Collector's Encyclopedia of Bookends [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Louis Kuritzky (Author), Charles DeCosta (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1574324330 | ISBN-13: 978-1574324334 | Publication Date: April 1, 2005 | Edition: 1

Bookends have evolved into a well-established genre of interest amongst collectors, antiques dealers, and aficionados of the decorative arts. Since the publication of the Collector's Guide to Bookends, published by Collector Books in 1998, knowledge about bookend sculptors, founders, and subject matter has continued to grow. This single volume is by far the most detailed and authoritative text published on the topic to date. Containing more than 2,500 photographs and entries, numerous examples of never-before-published bookends are provided with updated information about rarity, value, sculptors, and founders. The full range of collectible bookends is represented, including metalware, porcelain, glass, and works of assorted major pottery makers. This volume will surely be the definitive standard reference for antique and collectible bookends.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...This single volume is by far the most detailed and authoritative text published on the topic to date. Containing more than 2,500 photographs and entries, numerous examples of never-before-published bookends are provided with updated information about rarity, value, sculptors, and founders. The full range of collectible bookends is represented, including metalware, porcelain, glass, and works of assorted major pottery makers.

About the Author

Louis Kuritzky has been an avid bookends enthusiast for over a decade. His profession as an academic physician often involves the opportunity for travel to diverse sites around the United States, and of course, at least a few minutes to spend foraging amongst local antiques dealers, thrift shops, flea markets, and the like. In addition to being coauthor of Bookend Revue and Collectors Guide to Bookends, he has published articles on bookends in sites such as Martha Stewart Living.

Charles DeCosta was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. He left Boston in 1962 and settled in California. He retired from the restaurant business in 1999 and moved to the San Bernardino Mountains where he built custom homes. Chuck has always had an interest in antiques. He has traveled in his motor home throughout the United States in search of special 'treasures.' In 1998, Chuck developed an interest in bookends and became an avid collector.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Collector Books; 1 edition (April 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574324330
• ISBN-13: 978-1574324334
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #66,741 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #14 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Books
  • #42 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Antiques & Collectibles
  • #58 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Reference

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A 'must have' reference for any collecting bookends, January 10, 2006

By 

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

This review is from: Collector's Encyclopedia of Bookends (Hardcover)

Bookends might seem an unlikely object to collect, but take a look at the gorgeous ends featured in Louis Kuritzky & Charles De Costa 's Collector's Encyclopedia Of Bookends: Identification & Values to catch a glimpse of some outstanding productions. Chapters are organized A-Z by subject: children, felines, female figures and each section features small clear color photos, object composition and rarity notes, prices, and dates. A 'must have' reference for any collecting bookends.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Collection of Photographs, June 29, 2007

By 

R. J. Beck (Minnesota) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Collector's Encyclopedia of Bookends (Hardcover)

This book consists of a couple dozen pages of not particularly good writing that offers short histories of bookend manufacturers and designers, plus four pages briefly covering dating, material, markings, sizes, rarity, and "value" or price. There is an eight-page section entitled "Comments on Individual Bookends" where some unusual bookends have a few paragraphs each with more detailed information than is found for most of the bookends.

The remainder of the book - almost 300 pages - is photographs of bookends, typically 7-8 per page, with very brief notations for each bookend. Many of the photographs are excellent, and the paper is high quality and glossy. In some cases, several versions of a bookend are shown and described. The book is less than an inch thick, but quite heavy and has a substantial feel, like most of the bookends it pictures.

The values in the book are usually lower than eBay auction prices and definitely lower than antique store prices, but the information is helpful for comparisons, and the book is enjoyable to leaf through.

The bookends covered in this encyclopedia are almost entirely of American manufacture.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST OWN BOOK FOR COLLECTORS, August 31, 2007

By 

Jeannette Magee Hallett (Bangor, Maine USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Collector's Encyclopedia of Bookends (Hardcover)

I was very impressed with Mr. Louis Kuritzky's 1998 "Collector's Guide to Bookends" I didn't think a collector's guide could be improved until I recently purchased the 2006 "Collector's Encyclopedia of Bookends" Mr. Kuritzky teamed up with Charles De Costa, and together they compiled a wonderful, detailed book on hundreds of varieties of bookends many rare ones included. I love it, this book has it all, it is all you need to know about bookends. After all, that is what the book is about.