Had a Good Time: Stories from American Postcards
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • I'm keeping this one
  • One Author, Many Voices
  • Delightful collection
  • Masterful Creative Technique
  • Had a good time reading this
Had a Good Time: Stories from American Postcards
Robert Olen Butler
Manufacturer: Grove Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
LiteraryLiterary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0802142044

Book Description

For many years Pulitzer Prize-winning author Robert Olen Butler has collected picture postcards from the early twentieth century-not so much for the pictures on the fronts but for the messages written on the backs, little bits of the captured souls of people long since passed away. Using these brief messages of real people from another age, Butler creates fully imagined stories that speak to the universal human condition. In "Up by Heart," a Tennessee miner is called upon to become a preacher, and then asked to complete an altogether more sinister task. In "The Ironworkers' Hayride," a young man named Milton embarks on a romantic adventure with a girl with a wooden leg. From the deeply moving "Carl and I," where a young wife writes a postcard in reply to a card from her husband who is dying of tuberculosis, to the eerily familiar "The One in White," where a newspaper reporter covers an incident of American military adventurism in a foreign land, these are intimate and fascinating glimpses into the lives of ordinary people in an extraordinary age.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars I'm keeping this one.......2007-07-07

If you feel like reading only two short stories and aren't willing to invest any more time, start with the hilarious "The Ironworkers' Hayride" and follow it with the heartbreaking "Carl and I." I went from outright laughter to downright tears in the space of a few minutes.

Of course, if those are the only two stories you read in HAD A GOOD TIME, you'll miss the delightful "No Chord of Music," which could have been the story of my mother, whose first car ride in 1917 was equally exciting. You'd also deprive yourself of the engaging "Sunday," which somehow or other -- I don't see how Butler does it -- manages to make this series of short stories seem more like a novel.

No, this is not STRANGE MOUNTAIN. I like this one even better.

4 out of 5 stars One Author, Many Voices.......2006-12-03

This book of short stories, all set in the early part of the 20th century, highlights Butler's ability to write in the voices of many different characters. The book is a result of Butler's project to tell stories based on the few lines written on a picture postcard from the period. Some are poignant; some are rollicking; some are sad. By the end of the trip the reader should be able to say "had a good time." Still, the overall impact wasn't as impressive as Butler's amazing "Good Scent from a Strange Mountain", a set of stories based on the lives of Vietnamese immigrants living in Louisiana, which I'd recommend as an introduction to Butler.

4 out of 5 stars Delightful collection.......2005-04-13

Butler has put together a wonderful collection of short stories based on postcards written near the beginning of the 20th century. Each story stands on its own, but together the collection is a balanced look at American life at that time from a number of different angles. As a previous reviewer said, some of the stories are more fully developed than others, but each one is a gem in my opinion. Definitely recommended.

4 out of 5 stars Masterful Creative Technique.......2005-02-20

In Butler's new book, he has created a new type of epistolary technique. He uses a news story and a postcard to introduce each of his stories. The concept of the postcard is further refined by showing the significant difference between life as it is, and life as depicted on the postcard.

First and foremost, the book is about America. Many of the characters are immigrants, coming to America for the first time. Many are not. But all meet the trials and tribulations of American life. And they write a postcard to someone they know and/or love. Yet that postcard is not in the least an accurate depiction of their life at that point in time.

Butler deals with the physical, the spiritual and the concepts of life and death in a visceral manner. Some of his stories are about war. Others are about immigration. Still others are about the contrast between life and death. These are the same questions that haunt all of our minds. And through his stories, Butler gives us a perspective on all these things, in fact, a very American perspective.

Butler is at his very best in the short story genre. He won his Pulitzer Prize for a terrific book of short stories. This one is no exception. It is highly recommended for all lovers of experimental modern literature, and those who love the short story genre, as these are some of his best.

4 out of 5 stars Had a good time reading this.......2004-10-11

Before email, faxes, and even regular phones was the postcard. The "golden age" of postcards perhaps lasted from 1898 to 1912, and in one year alone (1907) the Post Office delivered over 600 million cards (and the population was only 80 million). It is for traces of this era that Robert Butler has scoured the antique malls and postcard shows, looking for remarkable messages to craft his stories around.

The stories work well because Butler is historically accurate and the voices behind the stories seem (usually) authentic. Some of the stories revolve around simple, but pivotal events. The most humorous is, "The Ironworker's Hayride" and I had the pleasure of hearing Robert Butler read this and the audience was roaring in laughter. The stories are sometimes about the historic events of the era, for example the real photograph postcards and stories from "Woody Wilson's little escape in Vera Cruz" or "Mother in the trenches" of World War I. And in "Twins", for an immigrant to the United States trachoma was a real concern and a traveler on the White Star Line certainly would have thought about the Titanic. Perhaps some of the voices edge toward stereotype (for example "Uncle Andrew), but most resonate as clear individuals.
Had a Good Time: Stories from American Postcards
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Had a Good Time: Stories from American Postcards
    Robert Olen Butler
    Manufacturer: GROVE PRESS
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover
    ASIN: B000OKGQKY

    Conan Volume 2: The God In The Bowl And Other Stories (Conan (Graphic Novels))
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Re-worked and Re-born!
    • More than excellent!
    • Not Bad
    • Not your usual Conan
    • Promising but still flawed
    Conan Volume 2: The God In The Bowl And Other Stories (Conan (Graphic Novels))
    Kurt Busiek , Cary Nord , Thomas Yeates , and Dave Stewart
    Manufacturer: Dark Horse
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    GeneralGeneral | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
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    ASIN: 1593074034

    Book Description

    The critically acclaimed and award-winning creative team behind the runaway-hit revival are back with a brand new adaptation of one of Conan creator Robert E. Howard's best-known tales. Award-winning writer Kurt Busiek and artists Cary Nord and Dave Stewart render the glorious suspense of Howard's beloved "The God in the Bowl" in all its terrifying detail, as well as introducing not only Conan's most famed adversary, Thoth-amon, but a new female foil to Conan's exploits - Janissa, the Widowmaker, bound by a pact to a witch who has sinister plans for Conan.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Re-worked and Re-born! .......2007-09-28

    Just when you think things couldn't possibly get any better, and by that I mean Dark Horse re-releasing the Conan comics into easily digestible, and fanatstically re-colored, volumes, they go and re-work all the stories with brand new artwork. This sounds sacrilegious until you actually see the artwork and read the stories. Brilliant! The partnership of Busiek and Nord is a match made in heaven, or perhaps, Hyborea. The artwork is savage and dynamic, real and yet mystical. The writing fresh and exciting, bringing these tales back to life. Howard himself would be impressed. What could be more joyous than seeing a large muscled barbarian carve his way, sword in hand, through a myriad of dark cities, hostile enemies, and evil sorcerers, while semi-naked women throw themselves at his feet. Nothing perhaps than to imagine yourself walking those jewelled thrones under your sandalled feet. There's not much more to say. Buy it and be thankful you've bought a piece of true art, by Crom!

    5 out of 5 stars More than excellent!.......2007-05-14

    This could not be better! The drawings are fantastic! Storyline is very good, great characters. Brutally fantastic! You should have this in your comic collection, it will be worth to have it.

    3 out of 5 stars Not Bad.......2007-05-07

    The story line in this book is not a good as the first of course but if you are a Conan fan then it is definately worth checking out. The art in the book alone is worth your time. They do a wonderful job of bringing the Cimmerian back to life for this series. But, if you are looking for another "The Frost Giant's Dautgher", you may be disapointed. The story is a bit slower and more drawn out, could have used more action. It did make me want to check out the third volume of the series, but then again, I'm a Conan fan.

    5 out of 5 stars Not your usual Conan.......2007-03-12

    A big part of this book is a murder mystery, it's a change of pace to the usual Conan; but a very fun read. Cary Nord manages to keep the story interesting with his fantastic art. Another book that won't disappoint.

    3 out of 5 stars Promising but still flawed.......2006-02-17

    I'd love to give this collection a glowing review but some parts of these stories really leave a sour taste in my mouth. While the adaptations are fairly loyal, actually pretty well done, it's the deviations that bother me. I know full well that to adapt strictly the creator's work would have meant the end of this series by now. So, it's not that new stories are being written, it's the way those stories play out. I'm very bothered by the origin story of Janissa. It's contemptable to say the least. Robert Howard wrote about some strong women. Red Agnes, Valeria, Belit, Sonya, Robert Howard loved the idea of women who stood toe to toe with his men and swung a sword and got drunk and had adventures as the sword mates of warriors. None of these woman had magical powers or supernatural aid. They fought hard and drank deep. Janissa is an interesting character too. Unfortunately, part of her story is that she developed her strength and fighting skill because of being repeatedly raped by demons. Howard was a bigot, and he was sexist too, but he never sank to having his women sexually assaulted to give them strength. He didn't do it to his male characters either. So, why was this route taken?
    Kurt Busiek should be taken to task for this. Being a good and popular writer is no excuse for such a terrible plot point. Worse, this was done before. It happened in a magazine featuring Marvel's Red Sonja when she was raped by some men who killed her family, and then some "angel" came and gave her "powers". The angel then had her vow not to lay with any man who did not defeat her in battle. That was garbage back then and it's just plain disgusting and old now. Janissa could have come into her skills the same way men do- a lot of practice. It certainly would have shown more respect for women who get treated pretty badly as a rule in mainstream comics. Ironically, it even sounds more original.
    The series has taken some turns for the better. This volume really highlights the story pacing and Cary Nord's comfort with the material. He appears to be drawing more details and has a nice flow with the narrative. The coloring by Dave Stewart is also improved. It's a shame that Thomas Yeates has moved on. When I found out why I was not surprised. The title story is drawn out a little longer than it has to be but overall it's still true enough to the original to be worth the read. The follow-up tale featuring more of Janissa is also pretty good. Parts of it are very well done. The story revolves around the high priest of Ibis needing an escort and Conan and Janissa become his bodyguards to get him safely to his destination. Needless to say, nothing is as easy as it should be and Thoth Amon is girding up for a confrontation with his nemesis, the priest of Ibis (and his bodyguards). Conan is starting to show maturity after his misadventures. He now knows that the treacherous southlands are no place for just a strong arm. Money and guile will get him farther and he's trying to attain more of both.
    Using his sword, his strength and his wits he discovers there is a demand for those attributes and puts them to work. It's a simple story but it suits the framework that Robert Howard established.
    Now, if only Janissa can awaken from a bad dream....

    The Man Who Japed
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Philip K. Dick's first great novel
    • Philip's tooth-cutting
    • Intriguing content saves sometimes lackluster story
    • Early PKD fights repression with humor
    • an early Philip K. Dick short novel; both funny and clever
    The Man Who Japed
    Philip K. Dick
    Manufacturer: Vintage
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    Dick, Philip K.Dick, Philip K. | ( D ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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    ASIN: 0375719350
    Release Date: 2002-11-12

    Book Description

    The Man Who Japed is Dick's mesmerizing and terrifying tale of a society so eager for order that it will sacrifice anything, including its freedom. Newer York is a post-holocaust city governed by the laws of an oppressively rigid morality. Highly mobile and miniature robots monitor the behavior of every citizen, and the slightest transgression can spell personal doom. Allen Purcell is one of the few people who has the capacity to literally change the way of the world, and once he's offered a high-profile job that acts as guardian of public ethics, he sets out to do precisely that. But first he must deal with the head in his closet.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Philip K. Dick's first great novel.......2007-10-08

    "At seven A.M., Allen Purcell, the forward-looking young president of the newest and most creative of the Research Agencies, lost a bedroom," and so begins the Man Who Japed.

    This novel, published in 1956, although a product of the very early period of Philip K. Dick's career, is an immense step forward from his inferior, disjointed, and amateurish novel, The World Jones Made. The uncanny feeling, which one associates with PKD when reading his later and more famous works, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, Martian Time-Slip (Among others), is apparent from the very first line. For example, Purcell's apartment randomly changes shape - his oven is a table that is a sink that is a food cupboard - his intelligent, caring, and somewhat bewildered wife constantly sedates herself with a vast array of drugs - and mankind emigrates to other planets and moons. The most surprising element is Allen Purcell himself, a remarkably well-rounded character (albeit as a previous reviewer noted, the secondary characters are flat as ironed cardboard).

    Also, the society of The Man Who Japed is remarkably vivid. The reader must remember that this book was written in the late 50s so concepts and societies that we might consider cliché were fresh off the oven (the totalitarian masterpiece 1984 had only been around for 7 years). The Man Who Japed is takes place in 2114 after a nuclear war in a society founded upon Puritanical ideals (no extra marital sex or classic books). Allen Purcell creates propaganda 'brochures' and while debasing symbols of the regime without understanding his own motivations and must decide if he is to change society.

    All in all, this is a very good effort. Perhaps in comparison to his later works this might deserve 4 stars but considering how early this was written and what came before, 5 stars is definitely the correct rating. It is well written and contains the embryonic stages of PKD's later compelling and poignant themes.

    4 out of 5 stars Philip's tooth-cutting.......2005-04-23

    Funny little story about a society completely obsessed with morality. Every bit as relevant today as when Philip K. Dick wrote it in 1956.

    4 out of 5 stars Intriguing content saves sometimes lackluster story.......2005-03-15

    "The Man Who Japed" is a fairly early Philip K. Dick novel, and as such is somewhat dated, and a little more straight-forward stylistically. In many ways it reads like early Bradbury; those looking for true science fiction will probably be put off by the simplistic technology. However, as with Bradbury, the powerful message transcends the context and drives the novel forward.

    Like many of Dick's novels, "The Man Who Japed" is set in a post-apocalyptic future, in this instance, some two hundred years after a nuclear war in the 1970's. Society is now governed by a strict moral code that emphasizes utility over comfort and social enforcement of societal mores. Enter Allen Purcell, an otherwise successful creator of "packets" (morality propaganda purchased by the state) who has inexplicably "japed" the statue of Major Streiter, founder of the Morec (moral reclamation) society. As his world begins a slow motion unraveling he comes to question everything about the society that has supported his family for generations.

    This perspective on morality as the driving force in politics is oddly prescient with today's debates about abortion, gay marriage and the like. Dick, has taken this evolution to its logical, but insane conclusion, in which every person is held to account by their neighbors in what is theoretically a people's court, but which is in fact an on-going witch hunt in which anonymity allows vicious personal vendettas to be aired with impunity.

    Admittedly, the actual story meanders and is not particularly engaging. While Purcell evolves into a rather intriguing character, by and large the supporting cast is rather two dimensional. To a degree this is understandable, as Dick is after all trying to create a world of cardboard cutouts. Nonetheless, this can make for a rather dry read at times.

    A short novel with a powerful message, "The Man Who Japed" offers a glimpse into Dick early in his career. While the wit and thoughtfulness is on ready display, his story-telling abilities are not yet at the level of "The Man in the High Castle" or "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" As such, this probably isn't the best novel for those new to the author to start, but it will definitely be appreciated by fans of his other work.

    Jake Mohlman

    4 out of 5 stars Early PKD fights repression with humor.......2004-06-03

    This was an early attempt by Dick to infuse humor into his science-fiction novels. A minor novel by the standards of his mature work, its flashes of originality and light touches of satire more than compensate for the contrived and improbable plot elements. The novel is set in a society based on the ideology of Morec (Moral Reclamation). Morec regulates individual morality through compulsory block meetings, in which one's friends and neighbors have the opportunity to take one to task for sexual peccadilloes or other lapses from puritanical conformity. Dick based his critique of the state as moral policemen on the structure of Chinese communism. It is not difficult, however, to see the roots of satire in American society, which has a long history of repression, from the Puritans to the Moral Majority. The protagonist is a man working for the media that promotes Morec, but he finds himself unconsciously japing, making fun of, the symbols of the regime. The most interesting part of the novel is when, after he is subjected to reprogramming, he suffers a breakdown in which his entire reality disappears. This episode prefigures themes that will become central in later Dick novels such as Ubik and Valis.

    4 out of 5 stars an early Philip K. Dick short novel; both funny and clever.......2003-07-08

    Philip K. Dick novels are an acquired taste, and I'm not sure if I've reached the point of fully appreciating the man's talents. While never boring, it seems that he only lets 80% of the material to be logical and leaves the rest to the reader's interpretation/imagination. This is sometimes fun, but often frustrating.

    'The Man Who Japed' is no different. Philip K. Dick paints a rather ugly picture of the USA some 100+ years in the future (after some nuclear holocaust). The moral majority has run amuck, the Earth is pretty much trashed, and life is miserable for our leading character (an ad executive). Sprinkle in some space travel and some mind-altering nonsense, typical of Philip K. Dick novels, and you have a rather fun if somewhat bewildering story. The author's blasting of the moral majority alone is well worth the price of the book; it must have been a shock when it was first published (mid-1950s).

    Bottom line: a worthy read, especially for fans of the author.
    The Man Who Japed
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      The Man Who Japed

      Manufacturer: Ace Books
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Mass Market Paperback
      ASIN: B000GT7XA0
      THE MAN WHO JAPED
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        THE MAN WHO JAPED
        Philip K. Dick
        Manufacturer: Vintage
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Hardcover
        ASIN: B000VHZFXY
        Man Who Japed 1ST Edition Space Born D-193
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Man Who Japed 1ST Edition Space Born D-193
          Philip K Dick
          Manufacturer: ACE BOOKS
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Mass Market Paperback
          ASIN: B000Q0U6VW
          Man Who Japed 1ST Edition Space Born D-193
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Man Who Japed 1ST Edition Space Born D-193
            Philip K Dick
            Manufacturer: ACE BOOKS
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Paperback
            ASIN: B000TMFGXU
            Man Who Japed and The Space-Born (Ace Double Novel)
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              Man Who Japed and The Space-Born (Ace Double Novel)
              Philip K., E. C. Tubb Dick
              Manufacturer: Ace Books
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Paperback
              ASIN: B000U84A2Q
              Man Who Japed Space Born D193
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                Man Who Japed Space Born D193
                Philip K Dick
                Manufacturer: ACE BOOKS
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Mass Market Paperback
                ASIN: B000PXJTZY
                Man Who Japed/Space-Born
                Average customer rating: Not rated
                  Man Who Japed/Space-Born
                  Philip K./Tubb, E.C. Dick
                  Manufacturer: Ace D-193
                  ProductGroup: Book
                  Binding: Mass Market Paperback
                  ASIN: B000VM0TV2
                  The Space-Born and The Man Who Japed
                  Average customer rating: Not rated
                    The Space-Born and The Man Who Japed

                    Manufacturer: Ace Books
                    ProductGroup: Book
                    Binding: Mass Market Paperback
                    ASIN: 0441041930
                    Man Who Japed
                    Average customer rating: Not rated
                      Man Who Japed
                      PK Dick
                      Manufacturer: Mandarin
                      ProductGroup: Book
                      Binding: Paperback
                      ASIN: B000PDHQZO

                      Dependent-Arising and Emptiness: A Tibetan Buddhist Interpretation of Madhyamika Philosophy
                      Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
                      • Misleading Title
                      • Excellent Reader
                      Dependent-Arising and Emptiness: A Tibetan Buddhist Interpretation of Madhyamika Philosophy
                      Elizabeth Napper
                      Manufacturer: Wisdom Publications
                      ProductGroup: Book
                      Binding: Paperback

                      GeneralGeneral | Buddhism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
                      TibetanTibetan | Buddhism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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                      3. Ocean of Reasoning: A Great Commentary on Nagarjuna's Mulamadhyamakakarika Ocean of Reasoning: A Great Commentary on Nagarjuna's Mulamadhyamakakarika
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                      ASIN: 0861713648

                      Book Description

                      Dependent-arising and emptiness are two essential Buddhist concepts. Elizabeth Napper helps us understand the integral relationship of these ideas and the ways that they have been interpreted by Tibetan and Western scholars. This book is an essential reference work for students and practitioners of Buddhism.

                      Customer Reviews:

                      5 out of 5 stars Misleading Title.......2006-04-25

                      All too often these days, what is being passed off to westerners as "Tibetan Buddhism" is in fact only a fraction of it. The Gelugpa school is the largest of the 4 schools of Tibetan Buddhism in both the east and the west. However I caution western readers not to take the Gelugpa view as the only or best one. In my reading, the Gelugpa understanding of Madhyamaka is limited on many fronts in comparison to the other schools. The Gelugpa interpretation has been highly debated by many tibetan critics, most notably by the brilliant scholar Ju Mipham(1846-1912). However it is not my intention here to slander or defame the Gelugpa school, but rather to bring attention to the other views seemingly left out of the heading "Tibetan Buddhism". Elizabeth Napper's book is indeed a scholarly work worthy of praise; however I feel that a correction should be made to the title. The Title should read, Dependent-Arising and Emptiness : A GELUGPA Interpretation of Madhyamika Philosophy. It is misleading to present what is only the Gelugpa view as the "Tibetan Buddhist" view.

                      4 out of 5 stars Excellent Reader.......2003-04-17

                      This book demonstrates Napper's capability as a scholar of the Madhyamaka. Her critical article on the justification of a retranslation of the Wisdom chapter of the LRCM is well-balanced and lucid.

                      However, my praise goes to her for offering the backbone to the new edition of the LRCM (ASIN-1559391669), and at the same time delivering this book, which includes a superb translation of the 'interwoven' commentaries to the root text, and other salient pointers to the commentarial tradition of Wisdom in the Gelugpa monastary.

                      Hopefully, the book will be republished sometime!

                      Oranges, Lemons and More: Practical Guide Citrus Cooking: The Complete Kitchen Reference to Varieties, Preparation and Use, with over 130 Zesty Recipes
                      Average customer rating: Not rated
                        Oranges, Lemons and More: Practical Guide Citrus Cooking: The Complete Kitchen Reference to Varieties, Preparation and Use, with over 130 Zesty Recipes
                        Coralie Dorman
                        Manufacturer: Lorenz Books
                        ProductGroup: Book
                        Binding: Hardcover

                        FruitsFruits | Cooking by Ingredient | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
                        GeneralGeneral | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
                        ASIN: 0754815439

                        Book Description

                        A comprehensive guide to the citrus family and how to use it in cooking, from lemons, limes, and oranges to the less familiar kumquats.

                        Collectible Mice
                        Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
                        • The authoritative guide to collectible mice
                        • Book review
                        • Great book!
                        • My opinion
                        • An Overall Great Guide
                        Collectible Mice
                        Albert Eschen
                        Manufacturer: Hobby House Press
                        ProductGroup: Book
                        Binding: Paperback

                        GeneralGeneral | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
                        ReferenceReference | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
                        GeneralGeneral | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
                        ASIN: 087588654X

                        Book Description

                        The author's eclectic collection of ivory, brass, porcelain, glass, diamond, gold, wood, and pewter objects is the basis for this identification and value guide to mouse collectibles. A compilation of thirty-five years of research and collecting, it is written for the novice as well as the seasoned collector. Dr. Eschen's collection includes items over 150 years old as well as newer ones and varies in prices ranging from $20 to over $3,500. Filled with how-to tips on beginning a mouse collection, identifying pieces according to style and marks, and displaying a collection.

                        In addition to information about various materials and makers, this book is a must-have resource for anyone enamored with this diminutive creature.

                        Customer Reviews:

                        5 out of 5 stars The authoritative guide to collectible mice.......2004-01-19

                        I just received this book, Collectible Mice, as a gift.  This is the best book about mice figures --some serious, some fanciful --that I have ever seen.  It is pleasant reading with a great bibliography and superb photos.  I wish the book were twice the size; it is one of the most enjoyable collector books I've read in years.  Eschen should write a sequel.

                        5 out of 5 stars Book review.......2003-12-10

                        Don't miss this book. It's a winner. This work is so entertaining both the amateur as well as the seasoned collector will derive great pleasure reading and viewing the great photographs. You dare not miss a word. Atypical, odd, comical, extraordinary and life-like pictures fill the pages (over 300 pictures) with these remarkable figurines. The author and the book each deserve five stars!

                        5 out of 5 stars Great book!.......2003-12-09

                        Best book I've read in years that provides collectors with a visual guide, some great photographs, and history. These photos show some realistic and some whimsical figurines. They are made of glass, diamonds, gold, silver, Vienna Bronze, and porcelain, etc.

                        The author has written a book that makes identification, dates of manufacture, material, artist, and country of origin easy and enjoyable to read. Anyone who collects anything will postively enjoy this collection. The book and author Eschen deserve top honors!

                        5 out of 5 stars My opinion.......2003-12-09

                        Best book I've read in years that provides collectors with a visual guide, some great photographs, and history. These photos show some realistic and some whimsical figurines. They are made of glass, diamonds, gold, silver, Vienna Bronze, porcelain, etc.

                        The author has written a book that makes identification, date of manufacture, material, artist, country of origin easy and enjoyable to read. Anyone who collects anything will positively enjoy this collection. The book and author Eschen deserve top honors.

                        5 out of 5 stars An Overall Great Guide.......2003-10-27

                        I have been a collector of mice for quite some time and I was very happy to see a reference guide on the subject published. The author does an excellent job of covering a wide variety of types of mice collectibles and photos are excellent. My only qualm with the guide is the lack of more common mice antique mall / store finds. Most of the items that are illustrated in the book are items that most likely would be found on eBay. I have worked with the Brass Armadillo Antique Mall in Omaha for six years and have very rarely seen the items that are in this book. If you are a mouse / rodent collector, this is an obvious must have book. My thanks to the author for bringing this great hobby into a published form!

                        Working with Wood: The Basics of Craftsmanship
                        Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
                        • Working With Wood: Dthe Basics of Craftsmanship
                        Working with Wood: The Basics of Craftsmanship
                        Peter Korn
                        Manufacturer: Taunton
                        ProductGroup: Book
                        Binding: Paperback

                        GeneralGeneral | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
                        GeneralGeneral | Woodworking | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
                        ProjectsProjects | Woodworking | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
                        GeneralGeneral | Industrial, Manufacturing & Operational Systems | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
                        ManufacturingManufacturing | Industrial, Manufacturing & Operational Systems | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
                        GeneralGeneral | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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                        1. Woodworking Basics: Mastering the Essentials of Craftsmanship Woodworking Basics: Mastering the Essentials of Craftsmanship
                        2. The Woodworker's Guide to Hand Tools The Woodworker's Guide to Hand Tools
                        3. The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking
                        4. The Complete Illustrated Guide to Furniture and Cabinet Construction The Complete Illustrated Guide to Furniture and Cabinet Construction
                        5. A Cabinetmaker's Notebook (Woodworker's Library (Fresno, Calif.).) A Cabinetmaker's Notebook (Woodworker's Library (Fresno, Calif.).)

                        ASIN: 1561580414
                        Release Date: 1993-05-01

                        Customer Reviews:

                        5 out of 5 stars Working With Wood: Dthe Basics of Craftsmanship.......2000-02-05

                        This is a wonderful book for those who really want to understand the basics of working with wood...how to do and do it well. It's easy to read, very descriptive and I highly recommend it. No fancy "stuff" ----just the classical basics.

                        Isamu Noguchi: Sculptural Design
                        Average customer rating: Not rated
                          Isamu Noguchi: Sculptural Design
                          Vitra Design Museum
                          Manufacturer: Vitra Design Mus
                          ProductGroup: Book
                          Binding: Hardcover

                          GeneralGeneral | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
                          GeneralGeneral | Interior Design | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
                          Noguchi, IsamuNoguchi, Isamu | ( M-O ) | Artists, A-Z | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
                          GeneralGeneral | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
                          GeneralGeneral | Sculpture | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
                          GeneralGeneral | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
                          GeneralGeneral | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
                          GermanGerman | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
                          Arts & PhotographyArts & Photography | German | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
                          NonfictionNonfiction | German | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
                          Professional & TechnicalProfessional & Technical | German | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
                          All German BooksAll German Books | German | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
                          All TitlesAll Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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                          1. Isamu Noguchi: A Sculptor's World Isamu Noguchi: A Sculptor's World
                          2. Isamu Noguchi: A Study of Space Isamu Noguchi: A Study of Space

                          ASIN: 3931936325
                          Isamu Noguchi Sculptural Design Exhibition Catalog (Japanese American National Museum)
                          Average customer rating: Not rated
                            Isamu Noguchi Sculptural Design Exhibition Catalog (Japanese American National Museum)

                            Manufacturer: Vitro Design Museum / Noguchi Foundation
                            ProductGroup: Book
                            Binding: Pamphlet

                            Noguchi, IsamuNoguchi, Isamu | ( M-O ) | Artists, A-Z | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
                            ASIN: B000GDTJ0I

                            Product Description

                            This is the exhibition catalog for the Isamu Noguchi exhibit at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, California. It is a fragile paper item, in an accordion fold-out format. The design and visual concept of the exhibition are the work of theater designer Robert Wilson. The Japanese American National Museum is the only California venue after showings in London, Weil am Rhein, Madrid, Paris, Cologne, Rotterdam, Berlin, New York, and Seattle.
                            El diseño escultural de Isamu Noguchi.(TT: The sculptural design of Isami Nogachi.)(Artículo Breve): An article from: Epoca
                            Average customer rating: Not rated
                              El diseño escultural de Isamu Noguchi.(TT: The sculptural design of Isami Nogachi.)(Artículo Breve): An article from: Epoca
                              Antonio Huete
                              Manufacturer: Difusora de Informacion Periodica, S.A. (DINPESA)
                              ProductGroup: Book
                              Binding: Digital

                              Noguchi, IsamuNoguchi, Isamu | ( M-O ) | Artists, A-Z | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
                              ASIN: B0008FC0W8
                              Release Date: 2005-07-30

                              Book Description

                              This digital document is an article from Epoca, published by Difusora de Informacion Periodica, S.A. (DINPESA) on April 26, 2002. The length of the article is 577 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

                              Citation Details
                              Title: El diseño escultural de Isamu Noguchi.(TT: The sculptural design of Isami Nogachi.)(Artículo Breve)
                              Author: Antonio Huete
                              Publication: Epoca (Magazine/Journal)
                              Date: April 26, 2002
                              Publisher: Difusora de Informacion Periodica, S.A. (DINPESA)
                              Page: 104(2)

                              Article Type: Artículo Breve

                              Distributed by Thomson Gale

                              Great Sporting Graphics
                              Average customer rating: Not rated
                                Great Sporting Graphics
                                Rockport Publishing
                                Manufacturer: Rockport Pub
                                ProductGroup: Book
                                Binding: Hardcover

                                GeneralGeneral | Graphic Arts | Graphic Design | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
                                GeneralGeneral | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
                                GeneralGeneral | Industrial, Manufacturing & Operational Systems | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
                                ManufacturingManufacturing | Industrial, Manufacturing & Operational Systems | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
                                ASIN: 1564961796

                                Not Always a Green Light: Not Always Red Either
                                Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
                                • Nice pleasant reading! Clean!
                                Not Always a Green Light: Not Always Red Either
                                Ruth Means
                                Manufacturer: Xlibris Corporation
                                ProductGroup: Book
                                Binding: Paperback

                                EntertainersEntertainers | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
                                GeneralGeneral | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
                                WomenWomen | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
                                MemoirsMemoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
                                GeneralGeneral | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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                                ASIN: 1413421822

                                Customer Reviews:

                                5 out of 5 stars Nice pleasant reading! Clean!.......2003-12-10

                                This book is a darling chronology of a young farm girl growing up in the depression era. Very entertaining and is comparable to anything Laura Ingalls Wilder ever wrote! She marries and is widowed at a young age and it is a story of courage, how a young single mother rearing 4 children achieves a college education, loses one of her children, goes through a near terminal illness, and survives! She even graduates college the same year as her 2 children and becomes an elementary school teacher. A true story of an not-so-everyday American heroine. I know the author personally, and at the age of 80, She is sharper than this 40 year old! A must read for those who thought they had seen it all!

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                                1. Hell's Bottom, Colorado
                                2. How to Quiet a Vampire: A Sotie (Writings from an Unbound Europe)
                                3. I Cry Gray Mountains On the Moon
                                4. If I Told You Once: A Novel
                                5. If on a winter's night a traveler
                                6. Illustrations from the Bible: A Work in Progress
                                7. In Search of Snow: A Novel (Camino Del Sol)
                                8. Inferno: The Longfellow Translation
                                9. Innocent Erendira: and Other Stories (Perennial Classics)
                                10. Kmt: In The House Of Life

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