Carnival Glass: The Magic and the Mystery [Hardcover]

Glen Thistlewood (Author), Stephen Thistlewood (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2008

Carnival Glass has magic. It captures a unique harmony of color, pattern, and iridescence--a shimmering dance of light, an ever-changing sheen with many moods. It possesses a legacy from the master craftsmen of the past. Carnival Glass has mystery. Looking at its history is like holding a mirror to the world. It reflects all aspects of society and culture--and in those reflections over time lie many mysteries. Carnival is the "Cinderella" of glass that has become a "Rockefeller" of glass. Through over 300 stunning color photographs, almost 200 black and white illustrations (including original, detailed line drawings of Carnival patterns), and much contemporary archive material the reader is presented with a wealth of information surrounding Carnival Glass. Individual chapters provide an explanation of how Carnival was made. Many hundreds of patterns are covered, over 500 of which are explored in detail. There is a fresh look at the major and minor manufacturers of Classic American Carnival and the relationships among them, Carnival Glass from around the world, fascinating and revealing catalog information, and many unique insights into aspects of Carnival previously unexplored. Uniquely, the book provides recognition features for many geometric patterns as well as an analysis of the "Signature Characteristics" of the main Carnival manufacturers in both the United States and the rest of the world.

--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Glen and Stephen Thistlewood share a passion for Carnival Glass. A married couple with a twentysomething son and daughter, the Thistlewoods live in the south of England. Originally employed as a town planner, Glen used her early art training to continue freelance design work while raising a family. Stephen works in the City of London, though he still manages to find time to continue his long-standing interest in photography. Together, Glen and Steve began collecting Carnival Glass in 1982, first at antique shows and shops in England and then while attending Carnival Glass conventions in the United States. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing; 2 Rev Exp edition (November 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764329898
• ISBN-13: 978-0764329890
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,026,305 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE BIBLE OF CARNIVAL GLASS - MORE THAN A REFERENCE BOOK!!, June 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Carnival Glass: The Magic and Mystery (Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Hardcover)

After reading and owning most of the reference books on carnival glass, I highly recommend this book to fully understand this era. The Thistlewoods cover the entire industry, focusing not only on the various companies, but also go into depth on colors, patterns, and the various influences of both. MOST IMPORTANT to me, they successfully took me back in time to the carnival glass era. This book sheds new light on the marketing of this glass and really captures the influences of the day that helped decide the various patterns. I now have a much better understanding and a much, much deeper appreciation for the pieces in my collection.

They also cover the little known carnival glass produced overseas during this era. The illustrations are outstanding. Through their identification of this glass, I am now keeping my eye out for this glassware, when in the past I would have just passed it over.

I cannot emphasize enough that this book is an ABSOLUTE MUST for all collectors of glass. It will take you back to the early 1900's and give you an unprecedented appreciation for your glassware. The title really sums up the book. It was a magic time in the glass era and they have unlocked many of the mysteries of the industry. I can now pick up a piece of carnival and feel all the influences that went into the piece from start to finish.

If you love carnival glass, this book will give you a whole new perspective on your hobby!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beauiful book..., May 4, 2010

By 

J. R. Abbey "JR the book lover" (Norcal) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Carnival Glass: The Magic and the Mystery (Hardcover)

This is a lovely, informative book. The pictures, detail and information are outstanding. I would highly recommend this book to those who love collecting, history, and beautiful photos of carnival glass products.

5.0 out of 5 stars Carnival Glass Reference Book, December 15, 2011

By 

Beverly Morris "Antiques Lady" (Carrollton, TX United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Carnival Glass: The Magic and the Mystery (Hardcover)

This book should be in every carnival glass collector, antique dealer, and appraisers library. The photos are excellent with attention to detail. The history of the companies and countries that made carnival glass are informative and well written. I would highly recommend this book.