World's Fair Collectibles: Chicago, 1933 and New York, 1939 (Schiffer Book for Collectors) [Paperback]

Howard M. Rossen (Author)

Book Description

Series: Schiffer Book for Collectors | Publication Date: July 2007

Nostalgia and grandeur combine in this pictorial tribute to two great events that eased the hardships of the Depression Era-the 1933 Chicago World's Fair and the 1939 New York World's Fair. These two great fairs gave visitors an opportunity to forget the hard times of the '30s and enjoy the myriad of events presented at these spectacular celebrations. Through this descriptive and colorful book you will experience for yourself the splendor and excitement of these two landmark World's Fairs. The author provides a virtual tour of each, from attractions such as the thrilling Skyride of 1933 and the towering Trylon of 1939 to the revolutionary fan dancing of Sally Rand along the Streets of Paris. Over 300 beautiful color photographs illustrate the vast array of posters, souvenirs, and memorabilia depicting attractions and exhibits from both fairs.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Howard Rossen is an attorney, educator, and author from Cleveland, Ohio. He has been collecting memorabilia from Expositions and World's Fairs since his graduation from law school.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing (July 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764304607
• ISBN-13: 978-0764304606
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,493,646 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:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great for 1933 and 1939 World's Fair Collectors, December 29, 2003

By 

S. Calhoun "rhymeswithorange" (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: World's Fair Collectibles: Chicago, 1933 and New York, 1939 (Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Paperback)

I am an avid collector of 1933-34 Chicago World's Fair memorabilia so naturally I was anxious to get my hands on a copy of this guide. Howard Rosen filled this collector's guide with an abundant amount of colorful photographs of items ranging from vases, bookmarks, china, tapestry, and posters from both the 1933 and 1939 World's Fairs. Also included is a brief explanation of why these two World's Fairs were so important for the psyche of the country during the Depression era.

Notwithstanding, I have two points that I would like to clarify about this guide. First, it is not an exhaustive display of all memorabilia available from these two World's Fairs. Rather it is simply a display of one individual's collection. Therefore there are many items in my own personal collection that were not included in this guide. Second, as with other collector's guide the prices provided by Howard Rosen should be only taken with a grain of salt. With the advent of the internet and such sites as eBay one can purchase the same displayed items in this guide for much cheaper. Shop around as there are still deals waiting to be grabbed.

Despite these two setbacks I have enjoyed browsing through this guide. It provides a great idea of what items are available for collecting that I have not seen before.

5.0 out of 5 stars great book. great index, March 16, 2009

By 

mark wain "moving to Siberia" (Harvard) - See all my reviews

This review is from: World's Fair Collectibles: Chicago, 1933 and New York, 1939 (Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Paperback)

Fascinating book about the fair and the era of our country's history - all tied together by a great index.

5.0 out of 5 stars World's Fair Collectibles for American Time Travellers, December 21, 2007

By 

Tiger Maple (Alexandria, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: World's Fair Collectibles: Chicago, 1933 and New York, 1939 (Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Paperback)

This is a very useful guide for persons interested in both high-end and common souvenirs of the 1939 NY World's Fair, The World of Tomorrow. It contains descriptions, photos, and suggested prices ... a must for EBay buyers.

Many of the items depicted were in the Art-Deco style, and the fair and its memorabilia are a reflection of an optimistic view of science, technology, and progress in general. You will experience an idealized future that lovers of science fiction will really enjoy.

Half of the book is devoted to the 1933 Chicago Fair, A century of Progress. Again, the theme was optimism about science and progress. Everyone who is the least bit interested in either Fair should read or see David Mamet's Play, The Water Engine, which is partly about the Chicago Fair and very much about technology, business, and progress.

BTW, you will enjoy this book even if you did not go to either Fair and even it you weren't alive at the time. The book will help you do some American time travelling.