Antiques, vintage and collectables Books

1883 products


  • In Praise of Shadows: Vintage Design Edition

    Vintage Publishing In Praise of Shadows: Vintage Design Edition

    Book SynopsisA fully illustrated, beautifully produced edition of Junichiro Tanizaki's wise and evocative essay on Japanese culture. ‘We find beauty not in the thing itself but in the patterns of shadows, the light and the darkness, that one thing against another creates… Were it not for shadows, there would be no beauty.’ This book is in fact a portal. Reading it, you will be led by Junichiro Tanizaki’s light touch into a mysterious and tranquil world of darkness and shadows, where gold flashes in the gloom and a deep stillness reigns. If you are accustomed to equate light with clarity, the faded with the worthless and the dim with the dreary, prepare for a courteous but powerful realignment of your ideas. In Praise of Shadows is a poetic paean to traditional Japanese aesthetics – in a free-ranging style that moves from architecture to No theatre, and from cookery to lighting, Tanizaki teaches us to see the beauty in tarnished metal, the sombre dignity in unglazed pottery, the primacy of organic materials that bear witness to the regular touch of human hands. It is also astonishingly prescient, offering a gentle warning against the quest for airbrushed perfection, and reminding us that too much light can pollute and obscure our natural world. In this special edition, the text is accompanied by specially selected images to complement Tanizaki’s reflections and further illustrate the pattern and beauty of shadows.Trade ReviewEssential reading -- David Adjaye, architectAn elegant essay on traditional Japanese aesthetics by the great novelist. A delight to read * Independent on Sunday *More like a poem than an essay * Building Design *Tanizaki suggests an attitude of appreciation and mindfulness, especially mindfulness of beauty, as central to life lived well -- AC GraylingThis has been an important book for my career. I’ve read it multiple times—it continues to be meaningful and I don't expect that will change. Shadows are more important than objects because they enter the realm of the mysterious. The white space is more important than the stroke of the pen. Shadows are the silent reason that objects are recognized; they give them shape. Shadows represent the soul of a place or object -- Tom Kundig, architect

    £10.99

  • In Praise of Shadows Vintage classics

    Vintage Publishing In Praise of Shadows Vintage classics

    Book SynopsisJunichiro Tanizaki was one of Japan's greatest twentienth century novelists. Born in 1886 in Tokyo, his first published work - a one-act play - appeared in 1910 in a literary magazine he helped to found. Tanizaki lived in the cosmopolitan Tokyo area until the earthquake of 1923, when he moved to the Kyoto-Osaka region and became absorbed in Japan's past.All his most important works were written after 1923, among them Some Prefer Nettles (1929), The Secret History of the Lord of Musashi (1935), several modern versions of The Tale of Genji (1941, 1954 and 1965), The Makioka Sisters, The Key (1956) and Diary of a Mad Old Man (1961). He was awarded an Imperial Award for Cultural Merit in 1949 and in 1965 he was elected an honorary member of the American Academy and the National Institute of Arts and Letters, the first Japanese writer to receive this honour. Tanizaki died later that same year.Trade ReviewAn elegant essay on traditional Japanese aesthetics by the great novelist. A delight to read * Independent on Sunday *A highly infectious essay lauding all things shady and subtly hidden * Guardian *The outstanding Japanese novelist of this century -- Edmund WhiteThis is a powerfully anti-modernist book, yet contains the most beautiful evocation of the traditional Japanese aesthetic... More like a poem than an essay * Building Design *I am convinced that Tanizaki is one of the few great writers of our time. He is an author of outstanding stature and deserves to be far better known outside Japan than he is -- Ivan Morris

    £9.25

  • Star Trek LightandSound Tricorder

    Running Press Star Trek LightandSound Tricorder

    Book SynopsisStar Trek fans and collectors will love this one-of-a-kind, mini-size collectible tricorder with light and sound. The tricorder is a multifunction handheld device used for sensor scanning and data analysis. Kit includes:- Light-up tricorder with sound- 48-page book on the history of tricorders and full-color photos

    £10.49

  • Fans

    The Crowood Press Ltd Fans

    20 in stock

    Book SynopsisFor centuries, fans have been used to keep cool, hide behind and even communicate. Made from a variety of different materials in innumerable styles, from simple utilitarian fan to the beautifully ornate, they have long fascinated fashionistas the world over. Now they are often collectors' items, with many commanding high prices at auction. Starting with a brief history of the fan, Fans then moves on to look at the many fan styles and fashion trends. It explains the terminology used for shapes and materials, illustrating how new inventions led to more versatility for fan makers. It them finishes with a look at more practical matters, such as how to clean and store your fan collection and where to research the origins of your fans. Including over 250 stunning photographs, most of which have never before been published, this book gives a helping hand to both the fan novice and the experienced collector alike, making this beautiful and informative volume essential reading for all fan lover

    20 in stock

    £27.00

  • A Man & His Car: Iconic Cars and Stories from the

    Workman Publishing A Man & His Car: Iconic Cars and Stories from the

    7 in stock

    Book SynopsisCelebrate That Special Bond Between Men and Cars, and the Stories That Connect Them Discover actor and director Ed Burns talking about his 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, a model he'd been dreaming about since his days pumping gas. NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, whose favourite cars are trucks-he loves the wow factor of an International CV Series 6.6. Or Jay Leno on his 1955 Buick Roadmaster, big enough for him to sleep in while trying to make it as a comic. Filled with stunning photographs of the whole cars and of the exquisite details that make car lovers' hearts beat just a little faster, as well as more than 80 personal stories, it's a joy for every reader who knows that a car is never just a car.Trade Review“Automotive joy. . . . Stories that will resonate with any car lover.”—Fortune “Truly epic. . . . A Man His Car explores the personal connection between an eclectic mix of gentlemen and their cherished rides, from celebrities to collectors to the everyman who fell fast and hard for a certain four-wheeler.”—Robb Report “A Man His Car pairs gorgeous photos of A-listers' personal autos with first-person essays on their automotive loves.” —Hollywood Reporter “Fascinating. . . . [Hranek’s] gallery-worthy photos are visual testimony to car design as an art form and are paired with their owner's memories and the joys of being a gearhead. . . . Hranek tells the accompanying stories with affection, experience and an underlying passion. This illustrated tale of the love affair between owners and automobiles is certain to take readers on an armchair roadtrip they'll happily repeat many times.”—Shelf Awareness for Readers

    7 in stock

    £29.75

  • Antique Marks Collins Gem

    HarperCollins Publishers Antique Marks Collins Gem

    Out of stock

    Book SynopsisThis pocket-sized guide to identifying and interpreting metal and ceramic marks has been improved with the addition of the most recent hallmarks, along with details of the new hallmarking system.Do you attend car boot sales or browse in antique shops in search of bargains? Have you ever wished you knew more about grandma's silver spoon? Do you envy the experts' ability to identify and date old hand-me-downs? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, Collins Gem Antique Marks is for you.Packed with thousands of clear illustrations, the book shows hallmarks on silver, gold and platinum, as well as those on Old Sheffield Plate, pewter, pottery and porcelain. Complete with a history of hallmarks and how to read them, Collins Gem Antique Marks is absolutely indispensable.The book provides:Full hallmarks for silver from London, Edinburgh, York, Norwich, Exeter, Dublin, Newcastle, Chester, Glasgow, Birmingham and Sheffield, along with maker's marks from these cities.Up-to-date hallmarksTrade Review‘As a pocket reference on ‘marks’ this is by far the best I have seen. It covers ALL marks, unlike most which cover either metal or porcelain’. Amazon

    Out of stock

    £999.99

  • Martius. The Book of Palms. 40th Ed.

    Taschen GmbH Martius. The Book of Palms. 40th Ed.

    4 in stock

    Book SynopsisOn December 15, 1868, Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius (1794–1868), Professor of Botany at the University of Munich and director of the Royal Botanic Garden, was carried to his grave in a coffin covered with fresh palm leaves. The fronds were a reference to his groundbreaking Natural History of Palms: a work in three volumes, published between 1823 and 1853. This encyclopedic treasury of 240 exquisite chromolithographic illustrations was based on von Martius’s expeditions through Brazil and Peru. From 1817 to 1820, he traveled over 2,250 km (1,400 miles) through the Amazon basin to investigate natural history and native tribes with zoologist Johann Baptist von Spix. The result was an unrivaled catalogue of all known genera of the palm family, outlining the modern classification of palms, describing all the palms of Brazil, and producing the first maps of palm biogeography. Von Martius’s folio is unusual in its inclusion of cross-sectioned diagrams, conveying the architecture of these mighty trees, which central Europeans would have found hard to imagine accurately. Equally remarkable are the color landscapes showing various palms—often standing alone in simple and elegant beauty.Trade Review“An outstanding work: aesthetically as well as in content... A milestone of botanical research.” * FAZ *“Beautifully detailed... A landmark in taxonomic description, botanical illustration, and the realistic representation of species in the landscape.” * The Financial Times *“A beautiful, exuberant book..” * Sebastião Salgado *

    4 in stock

    £20.00

  • Massimo Listri. Cabinet of Curiosities. 40th Ed.

    Taschen GmbH Massimo Listri. Cabinet of Curiosities. 40th Ed.

    7 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe Wunderkammer, or “cabinet of curiosities,” saw collectors gathering objects from many strands of artistic, scientific, and intellectual endeavor, in an ambitious attempt to encompass all of humankind’s knowledge in a single room. From the Grand Duke Francesco I de’ Medici and Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II to Archduke Ferdinand II of Habsburg, these aristocratic virtuosos acquired, selected, and displayed the objects in real-life catalogues that represented the entire world—spanning architecture, interior design, painting, sculpture, gemology, geology, botany, biology and taxonomy, astrology, alchemy, anthropology, ethnography, and history. Marvel at the unicorn horns (narwhal tusks), gems, rare coral growths, Murano glasswork, paintings and peculiar mechanical automata. Browse through illustrations of exotic and mythical creatures and discover the famed “Coburg ivories,” an astounding collection of crafted artifacts. These collections are nothing short of a journey through time, from the Renaissance and Age of Discovery, the Mannerist and Baroque periods, up to the present day. Many of these cabinets of curiosities no longer exist, others have been meticulously reconstructed, and new ones born. These marvelous cabinets of curiosities can now be explored by all in this collection. To realize this mammoth undertaking, Massimo Listri traveled to seven European countries over several decades; the result is a set of gorgeous photographs, an authoritative yet accessible introduction, and detailed commentary on each of the 19 chambers highlighting the most remarkable items in each collection. Discover how these timeless treasures both describe and defined civilization, the modern concept of the museum, and our very knowledge of the universe.Trade Review“A glimpse inside historic collections of miraculous miscellany.” * Town & Country *“The cabinet of curiosities celebrated the act of collection for its own sake—an almost random accumulation of natural-history specimens and other bizarre objects.” * The Guardian *

    7 in stock

    £20.80

  • 1000 Record Covers

    Taschen GmbH 1000 Record Covers

    15 in stock

    Book SynopsisRecord covers are a sign of our life and times. Like the music on the discs, they address such issues as love, life, death, fashion, and rebellion. For music fans the covers are the expression of a period, of a particular time in their lives. Many are works of art and have become as famous as the music they stand for—Andy Warhol's covers, for example, including the banana he designed for The Velvet Underground. This edition of Record Covers presents a selection of the best rock album covers of the 60s to 90s from music archivist, disc jockey, journalist, and former record-publicity executive Michael Ochs’s enormous private collection. Both a trip down memory lane and a study in the evolution of cover art, this is a sweeping look at an underappreciated art form.Trade Review“Vinyl revival? This book single-handedly champions the cause.” * Inpress *

    15 in stock

    £17.00

  • Love Vintage: Sourcing, Collecting & Selling

    Pimpernel Press Ltd Love Vintage: Sourcing, Collecting & Selling

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisIf you’re already an avid collector of flea market finds, or eager to start a vintage business, or you simply enjoy the beauty of time worn objects, Michelle Mason’s hands-on approach to collecting will help inspire your finds, offer ideas on how to showcase your keepsakes and equip you with insider knowledge to get you to the markets and start building your collection. With a focus on popular vintage items and decorative antiques Love Vintage has sections on favourite places to source stock in the UK and France, how to curate your collection, plus help with setting up a vintage business and purchasing tricks and tips and advice from experts in their field. Shop Talk shares insights from 8 dealers in the UK and France. Combined with recommendations on what to look out for and who to follow this book will arm you with all you need to get started and more.Trade Review"Full of stunning images, but more than that brimming with so much useful information on how to set up your own vintage business." -- Siobhan Ferguson, author of Pretty City London, Pretty City Paris"You may already be an avid collector of vintage homeware, but Love Vintage will help you delve further into the world of collecting. Michelle offers helpful tips on what to look out for, where to source and how to display your finds." * Homes and Antiques *"Love Vintage aims to inspire the reader to seek out and collect timeworn objects. Find sections on some of the best places to source stock in the UK and France, purchasing tricks and tips, and advice from experts." * Period Living *'A fantastic guide to setting up as a dealer, planning buying trips and knowing which markets are the best.' * Country Living - Vintage *'More insider tips and tricks on sourcing, collecting and selling antiques can be found in designer and vintage dealer Michelle Mason’s latest book — whether it’s roaming the streets of Paris and Lille or delving deep into eBay and Etsy, there’s advice for anyone who wants to expand their collection.' * Daily Mail *'More insider tips and tricks on sourcing, collecting and selling antiques can be found in designer and vintage dealer Michelle Mason’s latest book — whether it’s roaming the streets of Paris and Lille or delving deep into eBay and Etsy, there’s advice for anyone who wants to expand their collection.' * Daily Mail *

    2 in stock

    £11.69

  • Cabinets of Curiosities

    Thames & Hudson Ltd Cabinets of Curiosities

    4 in stock

    Book SynopsisAll knowledge, the cosmos arranged on shelves, in cupboards, or hanging from the ceiling, infinite riches in a little room' such were the cabinets of curiosities of the 17th century. This survey, now available in a compact edition, traces the amazing history of cabinets of curiosities, from their first appearance in the inventories and engravings commissioned by Renaissance nobles such as the Medici or the Hapsburgs, via those of the Dane Ole Wurm and the Italian polymath Athanasius Kircher, to the serious 17th- and 18th-century scientists Elias Ashmole and Levinas Vincent.Trade Review'Captivating ... just to read about the chaos of the cabinets, let alone look at the many beautiful images selected by Mauriès, is dizzying ... Mauriès offers the kind of historical unity of which the early collectors, with their wonderful curiosity and lust for affinity, would have been proud' - The Times Higher Education Supplement'Mauriès’ book’s splendiferous illustrations, some of which fold out to disclose shocks within, alternate the delightful and the disturbing’ ' - Guardian'Splendid' - Times Literary Supplement'One of the most beautiful art books you will ever see' - World of Interiors'Awesome ... a splendid memento mori' - Irish Times

    4 in stock

    £21.25

  • Richardson Publishing Country Living Modern Rustic Number 28

    3 in stock

    a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

    3 in stock

    £13.49

  • FMR Franco Maria Ricci

    Vendome Press FMR Franco Maria Ricci

    3 in stock

    Book SynopsisAntony Shugaar is a writer and translator and the Englishlanguage editor of FMR magazine. He has translated novels,screenplays, and journalism for major trade publishers and university presses and has written for The Washington Post,The New York Times, The New York Review of Books, The Sunday Times of London Insight team, New YorkMagazine, Columbia Journalism Review, Lapham's Quarterly, The Paris Review, The Village Voice, and bothAdvertising Age and Adweek. He has translated two books by Primo Levi in the Norton Complete Works of Primo Levi,five Strega Prizewinning books, and television series and films by Paolo Sorrentino, Luca Guadagnino, and PeppeFiore. He is the recipient of two NEA translation fellowships (2007 and 2019). His translation of Gianni Rodari'sTelephone Tales received the American Library Associations Batchelder Award. He lives in Washington, D.C.

    3 in stock

    £60.00

  • 7 in stock

    £13.49

  • All in Good Time Reflections of a Watchmaker

    Philip Wilson Publishers Ltd All in Good Time Reflections of a Watchmaker

    5 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe remarkable story of George Daniels, the master craftsman who was born into poverty but raised himself to become the greatest watchmaker of the twentieth century.George Daniels (1926-2011) stands alone in modern times as the inventor of the revolutionary co-axial escapement, the first substantial advance in portable mechanical timekeeping over the lever escapement, which has dominated ever since its invention in 1759. Daniels''s love of mechanics embraced not only the minute, however - he was also a passionate collector and driver of historic motorcars.This revised and expanded edition of his autobiography also contains a new section that illustrates and discusses over thirty of the pocket and wrist-watches Daniels himself made over the years.Witness here the triumph of intelligence, ingenuity, matchless skill and singularity of purpose over the most unpromising of beginnings.Trade ReviewIt is a fascinating read about a truly fascinating man, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in horology, or even the tale of rags to riches through hard work and dedication. * Great British Watch Company *This is incredibly interesting to read through, and there are a great multitude of photographs in the book of various timepieces and diagrams of horological components. [...] I found George Daniels’ autobiography to be a truly engaging read and a wonderful insight into the mind of one of the greatest watchmakers of all time, and I would highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in horology. * Watch Affinity *Table of ContentsIntroduction Publisher’s Note Foreword 1. All in Good Time 2. Introduction to Watches 3. A Change of Careers 4. Watches Versus Bentleys 5. Introduction to Breguet 6. The First Daniels Watch 7. Developing the Co-axial Escapement 8. Not Too Technical 9. Alfa and Omega 10. Wheels Postscript Working with George Afterword Complete Watch and Clock Production

    5 in stock

    £29.75

  • Man with a Van: My Story

    Ebury Publishing Man with a Van: My Story

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisSunday Times bestseller'When I see something old, that I think is beautiful, special, valuable, it's not about the money. It's about being in another time and place.'Star of TV's Salvage Hunters, Drew Pritchard will go to the greatest lengths for the best deals. He discovered the casts Lord Elgin made of his infamous marbles in a school garage, and broke the bank to buy the tool box Malcolm Campbell used when he set the water speed record in 1934. He made a million. Lost it. And made it again.The face of the compulsively fascinating business of finding and restoring lost treasures, visionary Drew takes us up and down the country, into garages, factories, schools and pubs, digging out incredible items from that 'other time and place'. Then by lovingly restoring them, he brings our history back to life.A flat cap among silver spoons and old school ties, our favourite no-bullshit expert may be a one-off, but his story makes us all dream of that obscure piece of antiquity gathering dust in the garden shed...

    1 in stock

    £10.99

  • Miller's Antiques Marks

    Octopus Publishing Group Miller's Antiques Marks

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisMarks are one of the collector's most important tools when it comes to identifying and dating antiques. Of course, it is important to understand that they should never be relied upon completely, as many have been copied or faked. What you should rely on is experience. Handle as many antiques as you can and learn to combine your knowledge of marks with the knowledge of how an authentic piece looks and feels.Whether you are buying at auction, flea market or antique shop this is the book you need to identify and date what you find. More than 6,000 marks are organized for quick, at-a-glance reference with full-colour sections on silver, Sheffield plate, bronze figures, ceramics, glass, costume jewellery, toys and dolls. This comprehensive guide can be kept handy to identify antique finds and valuate them from a catalogue of the most common marks that you will encounter, as well as any unidentified treasures you already own.

    2 in stock

    £9.49

  • Dust & Grooves: Adventures in Record Collecting

    Random House USA Inc Dust & Grooves: Adventures in Record Collecting

    3 in stock

    Book SynopsisA photographic look into the world of vinyl record collectors—including Questlove—in the most intimate of environments—their record rooms. Compelling photographic essays from photographer Eilon Paz are paired with in-depth and insightful interviews to illustrate what motivates these collectors to keep digging for more records. The reader gets an up close and personal look at a variety of well-known vinyl champions, including Gilles Peterson and King Britt, as well as a glimpse into the collections of known and unknown DJs, producers, record dealers, and everyday enthusiasts. Driven by his love for vinyl records, Paz takes us on a five-year journey unearthing the very soul of the vinyl community.

    3 in stock

    £33.60

  • 365 Sports Cars You Must Drive

    Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc 365 Sports Cars You Must Drive

    3 in stock

    Book SynopsisSports cars are about the joy of driving and 365 Sports Cars You Must Drive: Fast, Faster, Fastest is a celebration of that pleasure. All the greats are included, from Alfa Romeo to Ferrari to MG to Triumph to Zenvo and just about every make model in between!

    3 in stock

    £17.09

  • Matchbox Toys

    Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Matchbox Toys

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisMatchbox toys were ubiquitous items for children across the Western world. Originally labelled Christmas-cracker trash by retailers and shopkeepers, the small-scale 1-75 series soon began to see unprecedented worldwide sales in the 1950s. Smaller and cheaper than most of its competitors’ toys, Matchbox models were also far more accurately modelled, but the company has nevertheless seen its own share of competition and challenging times over the years. In this beautifully illustrated book, Matchbox collector Nick Jones tells the story of Matchbox and its most famous toys, from the Coronation Coach to Hotwheels dragsters, and complements the story with beautiful, previously unpublished photographs.Table of ContentsThe Birth of Lesney 1947-56 The '1-75' Series Regular Wheels 1953-69 The '1-75' Series Superfast Issues 1969-83 Accessory Packs, Major Packs and the Kingsize Range The Models of Yesteryear Service Stations, Roadways and Catalogues The Final Days Further Reading and Other Information Index

    2 in stock

    £9.64

  • Beautiful Machines: The Italians: The Most Iconic

    Die Gestalten Verlag Beautiful Machines: The Italians: The Most Iconic

    4 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    4 in stock

    £46.75

  • The Forensic Records Society

    Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Forensic Records Society

    3 in stock

    Book Synopsis''The Forensic Records Society is like Animal Farm but with blokes for pigs, and much better songs'' GuardianTwo men with a passion for vinyl create a society for the appreciation of records. Their aim is simple: to elevate the art of listening by doing so in forensic detail. The society enjoys moderate success in the back room of their local pub, The Half Moon, with other enthusiasts drawn to the initial promise of the weekly gathering.However, as the club gains popularity, its founder's uncompromising dogma results in a schism within the movement and soon a counter group forms. Then the arrival of a young woman called Alice further fractures the unity of the vulnerable society. As rifts are forged and gulfs widen, Magnus Mills examines the surreal nature of ordinary lives. The master of the comic deadpan returns for his ninth novel, a spectacularly disingenuous exploration of power, fanaticism and really, really good records.Trade ReviewMills uses his blokes in the back of a pub to tell a massively ambitious story … A story that could be read as a disguised retelling of the Russian revolution, or the Reformation, or the Sunni-Shia schism, or any great human falling out. As soon as you form any kind of “us”, Mills suggests, a “them” will form in response. In this, The Forensic Records Society is like Animal Farm but with blokes for pigs, and much better songs * Guardian *For nearly twenty years Mills has been entertaining and occasionally perplexing readers with his enigmatic tales of thwarted expeditions, projects and schemes … Tremendously funny. Mills is one of Britain’s best comic writers, and this is an excellent introduction to his scrupulously amusing world ... You will love this book. Buy one on Saturday to go with that Toto single -- Andy Miller * Spectator *It doesn’t take long for the veneer of politeness to fall away and for obsession to take hold in this darkly witty novel -- The Best Paperbacks * Mail on Sunday *A demented, deadpan comic wonder -- Thomas PynchonOne of our most idiosyncratic voices ... Deceptively genial, eerily comic ... Mills is extremely good on the way obsessiveness is an end in itself for these barely distinguishable chaps ... It also contains some classic Mills hallmarks, including the unsettling impression something sinister is going on, if only you could work out what it is * Daily Mail *‘One for the pop pickers … There are some wonderful aspects to The Forensic Records Society … Bloomsbury have pushed the boat out with the packaging, which is a wonderful pastiche of the sort of vintage 1960s seven-inch single sleeve collectors covet at record fairs, and will really make you think there must be three minutes of music as well as 180 pages of prose to discover inside * Herald *This, his ninth novel, is as odd, simple and parabolic as the first eight ... The theme is unmistakable and unavoidable – when humans can fall out, they will fall out **** * Metro *Magnus Mills is unique. There is simply no equivalent of his brand of domestic absurdism … The most British of anarchists * Independent *A true original * Mail on Sunday *He’s original, he’s eccentric – and I predict that Magnus Mills will still be fascinating his admirers 100 years from now -- Kate Saunders * Saga *

    3 in stock

    £9.49

  • Warners Group Publications Toy Collectors Price Guide 2026

    10 in stock

    a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

    10 in stock

    £11.69

  • Road Masters

    Hardie Grant Books Road Masters

    10 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    10 in stock

    £25.04

  • Creative Haven Storefronts Coloring Book

    Dover Publications Creative Haven Storefronts Coloring Book

    1 in stock

    a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

    1 in stock

    £7.59

  • QSL Do You Confirm Receipt of My Transmission

    Standards Manual QSL Do You Confirm Receipt of My Transmission

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisCommunications between amateur radio (AKA ham radio) operators and citizen band stations have been crowding the world's electromagnetic spectrum since its invention in the early 20th century. Millions of operators formed what could be almost be described as an early internet projecting their voices, ideas, and humanity around the earth's surface using various techniques and frequencies to bounce their waves around the earth's surface, off of the ionosphere, and even the moon. Any communication network needs a way of identifying individuals. A QSL card is a written confirmation of prior communication between two amateur radio or citizens band stationspostcard sized and mailed between users. Do You Confirm Receipt of My Transmission is derived from the Q code. A Q code message can stand for a statement or a question (when the code is followed by a question mark). In this case, QSL?' (note the question mark) means Do you confirm receipt of my transmission? while QSL' (without a question mark) means I confirm receipt of your transmission. Just like today's internet avatars, operators had their own style and often projected their personality using their QSL cards. Collecting cards was popular, and a source of pride to operators. Published by Brooklyn-based design imprint, Standards Manual, Do You Confirm Receipt of My Transmission is a visual history of these cards, spanning from approximately 19601990. Over 190 cards are included, front and back, with high resolution details. The collection forms a visual history of early global communication something we now take for granted but was once a marvel. Today, there are over 3 million licensed radio operators worldwide.

    1 in stock

    £40.00

  • Pen & Sword Books Ltd Compacts and Cosmetics Beauty from Victorian

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisSocial history of women's romance with compacts and cosmetics. Asks why compacts were one of the few acceptable gifts from potential partners. Includes top makes and designers, plus vintage advertising, museums, specialist dealers and auctions.

    1 in stock

    £15.29

  • 2 in stock

    £13.49

  • 3 in stock

    £6.99

  • The Repair Shop: LIFE IN THE BARN: The Inside

    Octopus Publishing Group The Repair Shop: LIFE IN THE BARN: The Inside

    3 in stock

    Book Synopsis'Heartwarming, magical and uplifting'In today's throwaway culture, there's a counter movement growing that urges us to 'make do and mend'. The BBC's BAFTA Award winning The Repair Shop has brought this waste-conscious message to an even wider audience, with its regular viewing figures of 7 million in the UK alone, cementing itself as a classic series in the vein of Antiques Roadshow.This new book concentrates on the show's much-loved experts, including woodworker and furniture restorer Will Kirk, clock restorer Steve Fletcher, metalworker Dominic Chinea, silversmith Brenton West, leatherworker Suzie Fletcher, upholsterer Sonnaz Nooranvary, and seamstresses Julie Tatchell & Amanda Middleditch - aka The Teddy Bear Ladies. Each of the experts shares their own stories and their repairs, capturing in the process the magic and ethos of the barn. Includes quotations and Q & As from the experts as well as Jay Blades on some unique restoration collaborations.With the focus on the experts themselves, readers will feel as though they're stepping straight into the 'workshop of dreams' and experiencing first hand the magic of the barn.

    3 in stock

    £18.70

  • Richard Scarrys Busy Busy Box of Postcards

    Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Richard Scarrys Busy Busy Box of Postcards

    5 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    5 in stock

    £17.99

  • Classic Supercars: The World's Top Performance

    Amber Books Ltd Classic Supercars: The World's Top Performance

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisFast, glamorous and extravagant, a supercar encapsulates the romance, power and freedom of the motor car in one beautifully-designed package. ClassicSupercars looks in detail at 75 of the most celebrated vehicles from Europe, Japan and America, providing a pocket-sized reference guide to those machines at the pinnacle of automotive engineering. Covering all the most famous makes, including AC, Ferrari, Lotus, Pontiac, Jaguar, Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Porsche and BMW, ClassicSupercars is packed with a wealth of technical and historical information. Each of the 75 vehicles is examined over four pages, with outstanding three-view colour photography and detailed annotations. A specification table provides full technical details, while under-the-bonnet photographs and artworks display the engine configuration and authoritative text fills the reader in on the vehicle’s development and production history. Arranged alphabetically from the AC 428 to the Venturi Atlantique, accessibly written and packed with colour photography of some of the world’s best cars, ClassicSupercars is a must for any car enthusiast.Table of ContentsIntroduction AC 428 to Aston Martin DB7 Bentley 4.5 Litre to Bugatti EB110 Caterham Super 7 to Duesenberg SJ Ferrari 250GT Lusso to Ferrari 360 Modena Fiat Dino to Jaguar XKR Lamborghini Miura to Morgan Plus 8 Panoz Roadster to Renault Sport Spider Swallow Sidecar SS100 to Venturi Atlantique Index

    1 in stock

    £11.69

  • Looking at Jewelry (Looking at series) - A Guide

    Getty Trust Publications Looking at Jewelry (Looking at series) - A Guide

    3 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe fascination with personal adornment is universal. It is a preoccupation that is primal, instinctive, and uniquely human. 'Jewelry' encompasses a seemingly endless number of ornaments produced across time and in all cultures. The range of materials and techniques used in its construction is extraordinary, even revolutionary, with new substances and methods of fabrication added with every generation. In any given society, master artisans have devoted their time, energy and talent to the fine art of jewellery making, creating some of the most spectacular objects known to humankind. This volume, geared toward jewellery makers, scholars, scientists, students and fashionistas alike, begins with a lively introduction that offers a cultural history of jewellery and its production. The main text provides information on the most common, iconic and culturally significant forms of jewellery and also covers materials, techniques, and manufacturing processes. Containing eighty colour illustrations, this guide will be invaluable to all those wishing to increase their understanding and enjoyment of the art of jewellery.

    3 in stock

    £16.99

  • Sports Card Collecting  Investing For Dummies

    John Wiley & Sons Sports Card Collecting Investing For Dummies

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £17.09

  • Would It Surprise You To Know…?

    Cornerstone Would It Surprise You To Know…?

    2 in stock

    Book Synopsis'Ronnie has overcome a heart-breaking start in life to achieve great success and no one deserves it more. What a dude, what a life!' - Fiona Bruce'Brilliant...a mercurial memoir of a meritorious life.' - Lemn Sissay For decades, Ronnie Archer-Morgan has brought to life the fascinating, often surprising backstories behind our most cherished heirlooms and household objects on the Antiques Roadshow. Now, he tells his own unlikely story. Born in the fifties to a Sierra Leonean mother battling mental health problems, Ronnie spent his childhood in and out of care. After difficult beginnings, marked by abuse, racism and brushes with both criminals and the police, he got into music, managing to get DJ gigs and, later, worked as a celebrity hairdresser for Vidal Sassoon and Smile in the height of seventies London. A flair for spotting antiques led him to start his own Knightsbridge gallery, ultimately becoming one of the most respected figures in the industry, culminating in a regular spot as an expert on the nation's Sunday favourite, Antiques Roadshow. Told with rich warmth, this is an extraordinary journey from deprivation and abuse to adventure and success against the odds - with stories of the incredible objects which shaped the way.'A surprising story, like many of the objects he appraises on the Antiques Roadshow' - Kate Adie, broadcaster and bestselling author'A fascinating, rollercoaster read, very well told.' - TimesTrade ReviewLife as a pinball [. . .] all the time absorbing history and art and adventurous travel. A black man pursuing culture and pursued by prejudice, pinging against the glamour and the pitfalls of the antiques trade. A surprising story, like many of the objects he appraises on the Antiques Roadshow. -- Kate Adie, broadcaster and bestselling authorRonnie has told me stories from his past over our years together on the Antiques Roadshow. But, reading his autobiography, all I can say is, yes, I am surprised. Is there anything he hasn't done? Ronnie has overcome a heart-breaking start in life to achieve great success and no one deserves it more. What a dude, what a life! -- Fiona BruceA gripping memoir about overcoming an abusive childhood...A fascinating rollercoaster read, very well told..full of devastating cruelty and remarkable strokes of luck * Times *There is so much more to Ronnie than meets the eye. Reading everything he has overcome and all that he has achieved gives you a deeper, richer understanding of the man and why he finally feels able to count his blessings. * Daily Express *A brilliant memoir by Ronnie Archer-Morgan. His is a mercurial memoir of a meritorious life. -- Lemn Sissay

    2 in stock

    £10.44

  • Miller's Collectables Handbook & Price Guide

    Octopus Publishing Group Miller's Collectables Handbook & Price Guide

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisAll entries new for each edition.Miller's Collectables Handbook & Price Guide 2021-2022 is the up-to-date guide to the collectables market no dealer, collector or auctioneer should be without. Featuring more than 4,000 objects in full colour, each with a detailed description and price range, the book also shows you how to spot that rare example that may be worth twenty times more than another piece. In-depth features explain why one piece is worth more than another, show how to value an item and teach you to be your own expert when appraising everything from 20th-century glass to costume jewellery.Comprehensive sections cover a wide range of objects, with additional pages on pencils, toys, vintage handbags, trunks and costume jewellery for this edition.Every entry and image is updated for each edition to keep the book up-to-date with collecting and buying trends. Miller's Collectables Handbook & Price Guide 2021-2022 is the only full-colour, fully-illustrated collectables price guide in the world.

    2 in stock

    £23.79

  • Bang & Olufsen

    The Crowood Press Ltd Bang & Olufsen

    4 in stock

    Book SynopsisThis book introduces the world of Bang & Olufsen, from their futuristic audo and hi-fi systems to their elegant television sets and attractive portable models, which have captivated enthusiasts for the best part of four decades. The small Danish company has striven to design items that have stood the test of time, being both technologically innovative and stylish. As a result, their products are amongst those rare things where both form and function come together to create something truly magnificent, both to behold and to listen to. Within the pages of this book, Tim and Nick Jarman take the collector through every model produced by B&O up to the year 2000, as well as providing comprehensive appendices listing which model is compatible with which and giving tips on restoration. Throughout the book you will find specially produced original colour photographs of preserved B&O audio and television equipment, complete with detail views so that you can see every important control and styling feature and really get to know each model. An invaluable book, whether you are looking for just one special model or are assembling a large collection.

    4 in stock

    £33.25

  • Extraordinary Collections: French Interiors, Flea

    Editions Flammarion Extraordinary Collections: French Interiors, Flea

    3 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    3 in stock

    £28.00

  • Art Record Covers. 40th Ed.

    Taschen GmbH Art Record Covers. 40th Ed.

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisSince the dawn of modernism, visual and music production have had a particularly intimate relationship. From Luigi Russolo’s 1913 Futurist manifesto L’Arte dei Rumori (The Art of Noise) to Marcel Duchamp’s 1925 double-sided discs Rotoreliefs, the 20th century saw ever more fertile exchange between sounds and shapes, marks and melodies, and different fields of composition and performance. In Francesco Spampinato’s unique anthology of artists’ record covers, we discover the rhythm of this particular cultural history. The book presents 450 covers and records by visual artists from the 1950s through to today, exploring how modernism, Pop Art, Conceptual Art, postmodernism, and various forms of contemporary art practice have all informed this collateral field of visual production and supported the mass distribution of music with defining imagery that swiftly and suggestively evokes an aural encounter. Along the way, we find Jean-Michel Basquiat’s urban hieroglyphs for his own Tartown record label, Banksy’s stenciled graffiti for Blur, and a skewered Salvador Dalí butterfly on Jackie Gleason’s Lonesome Echo. There are insightful analyses and fact sheets alongside the covers listing the artist, performer, album name, label, year of release, and information on the original artwork. Interviews with Tauba Auerbach, Shepard Fairey, Kim Gordon, Christian Marclay, Albert Oehlen, and Raymond Pettibon add personal accounts on the collaborative relationship between artists and musicians.Trade Review“Celebrates the records and artworks we’ve loved and re-loved over the decades.” * itsnicethat.com *“A comprehensive look at some of the most memorable artworks in music history.” * The Independent *

    1 in stock

    £22.50

  • Eclectic Treasures 1000 Piece Foil Puzzle

    £18.23

  • The New Antiquarians: At Home with Young

    Monacelli Press The New Antiquarians: At Home with Young

    Book SynopsisAn inspiring compendium of idiosyncratic interiors assembled around eclectic collections of objects with life and history The once rarefied world of antiques is bursting open thanks to a new generation of collectors. The New Antiquarians features twenty-two young connoisseurs whose spirited interiors exemplify unorthodox approaches to living with history. Hailing from across the United States and Britain, they brazenly blend the old with the new, embrace anachronism and pastiche, employ serious knowledge with humor and wit, and consider vintage and historical objects through the lens of contemporary values. The New Antiquarians is an exuberant entry point into the world of antiques, highlighting one-of-a-kind collections and the single-minded collectors whose stories suggest compelling new ways of living with the past. Collectors whose homes are featured include: Jared Austin; Emily Adams Bode Aujla and Aaron Singh Aujla; Pablo Bronstein; Collier Calandruccio; Adam Charlap Hyman; Emily Eerdmans; Jared Frank; Andrew LaMar Hopkins; Kyle Marshall; Sean McNanney and Sinan Tuncay; Avril Nolan and Quy Nguyen; Camille Okhio; Jeremy K. Simien; Abel Sloane and Ruby Woodhouse; Samuel Snider; Alex Tieghi-Walker; and Giancarlo Valle and Jane Keltner de Valle.Trade Review‘If you're looking for a coffee table book that will elevate the vintage charm of a room, consider The New Antiquarians . . . a great source of inspiration for incorporating old and new elements into your home.’ – Real Simple ‘The New Antiquarians celebrates young designers who value living with history . . . Michael Diaz-Griffith expertly examines the new trend and helps readers understand how they can tag along!’ – Flower Magazine ‘[A] recent book that’s much talked about, The New Antiquarians is an inside look at a new generation of collectors that are inspired by the past.’ –The Grand Tourist podcast ‘Antiques have never been hotter—and Michael Diaz-Griffith's dazzling debut proves it. This book examines how today's new generation of antique connoisseurs integrate historical items into their modern interiors, creating a youthful blend of the past and present.’ – Veranda ‘Michael Diaz-Griffith showcases the new generation of collectors revitalizing the antiques world.’ – Architectural Record ‘Warning: It might compel you to blow your next paycheck at 1stDibs!’ – Elle Décor ‘In his latest book, author Michael Diaz-Griffith brilliantly describes and illustrates what antiquing looks like in contemporary settings.’ – Town & Country ‘For those who suspect Millennials and Gen Z are thumbing their noses at antiques, this book counters the narrative with 22 youthful collectors who ferret out gems for their highly eclectic homes.’ – House & Home ‘Author Michael Diaz-Griffith brilliantly scrapbooks the seduction of antiques in today's age. . . The book is a testament to the ideals of antique collecting: the diverse selection of homes proves that antiquing is not just about material acquisition, but rather a bridge to not only another era, but also a sense of self-discovery. One finishes the book with an understanding of how antiques played a role in the past, and how they still remain delightful in the present.’ – Town & Country ‘Applaud[s] authentic style.’ – Veranda ‘Celebrates contemporary art and the culture of collecting.’ – Reside Magazine ‘[A] must read. . . The New Antiquarians shows the power of curating on your own terms.’ – House & Home ‘Michael Diaz-Griffith turns his erudite eye toward young collectors.’ – LUXURY Magazine ‘An essential read.’ – Town & Country Online '[A] must read.’ – Aspire Design + Home ‘A lavishly illustrated exploration of 17 homes of collectors who bring the material culture of the past into their living spaces in strikingly experimental, unexpected, and at times undeniably fun new ways.’ – Artnet News 'Art-world leader and designer Michael Diaz-Griffith takes us into the exuberant homes of young collectors. . . a best new design book of spring.' – Veranda ‘Diaz-Griffith’s book is a love letter to the art of acquiring antiques in support of a richer future, reframing what it means to build a sustainable and considered collection.’ – FREDERIC ‘Defines this new era of eclectic connoisseurship through 17 home tours.’ – Curbed ‘Paradoxically, at its heart, this volume is a celebration of the intangible ‘thinginess’ of things; their physicality as significant as their cerebral associations. And thanks to the author’s thoughtful synthesis, it serves as an eloquent counterblast to all those who see collecting as irrelevant and outmoded.’ – The World of Interiors ‘The book that’s about to be on everyone’s coffee table.’ – Domino 'The New Antiquarians serves as a captivating gateway of antiques, casting a spotlight on extraordinary collections and the unwavering devotion of their passionate collectors.’ – The Glam Pad ‘An inspiring, irreverent compendium of the homes of a spirited group of 17 rising stars collecting antiques, historical objects, vintage clothing, and more. . . In the book Diaz-Griffith opens the doors not only these incredibly picturesque living spaces but also, via the diverse group featured, to the larger, once staid world of antiques.’ – Palmer Magazine

    £38.21

  • The Ultimate Cigar Book: 4th Edition

    Skyhorse Publishing The Ultimate Cigar Book: 4th Edition

    3 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe Ultimate Cigar Book is a classic on the subject, covering everything from how cigars are made, to storage, etiquette, and accessories.Richard Carleton Hacker’s category bestselling is often credited with helping to create a new generation of cigar aficionados. No other book contains as much detailed and factual information on virtually every facet of cigar making and cigar smoking. And now this trendsetting has been revised in this fourth edition for the aficionado of the future!Forget 1492. This book starts out in B. C. (Before Columbus) and transports the cigar enthusiast on a fun and fact-filled adventure into virtually every realm of today’s popular and growing cigar smoking pastime. Written by one of the most knowledgeable and internationally-celebrated pipe and cigar authors of our time, Richard Carleton Hacker’s well-known wit and wisdom will keep the reader enthralled with every turn of the page, as he takes you on an information-packed would tour of cigars.Starting off with a history of cigar smoking, the author then shows us how cigars are made today (handmade, handrolled, and machine made), divulges the secrets of finding the “perfect” cigar, and discusses the ritual of smoking and how to properly care for and store our cigars. From there the book lists a number of innovative cigar accessories, suggests which beers, wines, whiskeys, brandies, and cognacs go with what cigars, enlightens us with a chapter on cigar smoking celebrities, and concludes with the world’s first International Compendium of virtually every cigar brand known today, complete with histories and observations on taste, according to the author’s HPH (Highly Prejudiced Hacker-Scale) ratings. If that was not enough, there is even a dictionary of CigarSpeak!The Ultimate Cigar Book is the most comprehensive, factual, and up-to-date book for the cigar smoker or for those who just want to learn more about the fascinating and popular world of cigar smoking.

    3 in stock

    £17.09

  • Black Metal: A Coloring Book

    Feral House,U.S. Black Metal: A Coloring Book

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisFrom underground sensation to Hollywood film and now a coloring book - The Black Metal Coloring book will paint it all black.

    2 in stock

    £19.82

  • Range Rover First Generation: The Complete Story

    The Crowood Press Ltd Range Rover First Generation: The Complete Story

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisThe Range Rover's designers intended it to be a more comfortable and road-friendly passenger-carrying Land Rover, but customers quickly saw something much more in it. During the 1970s, while its immense practicality and capability were appreciated and acknowledged, a Range Rover became a sought-after and prestigious possession. It went on to change the face of Land Rover for ever. Range Rover First Generation - The Complete Story delves into the real story of the Range Rover, examining what lay behind the multiple changes in its twenty-six years of production. The book covers the full development story; custom and utility conversions; Range Rovers for the US market; full technical specifications and Range Rovers assembled overseas. If ever a car deserved the over-used epithet 'iconic', the first-generation Range Rover is it.

    2 in stock

    £28.45

  • Treasures of India

    Dorling Kindersley Ltd Treasures of India

    2 in stock

    Book SynopsisAn exquisite collection of artefacts, sculptures, and historically significant treasures from across India. If the captivating bronze dancing girl of Harappa denoted sophisticated early civilisation, the stunning Sanchi Stupa symbolized the peak of Buddhist religion in India. If the world-renowned Taj Mahal was a testament to the wealth of the Mughal empire, Tipu''s Tiger, an intricate, almost life-sized mechanical toy, represented the king of Mysore''s resistance against the East India Company. Whether it is the striking sculptures of the famed city of Hampi, the beautiful folios from religious texts, the breathtaking Konark wheel, the famous Koh-i-Noor, or the elegant paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, these artefacts, monuments and artworks are intimately woven into the history and culture of India and revered for their beauty and artistry. Dive deep into the culturally rich history of India to explore:- A curated showcase of more than 100

    2 in stock

    £24.00

  • Uniforms of the Third Reich

    Schiffer Publishing Ltd Uniforms of the Third Reich

    1 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    1 in stock

    £51.19

  • Matchbox Toys

    Schiffer Publishing Ltd Matchbox Toys

    1 in stock

    Book SynopsisIn 1982, ownership of Matchbox die cast toys, the most popular metal vehicles in the world, passed from Lesney to Universal. The toys produced under Universal's ownership are documented in this thorough text. Additional materials include lists of places of interest for the collector to visit and mail order sources.

    1 in stock

    £17.09

  • Photographica

    Schiffer Publishing Ltd Photographica

    2 in stock

    Book Synopsis

    2 in stock

    £17.09

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