Judith Miller's a Closer Look at Antiques (Hardcover)

Miller, cofounder of the popular Miller's Collectables Price Guide and whose previous books include the bestselling Miller's Antiques Encyclopaedia, begins with a handy guide to identifying different styles--including Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassical, Federal, Regency, Victorian, Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, Edwardian and Modernist. She notes the characteristics that define each style and offers detailed photographs to illustrate.

The rest of the book examines pieces in terms of styles, types, methods for determining authenticity and evolution throughout history. "The Story of the Table", for instance, tells of the evolution of the ubiquitous piece of furniture: from a plank of wood resting on a trestle that served as a portable table in the middle ages through the 18th century's tripod tables to the large central dining tables that served prosperous middle class families in the Victorian era. "Types of Chinese Ceramics" details the Celadon, Wucai, Qingbai, Blanc-de-Chine, Famille Verte, Doucai, Peachbloom and Famille Rose ceramics found throughout China. Miller denotes the periods in which each type was made and the distinctive and distinguishing characteristics of each.

Miller devotes sections to each of the major categories of antiques--furniture, ceramics, silver and glass--making this a truly comprehensive guide. "Value codes" are included for each of the antiques featured, which serve as a rough guide to what one can expect to pay for a similar piece. A glossary of terms and an "A-Z of People & Places" are exceptionally handy reference tools. --Robin Donovan

Review
Judith Miller (of Miller's Antiques Price Guide fame) here brings her expertise to bear on an illustrated survey (with an Anglo-American bias) of furniture, ceramics, silver and glass with the aim of empowering readers to 'collect with confidence'. Heavily illustrated in full colour, it provides historical background to collecting periods before looking at key pieces in annotated detail. The close-up shots of drawers, table undersides, hinges, identification marks, and so on, are particularly helpful, and there's also a guide to values. A useful and attractive introduction to four of the most popular collecting categories. (Kirkus UK)

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