Collector Books

Library Bookwatch, Feb, 2005

Collector Books

PO Box 3009, Paducah, KY 42002-3009

Collector Books is the publisher of choice if you're a serious collector seeking the latest object-specific reference guides combining bright color identification photos with values guides. Among their latest offerings: Russell E. Lewis' Field Guide To Fishing Lures (1574324195, $16.95) provides an affordable take-long tote packed with clear color photos of fishing lures and a values guide which includes company/maker histories and overviews of particular lure styles and background. Two doll collector guides are also recommended picks: J. Michael Augustyniak's Collector's Encyclopedia Of Barbie Doll Exclusives 1972-2004 (1574324047, $29.95) appears in its updated third edition to cover all Barbie exclusives, from K. Mart and KB lines to FAO Schwarz and more. These lines expand and change so get the third edition to remain current. The second edition of Collector's Encyclopedia Of Vogue Dolls (1574324004, $29.95) by Judith Izen and Carol Stover updates price lists, continues to provide extensive doll and maker history, and excels in fine color photos which are clear and lend to easy identification. If those aging dolls need repair or if you wish to research them, consult Kathryn Witt's Doll Directory (1574324152, $14.95: it's an excellent reference to US doll museums, collections, doll hospitals, clubs and annual shows. Chapters include address, phones, hours of operation, focus, and a paragraph of description along with small black and white photos. Don't put those Christmas lights away: not with Cindy Chipps and Greg Olson's Electric Christmas Lighting Identification And Values Guide (15743-2408X, $39.95), which comes packed with excellent color photos of lamps, lights, strings, wreaths and more novelty holiday lights. Arranged by type of light, this often includes photos of strings in their original packaging along with the latest prices. The second edition of B.J. Summers' Antique & Conte Porary Advertising Memorabilia (1574323733, $29.95) highlights values and reduces photo size, but this doesn't mean it isn' useful. Chapters excel in descriptions and provide the latest values. The fifth edition of B.J. Summers' Guide To Coca Cola (15743234101, $24.95) comes packed with updated information and values for every kind of Coke ad you can imagine; from signs and ads to radios, paper goods, clothing--even matches. Margaret & Kenn Whitmyer's Fenton Art Glass Colors And Hand-decorated Patterns 1939-1980 (1574324187, $29.95) accompanies other Fenton glass books from this publisher, expanding the listings to include a focus on colors and hand-decorated patterns from specific years and organizing these values and photos by color for quicker reference. Just about anything can be a collectible--even a sewing machines, as the second updated edition of Carter Bays' Encyclopedia Of Early American Sewing Machines (1574324-160, $29.95) demonstrates. Vintage black and white and color photos of machines virtually pack a treasure trove of identification and values, including not just small photos, but many half-page spreads. A 'must' for collectors. All are excellent, outstanding guides.