and suggest what gaps I need to fill to better enjoy my collection.
    Vintage & Contemporary Purse Accessories: Identification & Value Guide
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Vintage & Contemporary Purse Accessories: Identification & Value Guide
      Roselyn Gerson
      Manufacturer: Collector Books
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Hardcover

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      ASIN: 0891457909

      Book Description

      Vintage Contemporary Purse Accessories is devoted exclusively to lipstick tubes, purse mirrors, and solid perfumes. It includes an extensive list of American and European manufacturers, original vintage ads, patents, historical information, a bibliography, index, and more. Over 800 purse items shown in color. 1997 values. AUTHORBIO: Roselyn Gerson, known as "The Compact Lady" is the founder of the Compact Collectors Culb and editor and publisher of the newsletter, Powder Puff. She is the author of the first book written on ladies' compacts, Ladies' Compacts of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries, and Vintage Vanity Bags Purses, Vintage Ladies' Compacts, Vintage Contemporary Purse Accessories, Vintage Vogue Ladies' Compacts, Second Edition, and The Este Lauder Solid Perfume Compact Collection, 1967 to 2001. REVIEW: Women everywhere will especially enjoy this collector's encyclopedia. It includes lipsticks, solid perfume scents, and mirrors. The color photographs show much detail, and each photo includes information on size, year, description, and current collector value.
      Brilliant Rhinestones: Vintage & Contemporary Jewelry from the Ronna Lee Collection : Identification & Value Guide
      Average customer rating: 2 out of 5 stars
      • For your eyes only
      • No good deed shall go unpunished
      • Dull Rhinestones. Nothing Brilliant Here
      • Not Informative or Realistic
      • I wish I could give this book more stars, or a BIG diamond!
      		 Brilliant Rhinestones: Vintage & Contemporary Jewelry from the Ronna Lee Collection : Identification & Value Guide
      Ronna Lee Aikins
      Manufacturer: Collector Books
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Hardcover

      GeneralGeneral | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
      JewelryJewelry | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
      ReferenceReference | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
      ManufacturingManufacturing | Industrial, Manufacturing & Operational Systems | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
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      1. Signed Beauties of Costume Jewelry: Indentification & Values (Signed Beauties of Costume Jewelry) Signed Beauties of Costume Jewelry: Indentification & Values (Signed Beauties of Costume Jewelry)
      2. Collecting Costume Jewelry 101: The Basics of Starting, Building and Upgrading (Identification & Value Guide) Collecting Costume Jewelry 101: The Basics of Starting, Building and Upgrading (Identification & Value Guide)
      3. 20th Century Costume Jewelry: 1900 - 1980 Identification & Value Guide (Identification & Values (Collector Books)) 20th Century Costume Jewelry: 1900 - 1980 Identification & Value Guide (Identification & Values (Collector Books))
      4. Unsigned Beauties of Costume Jewelry: Identification and Values Unsigned Beauties of Costume Jewelry: Identification and Values
      5. Rhinestone Jewelry: A Price and Identification Guide Rhinestone Jewelry: A Price and Identification Guide

      ASIN: 1574322958

      Book Description

      A companion for jewelry lovers and collectors searching for that special piece of jewelry, this book aids in identifying the good from the bad, and the valuable from the worthless pieces. Over 750 color photos identifying over 950 pieces. Designers include Coro, Lisner, Kramer, Haskell, Trifari, Judy Lee, Hattie Carnegie, Napier, Beau Jewels, and Gerry's. 25 vintage advertisements showcase the costume jewelry of the past, as well as signed sterling from the 1960s and 1970s, men's pieces, and other fun accessories. AUTHORBIO: Ronna Lee Aikins has collected costume jewelry for over 15 years and her book, Brilliant Rhinestones, is based on her personal collection. She owned a unique boutique offering vintage costume jewelry and clothing as well as new jewelry and couture. Pieces of her collection were also sold at an upscale Nashville, TN, clothing shop. REVIEW: A companion for jewelry lovers searching for that special piece, this book helps distinguish the good from the bad, the valuable from the worthless. With 750+ striking photographs showing almost 1,000 pieces of jewelry, this book dazzles.

      Customer Reviews:

      4 out of 5 stars For your eyes only.......2007-07-02

      I'm surprised to see this book has received such poor ratings because though I agree with other reviewers that it has its flaws, I don't think it is a bad book at all.
      I bought this book at the bookstore without first looking up any reviews online. At the time, I had to choose between Aikins' book and one other book that had better photographs and a sleeker look. The Aikins' book won me over because most of the pieces are dated and they are photographed in their entirety and on their own. There is nothing wrong with focusing on a portion of a necklace or photographing a piece surrounded with props, but I also think it is important to be able to see what type of findings were common at a particular period in time (although the backs of earrings and brooches were not photographed for this book).
      Most of the jewelry in this book is from the 1940s to 1950s. There are a few from the 1920s and earlier and a couple from the 1970s and 1980s. I like the variety of necklaces, bracelets, pins and earrings the author shows in this book. In fact, every time I open it, I seem to find a new piece that catches my attention even though I have read the book from cover to cover. This is not a book for those looking for historical references and explanations about the different styles and trends in jewelry fashion. For that, I would recommend such books as C. Jeanenne Bell's "Answers to Questions About Old Jewelry". "Brilliant Rhinestones," on the other hand, is more adequate as a visual reference for those who want to familiarize themselves with the "look" of a variety of pieces of vintage rhinestone jewelry.

      1 out of 5 stars No good deed shall go unpunished.......2005-07-05

      I got the book "Brilliant Rhinestones" as a gift several years ago, and I thought at the time that the prices were way, way off - I've never seen such high and uneven prices for costume jewelry. Plus, the book's written content is extremely amateurish and, frankly, irritating in the extreme. Well, to spare my good friend's feelings I didn't share this opinion with her - told her the book was great. So, what did I get for my birthday this year? Yikes!!!!! The next edition, (20th Century Costume Jewelry) even more irritating than the first!! I bear no ill will towards the author, I'm assuming the publisher reeled her in to do another book (this stuff is kind of like the old "vanity press", isn't it?) and is counting on the book to sell just because these books are hot right now. But beware - this latest book has prices for modern jewelry that is absolutely, totally based on fantasy (for stuff you can load up on at Goodwill)and the prices for real vintage jewelry is also way off, about like her first book.

      2 out of 5 stars Dull Rhinestones. Nothing Brilliant Here.......2005-03-03

      I purchased both this book and the sister companion, 20th Century Jewelry and felt that it was on my list of one of the worst photographed books that I have seen. There are two others by this same publisher that are lackluster in photography. Little information about the jewelry history is included in both books. While I appreciate all that the author has going for her (no doubt the other review was written by her husband), a little more attention to photography detail would have made this book much more enjoyable. I felt that the prices were a little over inflated which is a shame for both books because gorgeous jewelry is featured, just lousy photography to show them off.

      1 out of 5 stars Not Informative or Realistic.......2004-06-28

      Little information, very inflated prices on low end costume jewelry. Misleading for novices, no information for seasoned collectors. I wish I could sell things at these prices!

      5 out of 5 stars I wish I could give this book more stars, or a BIG diamond!.......2004-06-20

      Perhaps, those who thought negatively of this book should take into consideration the extensive time and effort on the author's part; not only does she work, raise a child, and send a husband to college, but she also collects jewelry and shares her collection with the world. It is doubtful her book is meant for the uneducated, novice collector. Maybe one should take a hiatus from critizing and look at the book for its poetics, and the great feeling and thought from Ms. Aikins. Since I contacted Ms. Aikins, I have learned many interesting facts about costume jewelry; I'm looking forward to her second book. Hopefully, it will showcase even more exquisite jewelry than the first! Kudos to you, Ms. Aikins!
      Lulu Meets God and Doubts Him
      Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
      • bait and switch
      • Lovely Story
      • Predictable and trite
      • Good soap opera read...
      • Excellent First Novel
      		 Lulu Meets God and Doubts Him
      Danielle Ganek
      Manufacturer: Viking Adult
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Hardcover

      ComicComic | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
      ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
      LiteraryLiterary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Romance | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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      5. Ant Farm: And Other Desperate Situations Ant Farm: And Other Desperate Situations

      ASIN: 0670038660
      Release Date: 2007-05-31

      Book Description

      A gallery girl's cannily observed and whimsically acerbic romp through the glamorous Chelsea art scene

      When figurative painter Jeffrey Finelli is run over by a cab in front of the Simon Pryce Gallery on the night of his first opening, the art world falls all over itself for a piece of the instantly in-demand work by the late “emerging artist.” At the center of the show is an enormous painting called Lulu Meets God and Doubts Him that becomes the object of most desire. As the artist philosophically muses before meeting his untimely end, “It represents the creative endeavor.”

      After Finelli's death, the gallery receptionist, aspiring artist and protagonist Mia McMurray, finds herself at the center of the art world's most sensational story. For suddenly everyone wants Lulu. Mia, in her clever, clear-headed voice tells the ensuing tale, the details of which she finds endlessly amusing and unavoidably alluring. While she watches a Birkin-toting wannabe collector, a well-muscled Irish artist, a real estate baron, and niece/muse of the artist, Lulu Finelli, duke it out over the oversized piece, Mia, à la Holly Golightly, finds her own creative outlet and artistic identity, not to mention love.

      As The Devil Wears Prada demystified the world of high fashion, Danielle Ganek's delightfully funny and insightful first novel paints the oddly captivating New York City art scene as it exists today.

      Customer Reviews:

      2 out of 5 stars bait and switch.......2007-09-19

      The title is interesting and makes you think there might be something in the book that relates to a young woman finding God and then having second thoughts about it. But really, the book is about the art world, which is of no interest to me. There is some small effort to tie in the transcendence an artist feels when creating with a nearness to God, but the connection is flimsy and not worth the rest of the soap opera art gallery silliness.

      5 out of 5 stars Lovely Story.......2007-09-05

      It is very easy for me to put a book down and never pick it up again. This is not one of those books. I'm not sure what other reviewers were looking for, but Ganek did a fabulous job of telling a story based on a single incident, and a specific community.

      I loved getting an inside glimpse of the art world. Mia is a wonderful self depriciating character who manages to cheer for a woman who is accomplishing "her" dreams while Mia is not. Many times I found the story and the writing quite engaging and snappy. Ganek wove in great character points throughout the story. Very consistent and smart.

      If the reader is looking for high drama, trashy sex, blood and guts, this is not the book. If the reader is looking for an engaging, interesting tale of the NY art scene told by solid characters with a fun love story, this is the book.

      Mia is a classy American Bridget Jones.

      Well done, Ms. Ganek!

      2 out of 5 stars Predictable and trite.......2007-09-03

      This novel begins with some promise - the characters have potential and the writing is not bad. However, somewhere around the middle of the book, it is almost as if the author loses interest or time - the writing becomes hackneyed and the plot is predictable. There is little attention to detail beyond clear stereotypes of "gallerinas" and the new rich collectors of the art world.

      3 out of 5 stars Good soap opera read..........2007-08-30

      If you're in the mood for a good soap opera, then get this book. If not, stear clear...However, still recommending to my mother for a good, fun read...

      5 out of 5 stars Excellent First Novel.......2007-08-04

      This novel is both well written and engaging. Danielle Ganek develops her characters and weaves a story that is at the same time believable, and introduces the reader to a new world of art and gallery owners and collectors.
      Deep Storage: Collecting, Storing and Archiving in Art (Prestel)
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Deep Storage: Collecting, Storing and Archiving in Art (Prestel)

        Manufacturer: Prestel
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Hardcover

        GeneralGeneral | History & Criticism | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Museums & Collections | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
        Museum of Modern ArtMuseum of Modern Art | Exhibition Catalogs | Museums | Museums & Collections | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
        CollectingCollecting | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Reference | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
        ASIN: 3791319205

        Books:

        1. Collecting Costume Jewelry 101: The Basics of Starting, Building and Upgrading (Identification & Value Guide)
        2. Collector's Encyclopedia of Howard Pierce Porcelain: Identification and Values
        3. Czechoslovakian Perfume Bottles and Boudoir Accessories,
        4. Designers Guide to Furniture Styles, Second Edition
        5. Designers Guide to Furniture Styles, Second Edition
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        7. Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia
        8. Employment Discrimination Law
        9. Essential System Administration, Third Edition
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