Toby & Character Jugs of the 20th Century and Their Makers [Hardcover]

Stephen M. Mullins (Author), David C. Fastenau (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1999

The definitive body of research on 20th Century Toby and Character Jug production. Bursting with color, it includes:

Over 350 pages of valuable information, much of which has not been previously published Over 1,500 photographs depicting more than 3,000 Toby and Character jugs in full color Identification of over 4,000 jugs in various sizes and colorways The history and jug production of over 150 different potters from around the world In-depth research on potteries that were previously only a name A cross-reference of potters and their tradenames A separate available price guide to all listed jugs A "must have" reference book for the passionate jug collector and antique enthusiast alike

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Toby and Character Jugs of the 20th Century and Their Makers is a unique reference book in the collectibles field. The first book ever published on this 20th Century collecting phenomenon, it provides extensive information never before in print, and gathers other dispersed information into a single volume. Included is information on over 175 potters of the 20th Century, plus listings of over 4,000 Toby and character Jugs, a majority of which have never been documented. The text is lavishly illustrated with more than 3,000 separate jugs. Even within the well-documented world of Royal Doulton, the authors have provided photographs of several jugs that previously have not been published. The scope, detail, and pictorial abundance set this book apart from any other reference book on the subject.

About the Author

David Fastenau is a graduate engineer from Iowa State University and Santa Clara University and is currently a Marketing Manager with Hewlett-Packard in Northern California. David's collecting passion for Toby Jugs was spurred when he inherited a small collection of Royal Doulton jugs from his grandmother. With these jugs, and childhood memories of their comical and sometimes grotesque faces, he set out to learn as much about Toby and character Jugs as possible. His collection continues to grow and numbers over 500.

Steve Mullins is a graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Michigan Business School and is currently chairman of a Chicago-based real estate investment firm. He started collecting Toby and Character Jugs over fifty years ago when a camp counselor in Canada enticed him with a Royal Doulton brochure to spend the balance of his camp candy money, all of $9, to buy six small character jugs. Today that collection numbers over 2,000 Toby and Character Jugs from around the world, dating from those earliest produced in the 1760s to the latest jugs made. The collection is now on display in the American Toby Jug Museum in Evanston, Illinois, where Steve is the curator.

Together the authors have over seventy years of collecting experience.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 376 pages
• Publisher: Kevin James Pub (August 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1928938019
• ISBN-13: 978-1928938019
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 9.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #493,913 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #12 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Bottles

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a "must have" for the serious collector., October 13, 1999

By 

John Robb ([e-mail]) (Newton, Kansas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Toby & Character Jugs of the 20th Century and Their Makers (Hardcover)

This is a fabulous book for the toby and character jug collector. The photo quality is exceptional (although some jugs are fairly small in the photos) and the organization is alphabetical by manufacturer. The information contained in the book is extensive. A wonderful reference source.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Breathtaking presentation and wonderful reference guide, August 31, 1999

By 

"marble" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Toby & Character Jugs of the 20th Century and Their Makers (Hardcover)

When this artfully compiled book was handed to me for inspection, my first thought upon viewing it was "Wow! I wish all reference books were this thorough!"

They're not kidding when they say "Busting with Color." It also has tables with prices, edition numbers, and the item's history. I learned more about Toby and Character Jugs that I ever thought I knew! I plan to spend hours in the American Toby Jug Museum first chance I get! And the second, and the third, and ...

Great book. Wonderful.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for novice or expert, July 30, 2000

By 

Debby Heid - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Toby & Character Jugs of the 20th Century and Their Makers (Hardcover)

I have always been fascinated by toby mugs and jugs, but could not find the right source of information. This is one of the best reference books ever. I use it daily to help identify toby and character mugs and jugs. I was very lucky to get an advanced copy of it's companion price guide. The combination of the two has proved to be very useful. I would recommend these two publications highly!