Beatrix Potter brought animals to life for generations of children. Characters such as Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-duck, Tom Kitten, and Benjamin Bunny "people" her classic stories. The Tale of Peter Rabbit is the best-selling children's classic of all time, selling over forty million copies. The 23 original stories in Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit series were beautifully illustrated, and spanned a legaacy of wonderful artwork and collectibles. This new and engaging book presents, for the first time, collectible ceramics, ornaments, toys, puppets, music boxes, fine arts, and figurines of the characters made famous in the Peter Rabbit tales. Here are Grimwades and Beswick collectibles; Wedgwood nursery ware, annual Christmas, Birthday and Calendar plates and Ornaments; Crummles Boxes; Eden Toys, Giants, and Pull Toys; Musical Waggies; Hand Puppets; Beanie Babies, beautiful Schmid Music Boxes and 3-D Ornaments; ANRI Toriart; Border Fine Art Figurines; original Steiff stuffed Rabbits; Tins; Teleflora creations; and McDonald's Happy Meal, Toy Works, and Mattel toys. Also, original creations based on the books' illustrations by some of today's prominent artists are included. Each is fully described, shown in over 425 color pictures, and evaluated with current market values. Judy Taylor, a renown author and authority on Beatrix Potter, states: This record... is unique and there is little doubt that it will stand for many years as a valuable reference book...

It is said that art is a universal language and this book communicates eloquently, revealing to the reader hundreds of antique, hand-painted pieces of Limoges porcelain, each an exquisite masterpiece. Over 400 beautiful, full color photographs show stunning examples of hand-painted jardiniAres, punch bowls, spittoons, dinnerware, cups and saucers, cake plates, and more. Limoges boxes are highly collectible today and there is a special section devoted to these lovely, useful objects, each as unique as the talented individual who painted it. The thorough yet concise text defines the arduous process of hand painting on china that has been passed down through the centuries. This is the first book to provide names and biographical information of individual, female, American china painters and highlights their accomplishments and contributions to the art of painting on porcelain. The comprehensive marks section of Limoges and reproduction marks makes this book an invaluable reference and resource guide. Values for every item are included in the captions.

Informative as well as inspirational, this book is for all who love collecting as well as displaying fine Limoges porcelain. It covers the history of Limoges porcelain, various Limoges blanks and their intended uses, the difference between antique French Limoges and American Limoges, and how to recognize reproductions. It is also a dream-come-true for every collector or designer who has felt daunted by the task of incorporating fine Limoges porcelain into the decor of a home! The author demonstrates how to use elegant pieces of Limoges throughout all rooms and areas: the entryway and living room feature massive pieces of Limoges used as art; the dining room is perfect for a table set with Limoges dinnerware; walls in the kitchen, bedroom, bath, and even laundry room display a collection of Limoges chargers, plaques, and paintings; a porch or patio serves as a tea room for Limoges tea, coffee, and chocolate pots. A special section is also devoted to stunning examples of Limoges hand painted buttons, brooches, and stickpins. Current values, information on researching Limoges, a list of artists and their signatures, and a comprehensive marks section are all provided. "A unique presentation of the subject which I know collectors will enjoy," states noted author Mary Frank Gaston. This book will be treasured by all who love fine antiques and design.

Worcester, Massachusetts, a birthplace of the American Revolution, is a city of many industrial firsts, including Eli Whitney's cotton gin, Elias Howe's sewing machine, Dr. Russell L. Hawes' machine for folding plain paper into envelopes, and Ester Howland's mass-produced Valentines. Other Worcester firsts include American postcards, new loom designs, the corset, the all-night-lunch, the first national convention advocating women's rights, the railroad passenger car, and a public city park.See 284 lively, color postcard views and modern photos that help tell Worcester's story, one of the oldest commercial success tales in the country. Learn how Worcester's beneficial location in the center of Massachusetts, with major highways and a rail system, helped it develop into a world-class city.

Discover the charming town of Rutland, Vermont, through 247 antique postcards and contemporary photos. From celebrations and attractions of the Downtown to a look back at the tragedies and disasters the city faced, see how Vermont's second largest city has evolved through the years. Learn how it became a world producer of marble and the important role that the railroad continues to play. Tour the Rutland Downtown Historic District and view buildings such as the original Rutland Firehouse, the Arthur Perkins House, H.H. Baxter Memorial Library, St. Peter's Catholic Church, and Longfellow School. Rutland is also home to Paramount Theater, Killington Music Festival, tractor manufacturer John Deere, and (the fictional) G.I. Joe. With present day views mixed in with the rare postcard views, this is a great souvenir for local residents, tourists, history buffs, and postcard collectors.

Whether the name Limoges brings to mind a region in France, the city of Limoges, or the factories that produce fine Limoges porcelain, a picture of romance, beauty, and fabulous artisans no doubt follows. This stunningly photographed book is dedicated to helping porcelain connoisseurs from the novice to the advanced learn how to identify, affordably collect, and decorate with hand-painted Limoges porcelain. Shown are vases, jardinieres, dinnerware, coffee and chocolate pots, cake plates, punch bowls, and more. This is the first Limoges collectors' book with dedicated sections on tea accoutrements, white and gold wedding band porcelain, and porcelain jewelry with hand-painted Limoges art. Going room by room, the author provides fabulous decorating ideas, from accessorizing with a single piece of Limoges to displaying an entire collection. Included are descriptions, measurements, values, history, collector hints, and a concise alphabetical mark guide. A truly inspirational book for collectors and designers alike.