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| Book provides a glimpse into World Wars I and II |
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Silver Wings & Leather Jackets: Rare, Unique and Unusual Artifacts of First and Second World War Allied Flyers by Jon A. Maguire, Schiffer Publishing, 2009. Hardcover with dustjacket, 254 pages, color photos, no values. List price: $89.99.
In the introduction to the third and, presumably, final volume in a series on uniforms and insignia of U.S. Army aviation, author Jon A. Maguire makes an interesting statement about the historical memorabilia shown in the book. “The majority of items in this volume are items most of us will never be able to own, but if you are like me — photographs are the next best thing. This volume is not so much a reference; it is more of something to just enjoy.”
There’s plenty to enjoy about Silver Wings & Leather Jackets. Both world wars are represented by material in the book, but it’s World War II that gets much of the focus. Those items, especially vintage photographs and flight jackets, offer many readers a remembrance of the war and of the sacrifice made by the men and women who fought and died in it.
What makes this book special, however, are the stories it tells.
For instance, Maguire doesn’t just show a picture of a bomber jacket, he provides details about the aviator who wore that jacket. Accompanying photos of the wars’ participants give faces to the artifacts.
Maguire was right. This book isn’t so much a reference as something to enjoy. And, something from which to learn — about history and about heroes.
Black Forest Woodcarvings by Peter F. Blackman, Schiffer Publishing, 2009. Hardcover with dustjacket, 304 pages, color photos, no values. List price: $99.99.
More than 900 photographs are used in this exhaustive study of Brienzerware — Black Forest woodcarving that began in the Swiss Alps in 1816. More than just a look at Black Forest carvings themselves, this title puts them into perspective by tracking the art form over the years, with attention given to carvers, schools, companies and exhibitions. From small items made for the tourist trade to colossal pieces of furniture, all types of Black Forest carvings are discussed and shown.
Buriki: Japanese Tin Toys from the Golden Age of the American Automobile: The Yoku Tanaka Collection by Joe Earle, Yale University Press, 2009. Softcover, 96 pages, color photos, no values. List price: $19.95.
Seventy Japanese-made tin-plated toy vehicles from the 500-piece collection of Yoku Tanaka are featured in this coffee table book. American passenger cars get much of the attention, from a 1947 Cadillac to a 1963 Corvette; however, a few buses, boats, airplanes, race cars and space vehicles are also included. It’s an interesting look at Japan’s industrial rebound following World War II and the country’s take on both American culture and the type of toys U.S. buyers might prefer.
Encyclopedia of Cobalt Glass by Tom Felt and Gene and Bernadette Girard, Collector Books, 2009. Hardcover, 304 pages, color photos, values. List price: $39.95.
Detailed captions are paired with hundreds of images in this picture price guide to cobalt glassware.
The book is divided into sections by type of item (such as candlesticks, pitchers, vases, etc.), then alphabetically by company and finally chronologically. Dates, sizes and values are included. An appendix provides additional information about manufacturers of cobalt glass.
Estate Jewelry 1760-1960 by Diana Sanders Cinamon, Schiffer Publishing, 2009. Hardcover with dustjacket, 224 pages, color photos, values. List price: $49.99.
Two hundred years of jewelry from Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States are examined in this book that is part historical overview and part picture price guide, with more than 500 images.
For each of seven periods, from late Georgian to modern, the author presents the “history behind the fashion, fashion affecting jewelry styles, jewelry styles, specific types of jewelry worn, and popular materials and techniques of the period.” Gem identification and jewelry marks are also discussed.
The United States Presidents Illustrated by Robert M. Reed, Schiffer Publishing, 2009. Softcover, 144 pages, color photos, values. List price: $24.99.
A historical sketch of each of the 44 presidents of the United States is coupled with paper ephemera for each man. The memorabilia is mostly postcards, but also includes other paper items, such as newspapers and magazines, engravings, photographs, posters and bumper stickers. |
| 7/22/2009 |
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