Customer Reviews

Official Price Guide to American Indian Arrowheads

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"The Official Price Guide to American Indian Arrowheads" by John L. Stivers stands leagues apart from any would-be competitors before or since its publication. Other attempts at such a guide fail miserably in comparison to the quality and importance achieved in this work. In the study and identification of every type of stone tip, this complete reference guide to the widely popular sport of collecting artifacts from America's Stone Age leaves no stone unturned. Such a long awaited comprehensive guide to one of America's most fascinating pastimes is appropriate and invaluable fare for both the young and old alike, from absolute beginner to studied academic. With the use and aid of this book, anyone can follow their interest in American arrowheads as far as they choose or need to. A brief and fascinating introduction covers the history of the collection of American artifacts, guidelines for the amateur archaeologist, advice for the collector, and instructions on how to use the guide, complete with easy to understand point and blade charts that clearly illustrate the different styles that are a point or blade's identifying marks. A concise but thorough glossary defines the terms that are used in the impressive 531 page, 18 chapter catalogue of the most thorough and responsible representation of the wide range of types and quality of American arrowheads ever compiled. Hundreds of photographs of every type of American arrowhead found, and a fascinating array of other stone tools, provide for endless hours of fascinating perusal. The resources section offers a valuable reference for the hobbyist or academic alike looking to further their study or collection of stone tips and tools, with a listing of auctions and auctioneers, collectors included in the guide, shows and events where stone artifacts can be found, as well as pertinent organizations, periodicals, and sources of reproduction and restoration. This instructional and fully illustrated guide will make a fantastic and timeless gift to anyone that's held an arrowhead in their hand, or searched a creek bed or plowed field in the hopes of finding one of these American treasures. John L. Stivers' work, unlike any other existing attempts at similar guides, is a fascinating and invaluable guide that will be very much at home on the family bookshelf right next to the World Almanac, Encyclopedia Brittannica, and Webster's Dictionary.

To start with this book is printed on a very low quality paper. It has very little organization and is not seperated into regions. The photographs are poorly lighted and show very little detail. I purchased this product after reading the reviews which are very misleading. If you intend to buy a guide to arrowheads you can't go wrong with the Overstreet guide, also the books by Lar Hothem are excellent. For the money I paid my expectations were much higher, much to my disappointment. Do not buy this so called guide to arrowheads and stone tools, you will regret it.

Second to none. Large volume, easy to understand. Should be a standard in any amateur or pro collector's library.