Customer Reviews

Antiques Roadshow Primer: The Introductory Guide to Antiques and Collectibles from the Most-Watched Series on PBS

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

What could be a more appropriate resource for the new millenium than this compedium of information concerning antiques. Through a delightfully written and totally applicable approach, Carol Prisant helps those of us green to the antiques market guage the potential value of our treasures. For such a broad field of study, Ms. Prisant takes us by the hand through a myriad of antiques, giving us a general yet highly pertinent overview of each category. She then goes into a more in depth explanation, replete with fascinating examples, of what comprises a healthy antique. She seems to provide a minor's hat to each of her readers, and brings us on a wonderful journey of exploration into so many practical and fascinating details of this arena. This was such a fulfilling read, such an inspiration to any of us who search for a more complete understanding of the world of objects around us. She primes us indeed, and serves as a masterful captain in navigating these otherwise confusing waters. This book is written in highly intelligent yet comfortably familiar language, with true respect for us novices. Antiques Roadshow Primer takes center stage on my shelves this year. Bravo! and can we have a Primer 2, please?

Having just completed my reading of the book by Ms Prisant, I have found it an excellent companion for advice and research into the world of antiques. I especially found the sections on furniture, paintings and jewelry to be thoughtful and helpful in content.

I recommend the book highly to people looking for insights into their own valued possessions or when thinking of purchasing.

With a Foreword by Chris Jussel, the show's charming & charmed host, in which he gives us a glimpse of the unfolding of what has arguably become one of the most watched shows in the history of television, The Antiques Roadshow Primer is a gift waiting to be given to any & all who enjoy browsing through fleamarkets, garage & estate sales, other countries & country auctions as well as dealers' stores. With black & white photos on every page & a glorious full color section, this is a clear, interesting teaching book. It has a useful Glossary, a long & lucid Index & a thorough Photo Credits Sections. While values & prices of pieces are rare(go to the many catalogs in print for real time prices)what I like about the Antiques Roadshow Primer is you're learning all the time, on every page; learning to see what's before you, to classify, verify & testify. Very well done! For my full review do check out my sit [...].

Antiques Roadshow is an enigma. It is at the same time one of the most informative shows on television and one of the most misleading. This book is quite similar. The information presented to help identify styles is very good overall, although there are some serious shortcomings in certain sections. However, this book also includes the ubiquitous "Find" featured on the show which gives the reader an unrealistic expectation of the value of what they may own.

Also featured in the book are sections on items which are "out." In many of those sections I found items which sell quite well in our local market as well as online. It seemed that the decision to call something "out" was made solely on price issues. Invariably in this work the items which bring sums over $1000 were mentioned while hot collectibles & antiques that can be had between $50-$500 were either left out or barely touched upon in the text.

I use this book as a reference for styles, periods, and such, but I do not trust their market research any more in print than I do on TV. ....and I'm a professional appraiser.

This book is intended to be a companion to the PBS series of the same name. It has ten chapters covering: furniture; silver; porcelain, pottery and glass; paintings; jewelry; clocks and watches; metalwork; rugs, quilts and samplers; toys, dolls and collectibles; and book and manuscripts. Each chapter covers its topic, giving the read the history of its subject, and many important details, including a list of "further reading." As an added bonus, this book is sprinkled with special "Antiques Roadshow Discoveries"; items of note that turned up during the shows.

I absolutely loved this book. It is written in an easy to understand format, and its layout kept surprising me with new information. While this book will not contain enough information for those who are seeking in-depth information on a topic, it will please all others. I recommend this book absolutely!

This is not for you if you are looking for a guide that will help you to price items when you are at garage sales, flea markets, auctions, or antique shops. There were very few prices for items listed in this guide, and they were mainly for items that had been on the show.

I was not happy with the black and white pictures. They were often unclear, with little detail available. I also found it frustrating to read about an object that was valuable because it was a particular color and then have a black and white picture for reference.

There is a lot of good information about antiques in this book, however, it is not comprehensive by any means.

All in all, I was disappointed.

PBS's hit series on antique collecting now receives Antiques Roadshow Primer, a book which is sure to prove a hit for any interested in learning about antiques and their values. This primer includes specifics of how to price antiques, from determining styles and periods to motifs, maker's marks, and valuing attic contents. Chapters are organized by types of items and help readers determine general age and indicators of value.

A super, new 320 page book that can save you far more than its price. Written by an authority, she shares many tricks of the trade that you won't find anywhere else. You'll learn how to inspect items to learn their true value, and how to buy at the right price. Don't look for the currently popular "fad" type of items. This book deals with the things that will be of value for many years to come - where the true value and enjoyment of antiquing exists. The volume contains numerous illustrations to assist you. Many explanations go into great detail, to assure that you can make an appropriate appraisal of your items. You'll be able to intelligently evaluate many of the antiques you already have in your home. Its a fun, informative read. Every antique enthusiast should have this book.

If you love the Antiques Roadshow, this book is a must for you! It is loaded with information with everything from silver hallmarks to furniture styles. It will become a bible for the antique shopper.

An excellent book for the collector, both new or experienced. Newcomers will get most from this book, but there were useful tips even for old hands like myself. Covers major categories of antiques and collectibles in a very readable and informative way. Has useful tips on telling good from bad, old from new and which categories to avoid until you become more experienced. There are better books if you are looking to learn the history of a particular area of collecting, but as a primer to give you an appreciation of antiquing and helping you avoid the sometimes costly and simple (yet common) mistakes it cannot be beaten in my view.