Blue Book of Pool Cues

Rating:
Summary: Definitely NOT what I expected
Review: Having played off and on for 20+ years I am now looking to purchase my first cue. I was hoping this book would help me decide or at least narrow my search. It did not. I did not find any info. on cue construction, Pros and Cons, what to look for (and out for), what brands are known for what. Nothing. I knew there wouldn't be great detail on every cue but I was hoping for something like "Balabushka is a good all around stick", "McDermott has a nice solid feel" and "Meucci is good for english players". Nope nothing even close. There is NO info. on materials or the pros and cons of different joints or tip materials. If you are looking to use this as a guide to purchase your cue for playing, save your money.... there is much better info. for free on the net.
But, if you are looking into collecting cues as a hobby or business then this is the book for you.

Rating:
Summary: The bible for Cue Collectors and serious Pool Players !
Review: The book is broken into sections that include the history of Cue making, the components and tools required to construct a cue, and an comprehensive illustrated catalog of the various cue makers and manufacturers. Whether your interested in Balabushka, Szambotti or Cognoscenti, you'll find the data you need to recognize and enjoy the craftmanship of their work. The author provides a rating system for the intricacy and condition of the cues that is the standard for buying, selling and grading cues today. I would like to see more illustrations of the master cuemakers than the many cues that were shown of the mass production companies. Too much space was taken up by these cues that are computerized clones. All in all the book was well written and I am eagerly awaiting the overdue release of Vol 2.

Rating:
Summary: The only guide out there for buying and selling pool cues
Review: Tyhe blue book of pool cues is an invaluable resource for pool cue valuation and it is the only publication solely dedicated to this subject.