Antiques Investigator: Tips and Tricks to Help You Find the Real Deal

Antiques expert Miller has amassed a wealth of information about antiques in her latest book, part of the ""Collector's Guide Series"" from DK. Covering furniture, ceramics, glass, metalware and collectibles, Miller is guilty of both overreaching and under-performing; that said, she has put together a sound introduction to several areas. Particularly in her overview of major styles and their specifics, such as chairs from the 18th century to the Arts and Craft movement, Miller is confident and informative; however, a less-than-clear presentation and fuzzy details (is the dollar amount cited next to a particular item retail price, value price or original cost?) will frustrate. First published in the UK, American audiences will find several significant gaps: her expertise seems to skew toward the 18th and 19th centuries, leaving America's Art Deco, Art Nouveau and Modern collectors out; for instance, focusing in depth on ""18th Century wine glasses,"" Miller barely mentions pressed or carnival glass. A Photofit section is quite helpful but hardly comprehensive (a section on silver marks doesn't show Paul Revere's, one of the most widely sought-and imitated-of American antiques). Still, beginners and novices will find much to appreciate here, especially if their interests happen to line up with Miller's. Photographs.