Customer Reviews

Dog Antiques and Collectibles (A Schiffer Book for Collectors)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If Robak's book were merely about figurines, it would be of little use to me. Instead, Dog Antiques and Collectibles is precisely what the title promises: A comprehensive, thoroughly researched, one-stop resource for the serious collector, with facts, illustrations and very useful price estimates. For me, this masterful text is indespensible.

The first review on this list is obviously from a reader who did not understand the reason for the book. While I am sorry she is disappointed, she might want to consider spending the time, energy and money writing a book on "figurines" which seems to be her niche. Robak's book is gloriously profuse with examples of "Dogs in antiques" and gives a great overview of the subject. If the first reviewer had collected dog napkins, she would have been equally disappointed. The prices in Robak's book are reasonable references and the pics are wonderful.

It is my experience that most people collect neither figurines nor dog memorabilia. By no means does this render Robak's book useless to either the collector or ordinary reader. What I particulary enjoy is the book's organization based on the type of material used, like an art or museum book might be organized -- wood, metal, ceramic, glass, paper, textiles. Although some of the layout can only be categorized as "odd," the photos of such a wide array of items makes this as much a history book as a book for collectors. The short history of the popularity of dog breeds bears this out -- unpretentious and informative. The bibliography of books and periodicals would be a useful beginning for any researcher. I can only hope that Robak's attention to detail raises the caliber of other books like this, one of the best books I've seen from Schiffer Publishing.

A HUGE disappoitment. I have been waiting for a book on dog collectibles, especially figurines, for years and thought this was it. Only 3 pages on figurines with a total of 22 mentioned. Most of the other types of pieces described are originals, which are obviously already in a collection, or paper. My experience is that most people collect figurines and there is a sad lack of info on them. I found this book nearly useless.