Collecting African American History

By Elvin Montgomery

The first comprehensive illustrated book to offer in-depth information about African American Collectibles and - more importantly - place them in their original cultural context. Through the study of 100's of collectibles, easily obtainable and rare, from every key period of US history, it reveals the story of African Americans as told by objects.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1584790563
• ISBN13: 9781584790563
• Release Date: April 2002
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.04 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 9.8" x 11.5"
• Age Range: 13 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 8 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

Valuable insights into an area of collectibles that I knew nothing about

As amazing as it sounds, some of the most valuable memorabilia regarding black history in the United States demonstrates some of the most horrific examples of racism. In particular, any material related to the practice of slavery is valuable. To quote Montgomery from page 41, "Evidence of slavery is scarce and expensive, forcing collectors to find more creative and affordable sources for slavery era material. " There are fourteen chapters devoted to specific forms of memorabilia. They are: *) Slavery *) Local history and genealogy *) Politics and civil rights *) Military history *) Music and entertainment *) Sports *) Art *) Photography *) Books, magazines and documents *) Spirituality and religion *) Education *) Business, economics and careers *) Lifestyle and popular culture *) Racism Each chapter begins with a short list of the more valuable items in that category. For example, the list for the art chapter is: *) Books and journal articles *) Exhibition catalogues *) Prints *) Posters *) Commercial art *) Jewelry *) Combs *) Baskets *) Textiles, quilts and sewing collectibles *) Clothing with African motifs This book was very instructive in an area of collectibles that I knew nothing about. I of course assumed that old articles had value, but had no idea which ones. If you are someone involved in collecting, this is certainly a book you should read. I regularly go to sales and see people buying up unusual items for their collections or to sell to others for their collections. Now I also know what to look for.