"...a beautiful book, filled with captivating images and explanatory text which never gets too dry or too technical..." - Revolution Despite the functional obsolescence of the mechanical wristwatch (our phones and computers tell more accurate time) the early 21st Century has seen a boom in the development, production, and appreciation of all things horological. Whether it is presented to the collector as an alternative investment, as a feat of micro-mechanical technology, or as a showcase of artisanal mastery, the mechanical wristwatch has never possessed more forms, functions or facets than it does today. The Wristwatch Handbook is written from the epicentre of a renaissance, a place in time between the Quartz revolution and the rise of the smart device - where the mechanical wristwatch is the antidote to the microprocessor and the permanent buzz of your inbox. From the multi-axis tourbillion, to the split-second chronograph, to the sidereal sky chart, The Wristwatch Handbook covers it all and does so with more than 470 rich illustrations from over 90 of the World's leading brands. The book is separated into two sections. The first section provides the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the mechanical movement. Its chapters explore power, transmission, distribution and regulation illustrating the basic concepts before considering the innovation and complexity that takes place further toward the cutting edge. From the fifty-day power reserve, to the constant force mechanism, and the 1,000Hz mechanical escapement, section 1 will allow the reader to understand and appreciate what is happening beneath the dial of their watch. Section two allows the reader to take this understanding and apply it to the vast range of complications (functions) that exist in modern horology. Each chapter showcases a distinct category of complication. For example, the regatta timer, pulsometer, and monopusher chronograph join a host of others in a chapter entitled 'Recording Lapses of Time'; The power reserve indicator, dynamograph, and crown position indicator are featured in a chapter for 'Power and Performance Indication'; The moon phase indicator, annual calendar, and planetarium can be found in the 'Astronomical Complications' chapter. Once the functional categories are exhausted, the final three chapters explore whimsical complications that have little regard for practical function, novelty time indication, and the 'super-complicated' watch - a rare breed of timepiece that houses an intimidating host of complications featured throughout the book. Upon completion of The Wristwatch Handbook the reader will be able to identify even the most exotic complication from across the room, and be able to share their appreciation and understanding of what makes it so useful and compelling. The Wristwatch Handbook is "brand agnostic", using only those watches that most aptly illustrate the given subject-matter. As a consequence the book places equal emphasis on the classic and the cutting edge, on watches produced in large volume or exclusive runs, by industry-leading technology or at the hand of a master. In doing so the book provides an unparalleled range of watches from over 90 brands, allowing the reader to determine for themselves which brands, complications, and styles they will build their collection from.

Shirley Temple was the "number one box office star" in the world throughout the 1930s. The overwhelming success of her motion pictures made her a national obsession. What followed was a marketing campaign that made Hollywood history. Department stores were filled with an endless variety of items baring her name or image, from clothing to postcards to "genuine" dolls. Over 600 color photographs introduce all areas of the Shirley Temple merchandising phenomenon and collectibles. Valuable reference material includes posters, a motion picture and television chronology, a comprehensive VHS and DVD catalog, and current price guides in the captions. This book makes collecting "the world's most famous child star" items a competitive pleasure.

Officially licensed, collectible figure of the beloved Niffler from Fantastic Beasts--with sound included. A perfect gift for fans of the Wizarding World. SPECIFICATIONS: 3 inch figure of the Niffler mounted on a base INCLUDES SOUND: Audio of the mischievous Niffler plays at the push of a button IDENTIFICATION CARD INCLUDED: An illustrated description card provides information on the magical creature PERFECT GIFT: A unique gift for fans of the wizarding world OFFICIALLY LICENSED: Authentic Wizarding World collectible

This exquisite volume presents the best vintage exotic skin handbags by the most renowned designers of the past century and a half. Intended particularly for fashionable women, design students, collectors, dealers, and clothing historians, it outlines the fascinating history of alligator and crocodile handbags, the ultimate status symbol since the 19th century. Many prestigious designers are featured, like Coblentz, Evans, Gucci, Hermes, Judith Leiber, Lucille de Paris, Koret, Martin Van Schaak, Rosenfeld, Nettie Rosenstein, and Vassar. Illustrated with 522 color photographs show beautiful examples of the handbags as well as international fashion ads and journals. Learn how to distinguish alligator and crocodile from turtle, ostrich, lizard, and snake. Includes tips on finding, evaluating condition, proper care, and the wearability of these special fashion accessories. Especially useful is the chapter on how to wear vintage with a modern wardrobe. Over ten years in the making, this rare study is destined to become an important guide to the luxuries market and a useful reference for smart-dressing shoppers everywhere.

"What is old, is new again." Nowhere is this more evident than in the world of fashion and textile design. Vera Neumann, better known simply by her first name and distinctive signature, created clothing and textiles that are as fashionable today as they were in the 1960s and '70s when the artist was at the height of her career. Designing for the "average woman," Vera was known for her bold geometric designs and bright, splashy florals. With over 500 color photographs, this book documents Vera's vibrant scarves, blouses, dresses, sleepwear, kitchen textiles, bed linens, and dishes, some of which are shown in original packaging. Included is a biography of Vera as well as a price guide, bibliography, and shopping resources. This first-ever guide to the famous "Vera" will appeal to collectors, textile and design students, and all who love retro fashion.

The "newer" items of Planters memorabilia, after the company was acquired by Standard Brands, are presented here, including those surrounding its involvement in auto racing and golf tournaments and the promotional items surrounding Mr. Peanut's 75th birthday in 1991.

Colorful paper dolls that sold everything from coffee to cathartics, from tea to thread, from cocoa to corsets. These dolls were the playthings of generations of children from the 1890s to the First World War. These wonderful examples of advertising art include fanciful characters from the imagination of artists like Palmer Cox. Dolls dressed in the national costumes of the many immigrants to the United States had a special appeal to everyone. Dolls depicting characters from favorite nursery rhymes and folk tales were issued by many advertisers; these dolls filled the playtime hours of many. Dolls appealing to our patriotism take on the form of Uncle Sam, soldiers, and sailors. Dolls also appeared as Americans at work and play. Human characteristics were even ascribed to animals of all kinds to give children an opportunity to dress them up in colorful costumes. It is difficult to find a segment of society not represented by a paper doll! Whether you're a collector or someone simply interested in the charm and culture of turn-of-the-century America, this book is sure to make a good addition to your library.

"A picture is worth a thousand words." There is no better description for what the art of the cigar box label did for sales of cigars from the mid 1800s through the 1930s. Busty women, heroes, impish children, sports icons, composers, all these and more found their way into the advertiser's art. The makers would change labels at the drop of the hat if they thought it would help sales. This new book shows hundreds of the finest examples from the world's largest private collection of cigar box label art, revealing the imagination and creativity of the printers and lithographers of the period. Each is shown in a beautiful, full color photograph and is accompanied by a description with a current value on the collector's market. This is a visual delight, sure to please cigar aficionados, but also to be much valued by collectors, designers, and students of advertising history. And it makes a great gift for the smoker in your life!

Contains: Conservatism and the Quarterly Review: A Critical Analysis The History of the Book: 1 Contributors to the Quarterly Review: A History, 1809-25 The History of the Book: 2 Wilkie Collins's American Tour, 1873-4 The History of the Book: 3 William Blake and the Art of Engraving The History of the Book: 4 Charles Lamb, Elia and the London Magazine: Metropolitan Muse The History of the Book: 5 Reading in History: New Methodologies from the Anglo-American Tradition The History of the Book: 6 Middle-Class Writing in Late Medieval London The History of the Book: 7 Readings on Audience and Textual Materiality The History of the Book: 8 Romantic Marginality: Nation and Empire on the Borders of the Page The History of the Book: 9 Wordsworth's Poetic Collections, Supplementary Writing and Parodic Reception The History of the Book: 10

Illustrated with over 690 brilliant color and black and white photos, the engaging text takes readers through the Mid-century Modern glass made in America. The book is divided into two sections, the first on glass manufacturers and the second on glass decorators and designers. Glass manufacturers covered include Bischoff, Blenko, Cambridge, Duncan & Miller, Erickson, Fenton, Fostoria, A.H. Heisey, Morgantown, Paden City, Seneca, and many more. Glass decorators and designers include Stan Fistick, Fred Press, Gay Fad, Ben Seibel, Russel Wright, and Eva Zeisel, among others. Cold glass decorations displayed include painting, decals, cutting, etching, and all other surface decoration. The beautiful wares, in a range of colors and crystal, covered include giftware, stemware, and tableware. Among the giftware items are beautiful vases, candy dishes, smoking items, and all other items not intended for tabletop use. Textured tumblers are also found among the drinkware explored. This book is a must for anyone who appreciates beautiful glass.

A new kind of antique Chinese furniture swept onto the market in the early 1990s. It appealed to people who were sure they did not like Chinese furniture, people who were ready for new ideas about Orientalia, and people who couldn't afford the five- and six-figure prices routinely attached to classical Chinese pieces. It struck a surprisingly sympathetic chord with Western tastes, and the prices are still surprisingly low. It comes from the last days of the emperors, and expresses a sense of creative freedom, vigor, and visual elegance. Here are cabinets, tables, chairs, and accessories in various woods and finishes to enhance each room of your home. This third edition offers a comprehensive and compelling look at Chinese country furniture from the consumer's point of view. 380 color images, some in room settings, others with great detail, bring the beautiful designs to life. A guide to pricing makes this a useful tool for collectors and dealers alike. Because of a changing political and economic landscape in China, this late-Ching furniture has flooded Western markets, giving retail customers equal footing with collectors and keeping prices reasonable, for now. Because the quality covers a wide range, it takes an informed buyer to navigate between the real and the not-quite-so-real. The information in this beautiful book will give readers the bearings they need to make the right decisions.

Forty beautiful women cavort on the beach for the 1950s most famous female photographer, Bunny Yeager. Pleasingly attired for the sun, they present a healthy balance of enthusiasm, exhibitionism, and a dash of decorum. Enjoy a bit of beach, a spark of sunshine, and a nostalgic romp with beauties of bygone days. Tear these cards out and mail them to friends, or frame them in any standard 5 x 7-inch frame. This little book is a bargain at only $14.95.

This new guide is the first to explore all facets of Native American jewelry--its history, variety, and quality--in one convenient resource. With coverage beginning in the mid-nineteenth century, this resource includes artists, techniques, materials, motifs, and more. The encyclopedia opens with helpful introductory essay to acquaint the reader with the subject. More than 350 entries and over 80 photos make this new encyclopedia and exceptional value.

Let the magic live on! Here is a true guide to discovering what's hot and what's not in the world of Harry Potter (R) collectibles. Over 220 full color photos guide you through the enchanting and bewitching wizarding world of action figures, mini-busts, statuettes, and dolls. The featured action figures cover the first decade of production (2001-2010), manufactured first by Mattel (R) and later by NECA. Gain useful information on Harry Potter (R) manufacturers, including Mattel (R), NECA, Gentle Giant, Ltd. (R), and Tonner (R) Dolls, covering 174 products. The values in the captions let you find out what your Harry Potter (R) collectibles are worth on the market today. Whether you are a passionate fan, dedicated collector or a mere "muggle" curious about the wizarding world, this book is for you.

Mujer en mis silencios, mujer en mi soledad, mujer en mi lamentos, mujer cuando lloro y cuando rio y cuando el coraz n me explota de contento, siempre mujer... mujer todo el tiempo.

Leading writers and critics, including Margaret Drabble, Alan Sillitoe and Ferdinand Mount, share their passion for books and the joys of reading in an inspiring collection of essays and writings. A Passion for Books is both a celebration of the value and importance of reading and a spirited defence against the many gloomy voices in our so-called electronic age who say the book will soon be obsolete. This book, itself a joy to read, is written for anyone who cares at all about the past and future of books and reading.

At the turn of the fifteenth century, private devotionals became a speciality of the renowned Ghent-Bruges illuminators. Wealthy patrons who commissioned work from these artists often spared no expense in the presentation of their personal prayer books, or 'books of hours', from detailed decoration to luxurious bindings and embroidery. This enchanting illuminated manuscript was painted by the Master of the David Scenes in the Grimani Breviary (known as the David Master), one of the renowned Flemish illuminators in the sixteenth century. Every page of the manuscript is exquisitely decorated. Fine architectural interiors, gorgeous landscapes and detailed city scenes, each one depicting a narrative, form the subjects of three full-size illuminations and forty-two full-page miniatures. There are floral borders on a gold ground or historiated borders in the Flemish and Italian style on every page. It is one of the finest examples of medieval illumination in a personal prayer book and the most copiously illustrated work of the David Master to survive. The manuscript owes its name to the French Queen, Marie de Medici, widow of King Henri IV. For a time she went into exile in Brussels, where she is thought to have acquired the manuscript before moving again to Cologne. An inscription in English states that she left the book of hours in this city, and it is here that an English manuscript collector, Francis Douce, may have acquired the book and eventually donated it to the Bodleian Library. Together with a scholarly introduction that gives an overview of Flemish illumination and examines each of the illustrations in detail, this full-colour facsimile limited edition, bound in linen with a leather quarter binding and beautifully presented in a slipcase, faithfully reproduces all 176 leaves of the original manuscript.