Meet an electric mouse and 149 of its closest friends in the volume that introduces you to the world of Pokemon collecting! Hundreds of beautiful color photographs display the hottest Pokemon collectibles produced for the American market today. Topping the list are the cards and characters from the immensely popular Trading Card Game, followed by comics, figures, toys, and electronic games sure to excite every collector.Also included in the text are brief histories of Pokemons development in Japan and successful export to America in 1998, and of the rise of trading card games in the 1990s. As a bonus, this book explains Pokemon basics to anyone who cant figure out what all the excitement is about! Values are given for the items displayed and listed in the text.

In the 1980s, music defined the moment: "Video Killed The Radio Star" ushered in MTV, "Don't You (Forget About Me)" ruled The Breakfast Club, and "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" became the anthem of a generation. The 1980s were also the most visually provocative era of the last millennium. Every new vinyl single hit the stands wrapped in eye-catching sleeves that reflected the latest trends. Put The Needle On The Record is pop culture historian Matthew Chojnacki's definitive guide to 7- and 12-inch vinyl single artwork from the '80s. He presents and compares more than 250 vinyl single covers representing nearly every prominent musician of the decade. Read previously untold stories behind the '80s' most iconic images from the designers and visual talent behind Madonna, Prince, Pink Floyd, Queen, Adam Ant, Iron Maiden, The Clash, Pet Shop Boys, Van Halen, and more. Coupled with exclusive commentary from more than 100 of the '80s biggest musicians, including Annie Lennox, Duran Duran, Run-DMC, Devo, The B-52's, Erasure, The Human League, Scorpions, The Knack, and Yoko Ono, this is an authoritative journey back to the songs and images that continue to influence our culture.

The classic car market is in better shape than ever, remaining buoyant throughout the ups and downs of the motoring industry. Life in the slow lane promises to bring back the joy of driving and can appeal to the head as well as the heart in becoming a financially attractive hobby. Despite the popularity of classic cars, no definitive guide exists for the 'classic car virgin'. Going Classic seeks to fill this gap by answering all the questions a first timer may have before taking the plunge. It covers buying, selling, driving, maintenance, equipment, insurance, safety and competing in classic motorsport, and comes complete with a 'Hot 100' list of the top classics to buy and why.

Historic valentines are popular collectibles themselves and within many other types of collections including comic characters, paper items, international themes, nursery rhymes and topical themes. From hand-made to manufactured, from fancy and romantic to cute and funny, there are valentines for every personality. This book presents a wide range of styles with market values in the capitons. 600 photographs beautifully display the wide variety. It also contains a glossary.

This unique book presents vintage Recreational Vehicles (RVs) through 350 postcards. The text spans RV activity from the early 1900s through the 1970s, including many rare images from over 20 countries. Topics illustrated include early car and cycle camping, RV campgrounds from the 1930s through the 1970s, travel trailer advertising, Airstream, mobile homes, roadside RV scenes, amateur radio and RVing, and RVing humor. Values for the postcards are in the captions. Postcard collectors, RV enthusiasts, and history buffs now have a fascinating new treasury to refer to and enjoy.

A single source for an incredible amount of book and author information. While this is a "how to" for book collectors, it is also intended for people who love books and would like to know more about the books, authors, and reading genres they most enjoy. The Handbook presents enough factual data for all would-be collectors to make knowledgeable choices: pseudonyms and true names (cross-indexed), collectible volumes and their values by category, a compendium of book-related services, and much more. A browser's delight

Since the earliest days of cameras and photography, the idea that an event or a person could somehow be frozen in time and preserved forever has fascinated people. This absorbing book features many of the most famous and historically significant cameras ever produced from the 1930s through the 1990s. Famous American brands such as Imperial, Kodak, Spartus, Polaroid, and Argus are shown, as well as early cameras from Beacon, Packard, and Falcon. Camera types include rangefinder, viewfinder, and single lens reflex, plus foldouts, instants, premiums, plastic art cameras, and even disposables. Here too are many American made movie cameras from Bell & Howell, Kodak, Revere, DeJur, Technicolor, and Keystone, along with Japanese models from Yashica and Chinon and the popular Swiss made Bolex. Though no longer being produced, many of these wonderful older cameras are still available to collectors and are surprisingly inexpensive. Valuable information on where to find them, what to pay, and how to start or add to your own collection is provided.

With 240 color photos and engaging text, this is the first book devoted to collecting rosaries. Hundreds of examples and informative text enables antique lovers, historians, and collectors of religious artifacts to identify variations of rosaries, and their crosses, crucifixes, and religious medals, determining their age and place of origin. It contains historical insights and descriptions, explaining materials used and legends associated with various rosaries. Background information on rosary makers, answers to frequently asked questions, and a glossary to define related terms are also included. With the information enclosed, readers searching brick and mortar stores or online will be able to distinguish between genuine antiques, reproductions, and rosaries that have been altered. The color photographs and concise descriptions identify old and new rosaries in detail. From the boxwood rosary owned by England's King Henry VIII to the newest Mysteries of Light Rosary developed by Pope John Paul II, this volume spans the ages and brings new understanding of both the rosary's beauty and its place in history.

Whimsical household linens and handkerchiefs of the 20th century, most from the "fun linen" period after World War II and through the 1960s, fill this book. The authors' selection criteria was simple: the linens must be collectible, cheerful, and fun! Shown in outstanding color photographs are eye-catching tablecloths, napkins, placemats, runners, towels, doilies, potholders, bedspreads, pillowcases, curtains, laundry bags, and aprons. Organized by subject matter and accompanied by fascinating historical information, they reflect American society during a period of rapid change. Included are many examples of embroidered, crocheted, and hand-painted linens, as well as wonderful signed and unsigned printed pieces. The designs include those by early, pre-World War II proponents of the "fun linen" look, such as Tony Sarg and Tom Lamb. To aid collectors, the authors offer tips for finding and purchasing fun linens, newly discovered information about some of the textile designers featured, and current values. These popular and charming keepsakes are guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

The most ingenious and ephemeral of textiles, lace ispresented as the poetry of fashion. Here is a fascinating glimpse into this extraordinary art form and its role in our culture presented with over 225 pictures, including dramatic original photographs as well as historical illustrations, to portray various types of lace and lace garments from different periods. This is a delightful journey through the history of a celebrated ornament of fashion. An outstanding resource for fashion historians, designers, collectors, students, and aficionados, this unique study will be cherished by all who appreciate beautiful clothing and fabrics.

Dolls not only capture little girls' hearts, they've also managed to corner markets for mega-companies like W.K. Kellogg Company, Jolly Green Giant, and Campbell's. The author has scoured flea markets and auction houses and consumed cereals, candies, and innumerable hamburgers in order to compile one of the most complete collections of advertising dolls known to exist. This comprehensive book traces the emergence of dolls like Aunt Jemima and Betty Crocker, who leant their stamp of domestic credibility, and chronicles the extraordinary rise of figures like Ronald McDonald and the California Raisins, tiny figures which invaded homes and helped define American culture. Here is the nostalgic revisit of hundreds of advertising creations, like Uneeda Kid, Buddy Lee, Cracker Jack, Charlie Tuna, Burger King, and Trix the Rabbit. Each is shown with front and back details, and current values are listed providing the perfect reference tool for the collector.

Elvis Presley wears another crown besides the King of Rock 'N' Roll--he also is the King of Collectibility. Nearly a quarter century after his death, items bearing Elvis's name and likeness are in hot demand. In this comprehensive book, renowned Elvis expert Sean O'Neal chronicles the Elvis phenomenon in more than 600 color photographs. Commercially produced memorabilia, novelties, magazines, promotional pieces, and movie paraphernalia recount Elvis's life and career. Items range from concert posters, to paint by number sets, to the Presley family bible. Every item is presented with its current market price. A special section provides tips on how to avoid counterfeit memorabilia and forged autographs. Also included is a history of Elvis Presley Enterprises, the original creator of Elvis merchandise. This fascinating reference book is the definitive guide to collecting Elvis.

Before the age of Pyrex*TM and plastic, attractive, utilitarian, enameled metal wares adorned kitchens and homes throughout Europe and America. Decorative and durable, enameled ware was made for almost every household purpose - brewing, storing, food preparation, cooking, serving, toting, pouring, and washing. This handsome book showcases, identifies, and explains the myriad of uses that enameled ware provided from the 1880s to the 1940s. Decorations abound - from plain and simple to bold geometrics and lively florals. Many of the most desirable patterns and designs, including the highly collectible End of the Day, Chrysolite, and the coveted cobalt blue pieces are featured here. Today, they provide charming vintage decoration to brighten interior and garden spaces alike. This book will be cherished by beginning collectors and seasoned decorators familiar with two previous books on the subject by the same author. The book includes over 475 color photos with identifying captions and values for the collector, dealer, decorator, and designer.

Paramarine! is devoted to the Marines and Sailors of the Marine Corps parachute units of World War II. It explores in fascinating detail their unique, specially-designed uniforms, equipment, weapons and insignia. For the first time, over 500 photographs and images from World War II and modern collections have been assembled in one volume and combined with a wealth of facts and information about all aspects of Paramarine gear and training. Paramarine is the latest in Schiffer's series of studies on the airborne forces of World War II and is a must for historians and Marine Corps and Airborne collectors around the world.

This comprehensive and invaluable reference guide documents all phases of Emmons and Sarah Coventry jewelry. Over 1,200 items are shown in clear color photographs. Here are styles sold at in-home party fashion shows from 1949 to 1984, as well as Sarah Coventry International department store jewelry and accessories from the late 1980s to 1990s. Information appears on the brief home party plan of 1994, exclusive Emmons and Sarah Coventry pieces sold on the television Home Shopping Network in 2002, and jewelry currently produced. Jewelry for men, women, girls, and boys is described with production dates, identification names, and numbers provided by both companies. Also included are accessories, original catalog pages, advertisements, awards, jewelry markings, original packaging, current values, the history and similarities of these linked companies. Tips for the care of your jewelry, an extensive glossary, and an index roud out this thorough reference work. Appealing not only to the collector, this book will be snatched up and cherished by anyone who has a fond memory of fine fashion jewelry.

From grand jardinieres to diminutive butter pats, this book features ceramic majolica that added vibrant color to every room of the home in over 450 brilliant color photographs. Majolica wares are organized here by the rooms (library, conservatory, drawing room, boudoir ...) in which they were used, including cake stands, comports, game pie dishes, oyster plates, platters, and strawberry servers, tea sets, humidors, match holders, garden seats, umbrella stands, vases, and an elegant chandelier. The major manufacturers from Britain, Europe, and the United States, including Minton, George Jones, Sarreguemines, Wedgwood, and Griffen, Smith & Hill are all well represented. \nA brief history of majolica, a detailed bibliography, and an index are included. Current market values are found in the captions.

Florida is always associated with all that is bright, colorful, funky, and fun. This book captures the spirit of Florida in the collectibles, ephemera, souvenirs, and nostalgic items that it produced. There are also highlights of Florida history and its culture, a price guide, and an index. Complete with postcards, tablecloths, ceramics, clothing, jewelry, dolls, figurines, and much more, it celebrates the tourist culture that helped populate Florida from the 1900s through the 1970s. Over 650 photographs bring the fun and fantasy of Florida to life, presenting what many consider as truly Florida's best!

Antique talking machines are among today's hottest collectibles. Names like Edison and Victrola call to mind an era of polished wood, brightly-painted morning glory horns, and fascinating machinery. This revised and expanded second edition of The Talking Machine contains over 525 color photographs showing an incredible variety models, and including over 30 never before published photos. The authoritative text and up-to-date values complement the wealth of visuals, making this book a veritable library of information in one volume! Topping off this award-winning combination is a music CD featuring some of the rarest and most historically important recordings of all time. Hear the voice of explorer Ernest Shackleton describe his perilous expedition to the South Pole. Listen to a dramatic recreation of the San Francisco earthquake recorded mere months after the actual event. Enjoy two different recordings of the voice of the great inventor Thomas A. Edison.

Known as the "Modern Toy" company from their trademark, the Masudaya Toy Company, Japan's oldest, was started in 1724 and is still in existence. The popular toys they have produced -- including aircraft, boats, cars, trucks, military vehicles, people, household appliances, space exploration, and much more -- depict real life events and have stimulated imaginations for centuries. This outstanding book is the first on Japan's leading toy maker and worldwide exporter. It features over 1200 photos of colorful and charismatic toys, most dating from the 1950s to the 1970s, the "Golden Age" of Japan's leading export. Toys produced into the early 1980s, including those for foreign markets, are included as well. Descriptions for over 1800 toys include their years of production, type of action, size, and current value. This essential reference guide will appeal to specialized and general toy collectors alike.

Over 600 beautiful color photographs explore the fascinating art of encasing molded sulphide figures in glass marbles. Encased in clear or colored glass, molded sulphides come in many clever forms, including animals, birds, humans, mythological creatures, religious figures, mermaids, celebrities, and angels. Included with the fascinating images is a detailed text recounting the history and manufacturing techniques of sulphide marbles. Bibliography, appendices (featuring useful information about seeking marbles on the Internet, seeking marble shows and clubs), index, and tables with values by size and condition are included. This book is a must for all glass, marble, and toy fanciers, collectors, and dealers.

During the occupation of Japan between 1945 and 1952, a world market for small and inexpensive goods was correctly identified as a starting point for rebuilding the Japanese economy. This new book is filled with thousands of once-familiar items of ceramic, paper, glass, celluloid, wood, and papier-mache which were marked "Made in Occupied Japan," and shipped to the United States and the United Kingdom. Today, these items have increased in value and are avidly collected. The book presents over 400 color photographs of the items, shows 133 different manufacturers' marks, and includes a value guide.

Noted authority Steven J. Zaloga charts the development, combat use, and influence of man-portable air defense systems, from the late 1960s to the present day. The first attempts at developing a man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) based around a guided missile began in the mid-1950s, as a response to the increased speed and maneuverability of jet aircraft. This book charts the technological evolution of the MANPADS and explores their combat usage and the lessons from these encounters. Besides detailing the missiles, it also surveys the various methods developed as countermeasures to the MANPADS threat. The first generation of MANPADS, such as the US Army's Redeye and the Soviet Strela-2 (SA-7 Grail), saw combat use in the Vietnam War in 1972 and the Yom Kippur War of 1973. The next generation of infrared-guided MANPADS, such as the US Stinger and Soviet Igla, came to prominence following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. Since the 1970s, MANPADS have been used in innumerable wars, border conflicts, civil wars and insurrections. Featuring specially commissioned artwork and carefully chosen photographs, this study tells the story of these lethally effective weapons, from their origins to their use today.

In this colorful and descriptive book, you will find a wonderful assortment of bells both functional and decorative, from school bells, cowbells, and bicycle bells to souvenir bells, commemoratives, and figurines. Universally admired for their beauty and tone, bells have been known and used since antiquity. Here, over 590 full color photographs illustrate the incredible diversity of sizes, shapes, styles, colors, and textures which characterize these fascinating collectibles. +Starting with a review of basic bell types, including open mouth bells, crotals, gongs, mechanical bells, and chimes, Collectible Bells: Treasures of Sight and Sound provides separate, informative chapters on materials used to make bells, bells from around the world, bells with a specific purpose, bells of all shapes and styles, and more. Within its pages you'll find antique and contemporary bells, traditional and unusual bells, elegant and humorous bells-bells for every taste and inclination! An index, extensive bibliography, and values are also included in this captivating and enjoyable book.

This book explores porcelain wares produced by the Reinhold Schlegelmilch Porcelain Factory [marked R. S. Prussia], of Suhl, Germany, and sold to America from 1888 through 1900. The wonderfully molded and decorated plates and platters, tea sets, pitchers, clocks, and decorative objects are described with over 760 beautiful color images. An entire chapter is devoted to the company's charming toy china sets. Displayed are wares formed from a variety of molds (including Fleur-de-Lis and Melon) and patterns (outline transfer, King George, and Coraline patterns, to name a few). Newly discovered mold patterns are included, along with a history of the company's early operations, wholesale and trade catalog pages illustrating wares exported to the United States, the manufacturer's marks employed during this early period, a bibliography, and several appendices. This book will guide all collectors of Victorian porcelain to recognize the early pieces marked R. S. Prussia.

Fashion dolls flaunted the best in clothing designs, and this book explores the flashiest era. Barbie*r, Chrissy, and Dawn-size dolls were outfitted with colorful haute couture creations hot off the runways of Paris, from the last vestiges of the "mod" scene to the early '80s "new wave" gear. Toy manufacturers mimicked the day's top dseigners to create outrageous, fun outfits. Shown in pristine condition, in unopened original packaging, this book is a gem for collectors and designers alike. More than 400 outfits are shown, many for the first time in any book. Each is stunningly photographed, and includes current market values for collectors.