Master Pieces: The Art History of Jigsaw Puzzles [Hardcover]

Chris McCann (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1999

A unique look at cultural an dart history. Master Pieces chronicles the link between popular illustration and jigsaw puzzles. This book shows the beginnings of this beloved pastime and follows the related changes in puzzles and culture that led steadily toward "The Great Puzzle Panic" of the 1930s and the vast expansion of the puzzle market thereafter.

International in scope Master Pieces includes many of the Old Maters and records the evolution of commercial illustration worldwide. The book includes condensed biographies of the artists as well as a valuable reference guide that gives estimates of what these puzzles are worth today.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"He has brought together in this beautifully printed book a fascinating treasure for any devoted jigsaw puzzle fan. ...." -- Independent Publisher, November/December 1999

"The design and high quality of the photography give it the look of a coffee-table book. ...." -- Don Johnson, AntiqueWeek, Monday, October 11, 1999

Product Details

• Hardcover: 223 pages
• Publisher: Collectors Pr (June 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1888054247
• ISBN-13: 978-1888054248
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,163,766 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful to hold and read - art and puzzle lore in one!, March 30, 1999

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Master Pieces: The Art History of Jigsaw Puzzles (Hardcover)

Not just for puzzle fans! A stunning presentation - famous and not famous, new and familiar art as represented in jigsaw puzzles over the years. Presented with tidbits of information scattered throughout the book, it's a pleasure to hold, to handle and to browse. I intended to buy just one for a puzzle fan friend, but now I find that I want to keep the copy I have and am buying another to give away. And, if you have any old puzzles in the attic - check it out! They may be more than lovely to look at - they may be worth something too! Beautifully indexed and edited - a real pleasure.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SUPERB!!!!!!!!, May 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Master Pieces: The Art History of Jigsaw Puzzles (Hardcover)

If Amazon offered EIGHT stars, this would be the book that would do it. The 500 plus puzzles shown, are simply gorgeous in full color and provide a vehicle for the true purpose of the book - a presentation of beautiful paintings as expressed on puzzles. The informative and fascinating artist biographies and collecter's value guide make this the perfect book for puzzle collectors and art lovers, alike. I was delighted by this wonderful book and find it brings more enjoyment everytime I open it.

20 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Does not include solid or plywood puzzles, May 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Master Pieces: The Art History of Jigsaw Puzzles (Hardcover)

While beautiful this book was a disappointment and and the title misleading. We are sending it back.It is limited to cardboard puzzles, many of which are a "dime a dozen". The most highly valued, most complicated and sought after puzzles, solid wood and plywoood, are not included.