Buttons: The Collector's Guide to Selecting, Restoring, and Enjoying New and Vintage Buttons
Over 600 buttons from the 18th century to recent decades are pictured here in full color; they are classified by material (fabric, metal, glass, etc.) and described in terms of their history and characteristics. A section on uniform buttons has a primarily British focus, which will disappoint enthusiasts of U.S. Civil War buttons. The authors, both officeholders in several button collectors' organizations, have essentially produced a low-budget version of Diana Epstein and Millicent Safro's handsome Buttons ( LJ 2/15/92). This is not a guide to determining a button's authenticity, as the backs, shanks, and possible manufacturers' marks are not shown. Restoration is never discussed. Minor inaccuracies--a wrong definition of passementerie, for example--mar a text clearly intended for lay readers. While this book may be enjoyable for browsing, it is not a recommended purchase.- Therese D. Baker, Western Kentucky Univ. Libs., Bowling GreenCopyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.