Antique Santa Claus Collectibles [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

David Longest (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 29, 2008

David Longest's newest addition to the Collector Books lineup is a sweeping, informative history of Santa Claus collecting. Nearly everyone s basement or attic is filled with some examples of old Santas, and Longest's newest book will shed needed light on both the history and the value of prized family heirloom antique and collectible Santa Claus items from the past 130 years. Chapters include 'The Wonderful History of Santa'; 'Antique and Victorian Santas'; 'Santas from the War Years'; 'Baby Boomer Santas and the Christmas-crazed Sixties'; 'The Spirit of Christmas Past, Present, and Future' 'Modern Santas'; and finally, a chapter devoted to 'Caring for Your Santas.' In addition, there is a wonderful chapter devoted to the fabulous museum at nostalgic and historic Santa Claus, Indiana, and the history of Santa Claus as presented at America's first Santa theme park. 2009 values.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Just released in time for Christmas is Antique Santa Claus Collectibles, an identification and value guide by David Longest. Since tens of thousands of Santa Claus items have been produced from the 1890s to the present, the collector has no shortage of items from which to choose. Dating those items is not always easy, and the author offers a general time line to help solve this problem.

About the Author

David Longest has written six books on collectibles, including titles on cartoon toys & collectibles, character toys & collectibles, Disneyana, and other antique & collectible toys. He has been a regular monthly columnist for Toy Trader magazine and has done feature writing for several other magazines.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Collector Books; 1 edition (July 29, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574326139
• ISBN-13: 978-1574326130
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,184,370 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A word from the author...., September 3, 2008

By 

David K. Longest "toybookwriter" (Clarksville, Indiana) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Antique Santa Claus Collectibles (Hardcover)

As the author of this book, I wanted to explain to readers its purpose.
This book is filled with photographs from many personal collections around the Midwest and also includes background information as to the history of Santa Claus and Santa Collecting. This is my NINTH published price guide for Collector Books, and I have been an author with the same publisher for 25 years. I have never written a response for any of my other books on AMAZON but have been a loyal customer since its inception. Since the very FIRST review was from a purchaser who gave this product a very low rating but did compliment the pictures...I wanted to respond. This book is a general overview to Santa collecting and was intended to be a reference for new collectors, general antique dealers, and people just interested in Santa antique collecting. It is not the ULTIMATE guide to Santa antiques...I am not sure any guide could ever be that. Just know that I spent many months on this project and gave it my best, including personally doing all the photography. Readers who know my work also know that I don't produce "one star" efforts. Thank you for reading this review!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A year-round reference for any avid collector of Christmas ornaments, figurines, and decorations, January 9, 2009

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Antique Santa Claus Collectibles (Hardcover)

David Longest's handbook Antique Santa Claus Collectibles arrived too late for Christmas mention but is a year-round reference for any avid collector of Christmas ornaments, figurines, and decorations. The focus is on Santa Claus alone, narrowing the choices and allowing for plenty of color photos paired with the latest identification guides. Any collection offering narrowed specialty focus - particularly holiday references - will find this a key title.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great fun!, September 3, 2008

By 

Happy Collector (Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Antique Santa Claus Collectibles (Hardcover)

This book is great. The background text is very informative, yet keeps Santa fun. The book contains a wide variety of items covering many years. I found both the pictures and prices helpful. I'm always very happy with Mr. Longest's books.