Customer Reviews

Collector's Encyclopedia of Bookends

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

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I would definitely recommend this book for anyone considering collecting or even selling antique bookends. It has paid for itself many times over in the first week I've had it.
It is an invaluable as well as educational resource for identification of age, manufacturers, markings, materials, history, artists/sculptors (if known), rarity and value.
The photography is amazing and the book is organized by subject which makes it extremely user friendly.
I started collecting antique bookends because so many of the modern day bookends are of poor quality--and at such high prices! I started searching online, particularly on ebay. As a result of owning this book, I have "saved" myself from a lot of bogus claims made by multiple sellers as well as scoring some mighty good deals. Some of these deals I only realized after the fact when I found them in this book.
The book is printed on high quality paper and is very visually inviting. There are more than 2382 high quality color photos in this book. It is very well done.
My only complaint is that in spite of the 2382 photos, there still are some bookends that are not covered. I think there's room for a next book for these authors and in my opinion, nobody has done a better job.

This is a great book for collectors of bookends and is worth the investment for those who own the previous edition. Although this edition is a big improvement over the last with more pictures, categories, descriptions, history and values than before, it does continue to neglect some areas to include the extensive hand carved alabaster examples that came out of Italy in the 20's and 30's. This volume is already 5 years out of date so the market could use a new revised edition!

Fascinating look into the sometimes arcane world that we collectors delve into. A view of another era when we prized the look of our bookcases full of beloved books--wonder what the future will portend for "kindle" books--yikes! Maybe we can use bookends for CDs--altho CDs will never have the same tactile appeal of a wonderful book. Give me the old days any time.

Excellent resource for the collector and dealer alike. Good descriptions, excellent photographs. Knowledgeable authors. Highly recommend!