The Write Stuff: A Collector's Guide to Inkwells, Fountain Pens, and Desk Accessories

Rating:
Summary: Delightful Reference For "Writing Stuff" Collectors !
Review: This brand new (2000) 208 page softbound volume contains more than 200 full color and 300 black and white very large, sharp photos of every type of writing tool and desk accessory. In addition to the great photos, there is plenty of detailed information about the various collectibles. Topics range from: history of ink and ink containers; stone to shell-inkwell materials; inkwell designs and motifs; history of pens; to collecting pens; advertisintg item;, and restoration and repair tips. Plenty of valuable data for the collector. There are pen ads, and year 2000 values. Pen collectors will be interested in the history provided, which takes you from quill pens to the ballpoint, and back to the old nib-style pens. There is an interesting chapter on the major fountain pen makers. Well worth adding to your collectibles library.

Rating:
Summary: Delightful Reference For "Writing Stuff" Collectors !
Review: This brand new (2000) 208 page softbound volume contains more than 200 full color and 300 black and white very large, sharp photos of every type of writing tool and desk accessory. In addition to the great photos, there is plenty of detailed information about the various collectibles. Topics range from: history of ink and ink containers; stone to shell-inkwell materials; inkwell designs and motifs; history of pens; to collecting pens; advertisintg item;, and restoration and repair tips. Plenty of valuable data for the collector. There are pen ads, and year 2000 values. Pen collectors will be interested in the history provided, which takes you from quill pens to the ballpoint, and back to the old nib-style pens. There is an interesting chapter on the major fountain pen makers. Well worth adding to your collectibles library.

Rating:
Summary: A very good introduction, but no more than that
Review: This large and attractive book is a 199-page (not including table of contents, etc.) history of everything that covers the desk: from pens and inkwells to paperclips, paperweights and bookends. The highpoint of the book is definitely chapter 9, which gives tips on the repair and restoration of such items for the collector. Along the way, the reader is treated to numerous black-and-white pictures, and even 32 pages of color pictures!

This book is an excellent gift for someone who is interested in taking up the hobby of collecting desk accessories. However, as it is only intended as an introduction, it does not have any real depth. If you are hoping to use this book to help you understand the items you already have, then you will be disappointed (as I was). But, if you want this book for the introduction that it is, you will enjoy it.