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Imari book more than a coffee-table experience
The Story of Imari: The Symbols and Mysteries of Antique Japanese Porcelain by Goro Shimura, Ten Speed Press, 2008. Hardcover/dustjacket, 200 pages, color photos, no values. List price: $40.

From the start, author Goro Shimura is upfront about his intent. The Story of Imari can very well serve as a coffee-table book, he notes in the introduction, but it’s more than just a pretty compilation of photos and text.

Instead, the book was written for collectors who would like to know more about this porcelain.

Design is one essential element the author examines. Japanese artisans who decorated Imari in the period from the early-17th century to the mid-19th century left behind a legacy of artwork that can be found in museums, antique shops and private collections. The objects and their decorations were influenced by the culture of the time - something the author relates throughout the book as he familiarizes the reader with Japanese history, bringing life and meaning to the pieces shown.

Shimura admits that he treats each object from the viewpoint of an art historian, since each is a work of art, but his attitude is closer to that of a museum curator. Yet, he never forgets his audience.
“I make detailed aesthetic evaluations of many Imari pieces and also describe their technical characteristics, but I view them as something the reader may someday acquire, not just as distant objects in a museum case,” he writes.

With his focus largely on Imari made before 1830, which is more aesthetically pleasing than later porcelain, one of his goals is to help readers to identify earlier wares and recognize better examples.

This is not a book where a person can learn much by looking at the pictures. Instead, this is the type of material best read in an easy chair, a cup of tea within reach, as one works through the text. It’s an easy, enjoyable read. Most of all, it’s time well spent.

Antique Trader Collectible Paper-back Price Guide by Gary Lovisi, Krause Publications, 2008.  Soft-cover, 302 pages, color photos, values. List price: $19.99.

Describing itself as “the only full-color guide of its kind,” this book truly is one that collectors will want to have a look at. Thousands of titles of mass-market paperbacks are listed, with many of those books illustrated in more than 1,100 photos. The material is grouped by genre, such as mysteries, sports and social issues.
Values are given for three grades of condition. There’s also a section on pseudonyms, as well as a glossary and other useful information.

Antique Trader Salt and Pepper Shaker Price Guide by Mark F. Moran, Krause Publications, 2008. Softcover, 270 pages, color photos, values. List price: $19.99.

Drawn primarily from a single collection, this picture price guide is illustrated with more than 1,000 salt and pepper shakers from more than 40 manufacturers. The content is grouped into two sections — one based on the form of the object, the other on the maker. The work also includes a chapter on reproductions.
Warman’s Vintage Jewelry by Leigh Leshner, Krause Publications, 2008. Softcover, 255 pages, color photos, values. List price: $24.99.
The history of rhinestones, types of settings, and the cuts and shapes of stones are covered in the introduction, but this is clearly a picture price guide. The jewelry is divided into nine sections: bracelets and bangles, brooches and pins, clips, duettes, earrings, necklaces and pendants, rings, sets, and miscellaneous. More than 1,000 pieces are shown in over 750 color photographs.
Warman’s Political Collectibles by Dr. Enoch L. Nappen, Krause Publications, 2008. Softcover, 254 pages, color photos, values. List price: $24.99.

Although its main value is as a picture price guide, additional information is sprinkled throughout this title, giving readers insight to the objects shown. Although the publisher says the book contains 1,100 color photos, that number is conservative, since much more material appears to be shown. All types of political memorabilia are covered, from pinback buttons to desk statues, and from medals to stereoview cards. There’s also a section on fakes, fantasies and reproductions.

Watches by Dean Judy, Krause Publications, 2008. Softcover, 270 pages, color photos, values. List price: $17.99.

Part of the Warman’s Companion series, this is largely a picture price guide. The material is evenly divided between pocket watches and wristwatches, with a small section that deals with character watches. The items shown date from 1870 to the present and include both American- and foreign-made timepieces.
The following books are updated editions, reprinted titles or reformatted information from other books.

•Antique Trader Furniture Price Guide by Kyle Husfloen, Krause Publications, 2008. Softcover, 382 pages, color photos, values. List price: $19.99.

•Classic Lanterns, 2nd Edition by Dennis Pearson, Schiffer Publishing, 2008. Softcover, 144 pages, black-and-white and color photos, values. List price: $29.99.

•Collector’s Guide to Pez by Shawn Peterson, 3rd Edition, Krause Publica-tions, 2008. Softcover, 256 pages, color photos, values. List price: $24.99.

•O’Brien’s Collecting Toys, 12th Edition by Karen O’Brien, Krause Publications, 2008. Softcover, 792 pages, black-and-white photos, values. List price: $29.99.
7/23/2008