A Field Guide to Carnival Glass

A great "take-along" book; soft bound, 6"W x 9"L x 3/4" thick. Not pocket-sized, but much easier to carry around than the standard-size reference. It won't take the place of the Burns or Edwards books on carnival glass in our house, but a copy will eventually be in each vehicle, plus one for the house. It differs from most books because it comes in sections (all black & white illustrations), including an alphabetical section of what Doty calls "classic patterns" which also tells the reader about: available shapes; some pricing information; lettered items (advertising, etc); vases; novelties and miniatures; decorated items (enameled); lamps and shades; hatpins and contemporary items (which includes reissues & fakes). There is also a color section in the middle of the book that thumbnails how the glass was made, who made it in the US, defines the shapes (i.e., what candy ribbon edging is, what's a bon bon & what's a compote), the colors & how to recognize them, etc.

It's a great first book that makes specialized information more understandable and interesting. Not sure how the soft bound cover will survive being dragged from auction to auction or through countless antique malls and stores, but in a 6/more buy it's affordable enough to be replaced when it becomes a rag. We're really glad we bought it -- it can and will go everywhere with us. We've been "into" carnival just long enough (about 4-5 yrs) to know that we don't know anything!

Review by: Susan & Ralph Beshears