Other Recent Books
IT is always to be expected that a Connoisseur publication will present, attractively, first- class photography of choice collector's pieces. Here, in selection, range, arrangement and, above all, the pictorial representation 9f tactile quality, the photographers have reached a' very high standard. Indeed, by the standards of reference-books, this encyclopaedia is an almost extravagantly handsome publication.
Its precise standing as a reference book, however, may be open to argument. In fewer than three hundred pages, it treats of sixteen subjects—furniture, books, glass, embroidery, clocks, jewellery, miniatures among them. In each case a general survey precedes alphabetical reference and several Of the headings have substantial sub- divisions. While the publishers themselves claim that they have produced "an invaluable 'counsellor and friend to the expert," it must (he said that any expert ought to have some-
ing of a small library on any one of the ubjects which, in so wide a sweep as this,
be allotted only twenty or so pages. condensed, authoritative and thoughtfully arranged as it is, the text cannot, on physical grounds alone, provide adequate reference for the specialist in any of its departments.
"The book which . . . every would-be collector has waited for" is a fairer claim. }noranyone with a taste for craftsmanship, this is perfect evocative reading. The illustrations—photographs and line-draw- ings—illuminate text roundly informative to the learner. NO pievious, book of this type has come so near to taking the place of that best way of learning about antiques, which is being shown—and allowed to touch---the objects themselves under -the guidance of an expert.
Everyone who ever bought—or thought of buying—a horse-brass, a sampler or a water-colour painting will find collector- ambition widened and deepened by the contemplation of this book. Its real success should be measured by its immensely evocative power to give delight.
L A.
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