Fiesta, Harlequin, & Kitchen Kraft Dinnerwares: The Homer Laughlin China Collectors Association Guide (A Schiffer Book for Collectors) [Hardcover]

Homer Laughlin China Collectors Association (Other Contributor)

Book Description

Series: A Schiffer Book for Collectors | Publication Date: September 2000

Three of the most collectible lines of vintage dinnerware are throughly explored in this major work written by expert collectors. Colorful Fiesta, Harlequin, and Kitchen Kraft sets made since 1936 by The Homer Laughlin China Company are shown in 592 color photographs and detailed measured drawings along with extensive analysis of the shapes, marks, production methods, and decorations. Their enormous popularity, originally and now, has made these dinnerware lines familiar to four generations of Americans, and this reference will link them with collectors, dealers, and users long into the future.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Members of The Homer Laughlin China Collectors Association collaborated to produce this book.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Pub Ltd (September 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764311484
• ISBN-13: 978-0764311482
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #461,830 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #46 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Kitchenware

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The definitive Fiestaware® and Harlequin® text., May 16, 2002

By 

Zakkary Zoah "zakbrat" (SF, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fiesta, Harlequin, & Kitchen Kraft Dinnerwares: The Homer Laughlin China Collectors Association Guide (A Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Hardcover)

This is the definitive text on Fiestaware®, Harlequin® and Kitchen Kraft. It was written for collectors by collectors (the combined efforts of the Homer Laughlin China Collectors Association.)

The book has insightful, smart and readable text that was reviewed by experts for accuracy. Each piece is illustrated with gorgeous, professional full-color photos, scale line drawings and details on its manufacture.

Homer Laughlin gave the authors unprecedented access to the original journals of Franklin Rhead, the original designer behind Fiestaware® and Harlequin®, and it shows.

This is more of a textbook than a guide. I find myself using it constantly. For Fiesta and Harlequin® collectors there is no equal.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The *Definitive* Fiesta Reference Book, February 6, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Fiesta, Harlequin, & Kitchen Kraft Dinnerwares: The Homer Laughlin China Collectors Association Guide (A Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Hardcover)

This book, by far and away, is THE BEST for the collector of Homer Laughlin colourware. It has an amazing amount of detail and answers almost every question a person could ask about the dishes named in the title. Measured line drawings are an invaluable help for both the novice and seasoned collector. And it is quite a treat to see photos of nearly every piece in all glaze colours. I found the price guide to be a major improvement over most, as each piece is priced individually by colour.

Readers are treated to a wonderfully accurate history of the dishes. Several rumours that have circulated among the collecting community over the years are laid to rest. The fact that the authors had access to both Frederick Rhead's journals and the HLC modeling logs resulted in a book that is sure to become "The Fiesta Bible".

It is quite refreshing to be able to consult a reference for information, and know that it is factual and free of some author's prejudice and innuendo. This particular book sets a new standard for what collectors' books should be. A MUST BUY!!!

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Get the Huxford One First, October 19, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Fiesta, Harlequin, & Kitchen Kraft Dinnerwares: The Homer Laughlin China Collectors Association Guide (A Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Hardcover)

This is a fine quality coffee table type book, with heavy paper and nice color reproduction. If you are an advanced collector who owns every book about Fiesta as well as every piece of Fiesta, you will want this book.

If you are a new collector who has absolutely no idea what any thing is, have no assortment of Fiesta to look at as you read and have no spatial visualization skills, you will want this book because it very pedantically gives every measurement every which way so that you can figure out that your plate that measures 9 5/8 inches is ... surprise commonly called the 9" luncheon plate, and not some "rare, unknown, experimental" due to that extra 5/8". In fact, if you are given to such flights of imagination, especially when pricing your items for sale, please buy this book.

If you are the average collector who falls in the middle, who has seen a set or two of Fiesta, or owns some already, who knows the difference between a bowl and a cup, the tried and true Huxford book, also out at this time in a new edition at about ... and in stock at ..., is the more standardly used alternative, and the one that all but the most novice collector would probably find the better value.