Oil Lamps: The Kerosene Era in North America (Hardcover)

~ Catherine Thuro (Author) "The nineteenth century in North America saw the use of ancient forms of lighting, the development of known forms, and the discovery of revolutionary new..." (more)
Key Phrases: footed hand lamp, ring punty, excellent quality glass, Central Glass, United States Glass Company, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Hundreds of detailed photographs and illustrations are showcased in this beautiful guide ot kerosene oil lamps. Inspired by the process and the people involved in the manufacturing of these marvelous lighting devices, Catherine Thuro has documented extensive historical information in this wonderful hardbound volume with over 350 pages. Oil Lamps illustrates the broad range of kerosene lamps that exist today, places them as closely and accurately as possible to the period in which they were first used, and gives the area of original use and manufacturer as known. Readers may view numerous lamps that may have illuminated family gatherings, meetings, or other events that occurred hundreds of years ago. Years of research led the author to present this historical and informative book, which covers companies who manufactured oil lamps, materials, and the process used, and styles of different lamps. This first book in a three-volume series is essential for collectors. 2004 values. AUTHORBIO: Catherine Thuro is a researcher, lecturer, writer, and museum consultant in the field of early lighting. She has authored three volumes on oil lamps, which have become standard references in the field. She has lectured to museums and clubs in the U.S. and Canada, including the Sandwich Glass Museum, The Royal Ontario Museum, The Ford Museum, The Huntington Galleries, The Early American Industries Association, and The Early American Glass Club. REVIEW: This is the first volume in a three-volume series by author Catherine Thuro, one of Canada's leading authorities on early lighting. Her books are highly acclaimed and are considered required reading by collectors.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 360 pages
• Publisher: Collector Books (July 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574320971
• ISBN-13: 978-1574320978
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #400,529 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you only own one book on oil lamps, this should be it!, May 31, 2001

By	Dennis Hearn (NYC, NY) - See all my reviews

Oil Lamps I has become the standard reference book on kerosene lamps. It is by far the most comprehensive and definitive book to cover the kerosene era. More than 1,000 kerosene lamps and accessories are shown in over 900 studio photographs. For the historian, student and collector, there awaits a carefully researched and organized visual record. First published in 1979, this newly released 1998 reprint is complete with an updated price guide. Often the first reference I choose.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Detailed Info. and A Value Guide - a Great Book!, June 16, 2000

By	Lindsy Adkins (Detroit area of MI, USA) - See all my reviews

This is a really great book on the history and value of antique oil lamps. Exceptionally well researched with a lot of photographs. If you are interested in this book you should also check out Oil Lamps II by the same author.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Oil Lamps: The Kerosene Era in North America, July 8, 2004

By	Eleanor Riley (Marina del Rey, California United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book was a big disappointment. I have several Bradley & Hubbard kerosene lamps, and there is not one word about them in this book. Bradley & Hubbard were one of the largest manufacturers of kerosene lamps during the 19th century, and are very popular with collectors today. The Smithsonian has a collection, with a curator and a web site, of B & H lamps and other items made by them. Strangely, there is one brief mention (with a photo) of a Rayo lamp, and the author fails to mention Rayo lamps were made by Bradley & Hubbard for the Standard Oil Co. I was considering buying Oil Lamps II by the same author, but I'm afraid it would be a disappointment also.