Stories
about antiques and art are rich in history and
offer hours of pleasurable reading. The objects
themselves are physically captivating. High quality
illustrations often accompany the text and are
top in detail and colour.
Here are a few favourite picks:
Reference and price guides are a sure bet for
collectors. Among the most popular are those written
by Ralph and Terry Kovel (Crown Publishers).
The Kovels are perhaps the most prolific antique
experts writing on the subject today, and you'll
be able to find a host of offerings including
their Know Your Collectibles; Kovel on Antiques
and Collectibles; Kovel Bottles Price List; and
some 60 other titles. They are easy to find in
nearly every bookstore (and on the web), as well
as being easy to read and reliable to use.
Warman's Price Guides are also excellent in this
category. Published by Wallace Homestead, Warman's
Antiques and Their Prices has issued its 34th
edition this year, and the company has also introduced
guides about specific categories as well.
Two internationally famous price guides from England
are also worthy candidates for purchase. Both
are, however, large, expensive, and somewhat difficult
to find in Canada or the U.S.
The first is The Art Sales Index celebrating its
32nd anniversary edition. The 2,800-page, two-volume
set is known as "The Bible of the art market,"
and comes to the aid of those who are interested
in selling in the auction market. It lists over
85,000 sales results.
Miller's International Price Guide is now in its
22nd edition as a best seller. It is, however,
a large book with hundreds of illustrations, and
quite expensive.
Three new titles that are offshoots of Miller's
Guide have just been released in a series called
Miller's Antique checklist, including volumes
on the topics Art Nouveau; Dolls and Teddy Bears;
and Clocks. Judith Miller, the author, states
collecting is simply a matter of experience, and
knowing how to ask the right questions.
Now, with these guides in hand she suggests, "Treat
the book as a knowledgeable companion as you go
around to auction houses and antique shops."
The fully illustrated guides offer fast and accurate
checklists for recognizing, dating and estimating
the value of antiques to which they refer. It's
an interesting and unique approach.
In closing, there are numerous books on antiques,
collectibles and art (Collector Books and LW-Books
literally have thousands of titles available).
The books which have been mentioned clearly only
represent the tip of the iceberg. But take heart;
if you start with a number of good books (including
those offered in the Asheford program!), you will
be well on your way to becoming a knowledgeable
collector if you use them assiduously.
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