Book Reviews

The collecting field of historical Americana is so diverse that entering it with confidence can prove daunting. But expert guidance is only a click away.

Who needs an address book? Anyone who wants to keep their contacts safe and recoverable. Using a stylish address book makes "data backup" a pleasure.

The world of antiques has always been fertile ground for mystery writers. “A Killing in Antiques: A Lucy St. Elmo Mystery" stars an antiques dealer who heads to Brimfield.

In an impressively and abundantly illustrated book, author and renowned toy expert Mark Bellomo creates an exhaustive reference to a childhood passion with “The Ultimate Guide to G.I. Joe, 1982-1994,” 3rd edition.

It's may be hard to believe, but it has been 20 years since the adventures of Harry Potter and his magical pals cast a spell on the young and young at heart. A new book by author Eric Bradley takes a unique approach to Potter appreciation, through memorabilia and collectibles.

In her review of the new book "Edwardian Ladies Hat Fashions: Where Did You Get That Hat?," Print Editor Karen Knapstein discusses the uncommon, but informative fusion of facts and photos about antique fashions and some of the sacrifices made in the name of style.

When was the last time you've thought about comic book superheroes? As Editor Antoinette Rahn discovers during a chat with the author of "Rise of the Superheroes" there's a lot to appreciate about the comic universe's doers of good.

Finding meaning and emotion in an appreciation for antique and collectible objects is easy and important, according to the editor of Warman's Antiques & Collectibles price guide.

Ryan Majeske knows a thing or two about Pokémon Cards. He also knows the importance of sharing what you know and striving to be connected to fellow collectors. It's part of why he penned a new book.

In the latest Behind the Spine column, Paul Kennedy talks Depression glass with Pam Meyer, chairperson of the National Depression Glass Association convention.

At one time, porcelain signs were the work horses of promotion for businesses and products. Today, those same signs are nearly as good as gold to collectors.

The heroes and outlaws of Western toys once garnered much attention and appreciation from youth and collectors alike. To regain that level of popularity, Western toys need a media makeover of sorts, suggests toy authority Mark Bellomo.

As some of the most popular products of the 2016 holiday season demonstrated, the interest in vintage video games and consoles is on the rise, both among collectors and gamers. In this article by Eric Bradley, as part of his book Picker's Pocket Guide -- Toys, the market for vintage video games is growing just like Mario when he eats a 'super' mushroom.

Eric Bradley, new Director of Public Relations for Heritage Auctions, fields questions from Paul Kennedy, Behind the Spine columnist, about working his way up the ranks, and evolution of the antiques and collectibles marketplace.

There's no question that The Beatles' popularity is something of legend, and auction results of Beatles-used gear confirms popularity among collectors. Noah Fleisher, author of The Beatles: Fab Finds of the Fab Four explores this facet of Beatles memorabilia with collecting expert Andy Babiuk.

The genre of graphic novels continues to engage readers of all ages and interests. In the recently published "100 Greatest Graphic Novels", authors Katrina Hill and Alex Langley lead a unique exploration into some of the best books this genre has to offer.

Today's American art market is healthy and is being driven by interest in a variety of segments (Western, illustration, and regional art), reports Noah Fleisher, editor of Warman's Antiques & Collectibles 2017, in a review of the market.

Rocks, gems and minerals are more than simply topics covered in science classes, they are part of an expanding collecting interest, explored by esteemed agate collector Patti Polk, in the new edition of her book, "Collecting Rocks, Gems & Minerals."

The wonderful and often whimsical world of children's books entrance youth today, just as in the 19th century. In addition to those who enjoy them purely for the tales and adventures, children's literature is a fascinating collecting interest. In this 7 Essentials column, some essential tips and information about children's books and collecting them are featured.

America's longest-running antiques and collectibles reference is marking its golden anniversary, and celebrating its evolution during the previous decades.

Approximately 10,000 LEGO sets have been created over the past 50 years. Brothers Ed and Jeff Maciorowski have written a new book that examines their investment potential.

If you're like a lot of people you may have more than a few decks of playing cards in your house, but did you know they are a historically rich collectible? In a recent Book Review, Antoinette Rahn discusses the benefits of the book "The Collector's Guide to Playing Cards".

Although lavishly illustrated, "Mangle Boards of Northern Europe" is no vanity picture book; it is an authoritative composition of substance and significance created by combining the author’s own analysis and observations with previous mangle board research.