This authoritative and definitive work contains the first formal history of antique trays every published. Each of its six chapters is written by a different authority. They discuss:Lace-Edge PaintingThe "Chippendale" StyleTrays Ornamented with Gold LeafThe Freehand Bronze TechniquesStenciled TraysThe Country Painted TrayThe book is lavishly illustrated with more than 500 photographs, seven of them in full color, including pictures of trays...

A true adventure story and the go-to guide for "picking" American treasures from anyone's backyard, straight from the stars of History's American PickersIn these pages, professional treasure hunters Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz chronicle their road trips across the American countryside in search of "rusty gold" to buy and sell among the picking world's one-of-a-kind characters. Whether you are a fan of the show or just like finding hidden riches, you will lo...

One dealer's journey from the populist mayhem of flea markets to the rarefied realm of auctions reveals the rich, often outrageous subculture of antiques and collectibles.Millions of Americans are drawn to antiques and flea-market culture, whether as participants or as viewers of the perennially popular Antiques Roadshow or the recent hit American Pickers. This world has the air of a lottery: a $20 purchase might net you four, five, or six figures...

A selection of Benjamin Franklin’s writings, with an introduction and commentary by renowned author Walter Isaacson.Selected and annotated by the author of the acclaimed Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, this collection of Franklin’s writings shows why he was the bestselling author of his day and remains America’s favorite founder and wit. Includes an introductory essay exploring Franklin’s life and impact as a writer, and each piece is accompanied by a...

"Vivid and touching . . . This is the definitive biography of an American master who came in through the back door." —Steve MartinA New York Times Book Review Notable Book of the YearA Finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize in BiographyShortlisted for the PEN/Jacqueline Bograd Weld Award for Biography

Harmony Guitar America's Guitar is a story of a journey I had researching a vintage Harmony guitar after finding it at a yard sale.I remembered that Harmony was my first guitar. I found out that they were the first guitar of many icons of American music and the role they played in the development of our country. I sold Harmony guitars on EBay to musicians worldwide who had the same fascination.

Written for both beginners and experienced collectors, this antiques guide provides descriptions of some of the more prized antiques and collectibles, and explains how to find them and how to resell them.How can you recognize depression glass? How do you find valuable antiques at garage sales? And how can you get into the antiques business yourself? Buying & Selling Antiques is the perfect resource for the antiques dabbler, the garage-sale lover, the knick...

Artifacts, whether found in museums, our community, or our homes, offer glimpses into the past. Be they documents, photographs, books, or clothing, as custodians of our history, we’re faced with how to maintain these items. Professional conservator Kennis Kim tells us how. Topics discussed include: creating an accession list; the nature of conservation, restoration, and preservation; deciding on display, storage, or using the artifact; common threats such as light, humidity, insects, and r...

Sargent was born in Florence, in 1856, the son of cultivated parents. When Sargent entered the school of Carolus-Duran he attained much more than the average pupils. His father was a retired Massachusetts gentleman, having practised medicine in Philadelphia. Sargent’s home life was penetrated with refinement, and outside it were the beautiful influences of Florence, combining the charms of sky and hills with the wonders of art in the galleries and the opportunities of an intellectual and a...

In "The Passing of the Frontier: A Chronicle of the Old West," Emerson Hough delves into the transformative era of American expansion, capturing the intricate tapestry of life on the frontier during the late 19th century. Hough's lyrical prose and vivid descriptions evoke a deep sense of place, as he chronicles the aspirations, struggles, and contradictions inherent in this pivotal moment of American history. The narrative blends historical fact with personal anecdotes, presenting a multif...

Discriminating decorators and collectors, no less than dealers and researchers in antiques, have long felt the need of a comprehensive study of the ornamented chair and its development in America. This book is the product of an effort to satisfy that need and at the same time to bring new pleasures to lovers of beautiful furniture.The book is based on photographic and research material collected by the late Esther Stevens Brazer, who spent a lifetime in the study and revival of ear...

At a time when the dominant mode of painting, Abstract Expressionism, emphasised expressive drama through bold brushwork and largely abstract compositions, Johns’ paintings of the American flag, targets, numbers and the alphabet demonstrated a decided departure from convention. Despite being painted with obvious care, they seemed emotionally reticent, cool and quiet, far from the emotional fireworks then fashionable. “It all began… with my painting a picture of an American flag. Using this...