The Antique Story Book: Finding the Real Value of Old Things

By Arthur Schwerdt

Book Overview

The most fun you'll ever have learning about antiques, from the man the Philadelphia Daily News has called "the godfather of Cape May County antiquing," can be found in The Antique Story Book: Finding the Real Value of Old Things. From his columns, lectures, and classes on antiques, author Arthur Schwerdt, a certified appraiser and dealer for nearly a quarter of a century, shares some of his favorite stories-the ones that make antiques so fascinating to so many people.

In "Love and Sex-Victorian Style," Schwerdt tells how he learns about intimacy in that era and wonders what future antique hunters will learn about our sexuality. "The Mysterious Creator(s) of Nancy Drew" discusses the identity of the man who conceptualized Nancy Drew and her character's influence on future literature. Most importantly, Schwerdt divulges the most enjoyable, valuable, and meaningful aspect of antiquing-the stories behind each treasure.

Long ago, every item in today's antique shops existed as a product of its time. The Antique Story Book makes these items come alive again, making astute antique-lovers of us all.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0595424791
• ISBN13: 9780595424795
• Release Date: May 2007
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Length: 388 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

More than antiques

This is more than a book about antiques--far more. Each chapter is a mini history lesson, written in Schwerdt's terse, entertaining, and informative style. So don't expect a heavy, catalogue-style listing of what's worth what. Expect instead an enjoyable trip through time that explores the why and how of the antique market. I know I'll never look the same at my wife's Blue Willow china collection. Now I know what some of those patterns mean. I can't imagine anyone not breezing through this easy-to-read book. And it's loaded with interesting little facts that will never leave you. Did you know that "credenza" is Italian for "trust?" It was where food and wine were placed during the Renaissance so servants could taste first, lest their masters be poisoned. Now there's trust for you! And why does Schwerdt suggest that a common 19th century soap salesman may be in large part responsible for America's rise to greatness? In a few short pages, he'll explain Elbert Hubbard's place in American history. Schwerdt just may be right. This book reads fast and reads easy. I venture to say that you may even read it more than once. It's that interesting. Whether you're an antique lover, a history lover, or you just like to read good books, The Antique Story Book is worth your time.