Miller's Antiques Encyclopedia [Hardcover]

Judith Miller (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Millers | Publication Date: July 28, 2006

Compiled by an international team of over 40 distinguished consultants and writers, Miller’s Antiques Encyclopedia is the “bible” of the antiques world, with co-editions in 7 languages and sales of 110,000 copies. It explains materials, marks, and techniques, provides clues to identification, and offers hints on what to consider when examining antiques. All the popular areas of collecting are featured, including furniture, ceramics, silver, and glass. More specialist subjects include scientific instruments, sporting memorabilia, and oriental art.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

First published in 1998 and last revised in 2003,  Miller’s Antiques Encyclopedia was created to “substantially and comprehensively further the dissemination of knowledge about antiques and collectibles to both new and more experienced collectors.” It is a familiar sight on a lot of public library reference shelves, and many of its antiques-themed cousins, such as Miller’s Advertising Tins (1999), Miller’s Teddy Bears: A Complete Collector’s Guide (2001), and Miller’s Sci-Fi and Fantasy Collectibles (2003), are readily available. A recently launched Web site features “a fully illustrated, searchable database of tens of thousands of authenticated antiques and collectibles, each with a full description, size and price” (www.millersantiquesguide.com). This volume is arranged into 17 chapters covering antiques by both type and period, for example, “Ceramics,” “Glass,” and “Postmodernism.” Each chapter is subdivided into short sections. For example, “Mid-Century Modern” has sections on furniture, jewelry, lighting, domestic wares, and more. A highly detailed 20-plus-page index provides access to individual pieces by artisan, manufacturer, style, name, and place. A “How to Use This Book” section offers clear explanations of the book’s many special features, such as value codes, makers’ marks, and dimensions that accompany the hundreds of high-quality photos. Overall, the explanatory text accompanying each antique is written simply enough for beginners but includes enough detail to benefit experienced collectors. Miller’s Antiques Encyclopedia is a very nicely done reference work. It should be given serious consideration by public librarians and by academic librarians whose collections support programs in fine art, history, and studio projects. --Art A. Lichtenstein --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"... an ornament to any bookshelf and a treasure-trove of information" BBC Homes & Antiques Magazine; "... the most accessible and authoritative antiques reference book available... an invaluable guide" Collectables Trader" --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 560 pages
• Publisher: MITCH; Revised edition (July 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1840007370
• ISBN-13: 978-1840007374
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 9.4 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,334,767 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well worth the price!, October 27, 1999

By 

Treasures - See all my reviews

This review is from: Miller's: Antiques Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

Similar to Understanding Antiques in format, but offers more information. Well written and illustrated with good,clear color photos on every page. This is a must have book for any antique collector.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A British Book, May 2, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Miller's: Antiques Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

This book is truly superb - and an excellent encyclopedia, filled with tons of useful information. However, I must say don't forget this is a British book. Therefore, you will see references to British Pounds and U.S. Dollars. This is not really a problem, except when you are looking up a specific piece of furniture, which may have a different name in England. That said, I doubt most people will even notice the difference - so, not to worry - just something to keep in mind. I definitely recommend it -the images are incredible and all in color, filling every page cover to cover. It is the best book I've ever seen on antiques. In addition, I bought it at my local bookstore and paid $80.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great as a Decorative Arts resource!, April 15, 2010

By 

LD (Colorado) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Miller's Antiques Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

Judith Miller's Decorative Arts book is an outstanding work with descriptions, large color pictures, and many categories grouped by their time periods. I wanted more photo examples of porcelain, glass, marquetry, etc. so I purchased this book. I am very satisfied that the Antiques Encyclopedia is a good supplement to Decorative Arts. I am not an antique collector but the values shown are an interesting sidelight.