Antiquing for Dummies

Rating:
Summary: I LOVED THIS BOOK AND I'M NO DUMMY!
Review: Antiquing for Dummies is a cheerful primer for those of us who were antiques-challenged. Learn what to search for and what to avoid when confronted with the possible pitfalls of flea markets and antique malls. Find out how to differentiate trash from treasure. The text is very readable, filled with puns and mnemonics. A must-read for budding antiques enthusiasts!

Rating:
Summary: I never throught antiquing could be so much fun!
Review: As a sub-novice on the subject, I've always been a little intimidated walking into antique shops. So many pieces that looked so interesting and beautiful, but what hell was I really looking at here?

This chair would look great in my study, but is it really worth $700? Not much point asking the store owner, who'd be the last to point out a serious flaw, or admit that it was horribly overpriced. And when a clark says that this table is neoclassical, can she tell that my sage nod of agreement betrays an utter lack of comprehension about what that actually means?

From what little I did know, I realized that the subject of antiques was incredibly complex, and I for one did not have a lifetime to spend in arcane study. So, basically, my ignorance caused me to stay well clear of something that held a fascinating attraction for me.

That is why I was so happy to find a book called Antiquing for Dummies. I knew the Dummies series fairly well, and some of the computer-related books had saved my skin at work a number of times. But could the same principles of clear, simple and entertaining prose that marked the Dummies series in general really give me enough information to get safely started with antiques? The answer was yes, and in spades!

This book is not meant as a guide for those who are already experts. Instead, it is an exciting, entertaining, easy-to-read handbook that will help give timid new collectors a great overview of a vast subject, teaching them to swim safely in what might otherwise be very choppy waters for the uninitated.

The authors have a wonderful, light-hearted approach that is very non-intimidating and not the slightest bit elitist. They deliberately paint with broad brush strokes so that we can get a real feel for the subject and decide for ourselves which areas to explore more deeply.

Zoglin and Shouse clearly know and love antiques, and they take the position of advocates for the reader. Intead of saying, "this stuff is way too complex for the average person," they say, "hey, antiquing is fun, and with just a bit of knowledge, you can build the self-confidence to beautify your home, enrich your life, enjoy yourself and impress the hell out of your friends."

I love tongue-in-cheek tone and the wide range of information and practical tips. I could not recommend this book more highly.

Rating:
Summary: A real page-turner--making fact as interesting as fiction.
Review: I approached this book like homework: "Read this; you might learn something." But almost from the first page I was intrigued with the stories behind the information and by the fascinating lore of antiques. You can tell that these authors not only know their stuff, they love their stuff--and helped me get excited about some of my own heirlooms and others I've yet to discover. In addition to its readable style, this book has the information I was looking for in a way I could find it and understand it. I've always found antiques a little intimidating, and Antiquing for Dummies erased the intimidation. I've read a couple of other books in this series and found them all helpful; this one had the best writing by far. I recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: A great aid for beginners and others who love antiques!
Review: This book was a surprise. I didn't think of the "Dummies" books as having this type of thing. I have collected for 15+ years, and I found tips and hints in here that were most helpful. It is well written, with many facts and historical references, but it is also easy to understnd, and it is peppered with a sense of humor that makes reading it and referring to it a joy! I really like the way pieces are described and the good drawings showing construction and much more! It is a great book for someone to carry in their car when shopping or to read up on the night before going antique hunting...at auction, in antique shops, or at a flea market! The authors truly know their material, and I was very impressed with the scope and wide variety of things they discuss and about which they inform the reader. There is truly something in this book for everyone who collects or wants to preserve or sell their antiques. It is comprehensive and it is worth more to me than my $50-75. "coffee table" books which were informative, but usually dull and boring, with alot of pretty photos which did little to educate me. Bravo to the skill and knowledge the authors put into this book, as well as the way they word things when describing all the many types of antiques and artwork collected! They obviously have both a keen knowledge of the material, as well as a way with words. This is a must for any beginning collector, and I would recommend it to any of my so-called "advanced collector" friends as well. It will make a great holiday or birthday gift for some of my collecting friends. The price is right, and the content is enlightening as well as fun to read. I wish I had it 10 years or more ago when I was starting to collect! Thanks Dummies!

Rating:
Summary: I LOVED THIS BOOK AND I'M NO DUMMY!
Review: Until I read this book, my whole adventure with collecting was a chaotic affair -- bouncing around flea markets, antique shops, and tag sales. My whole approach was, how much is it worth, what can I get it for, will it appreciate?

It's incredible how much this book packs into three hundred pages. There are sections on 18th and 19th century furniture, porcelain, pottery, and China. Cut glass, silver, brass, antique toys, the whole bit. The authors give wonderful detail about where and how things were made -- and why. I got so much more out of my shopping, after reading this book. They tell about periods and movements, and how periods overlap. They explain how technology effected design and construction. And who the craftsmen were, and why they did what they did.

I think I am getting my head on straight. The joy comes first. If I can enjoy, then I can collect. The issue is not, will it appreciate, but rather, will I appreciate.

They have a wonderful section on buying and bargaining and dealers. One thing I learned is that you can't get along without the dealer. The dealer is your friend. He is in your corner. Don't worry about getting a bargain. Worry about learning what he has to teach you; the bargains will come.

Of course, you need price guides, and you need dealer contacts, but you need a book like this too. This book will impact what your collection will look like ten years from now.

Rating:
Summary: A delightful read as well as educational content
Review: Whether you are someone who breaks for garage sales or the serious collector of rare antiques, Antiquing for Dummies offers information, tips, insight and inspiration. Zoglin and Shouse help de-mystify the world of antiques and collecting and leave you feeling like you, too, can confidently and successfully find treasures that fit your lifestyle and needs. The tips on negotiating are especially helpful and I have never seen them appear anywhere else. Zoglin has spent three decades in the antique business and knows what he is talking about. Whether you are interested in antiquing or not, this book provides an entertaining read, and you will likely not look at a teacup or Granny's old desk again without a deeper appreciation of its history.