Friday, March 14, 2014

Review: Costume Jewelry


This large format volume presents over 500 pieces of costume jewelry from more than a dozen distinctive periods in sharp color photos with descriptions and values.

"Costume jewelry is an art form unto itself," writes author Leigh Leshner. "Each piece is representative of not only the designer's imagination, but of the culture and customs of the times."

Identification And Price Guide 
by Leigh Leshner 
Krause Publications, 2004
continued in The Book Stall

Reviews Archive
Outrider Reading Group
Jewelry
Guidebooks and How-to Titles

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Review: Crustacean Farming


Crustacean farming is one of the world's fastest growing forms of aquaculture. It is a high-risk industry with potential for both substantial profits and serious losses.

"Crustacean Farming," authored by John Wickins and Dan Lee, has been a principal reference for the commercial cultivation of shrimp, prawns, caryfish, lobsters, crabs and spiny lobsters.

This edition of Wickins and Lee's authoritative text, published by Blackwell Science, builds on the success of the 1992 edition with chapters on ranching and re-stocking operations as well as raising ornamental shrimp and small crustaceans for live food in fish and shellfish hatcheries.

Ranching and Culture  
by John F. Wickins and Daniel O'C. Lee  
Blackwell Science Inc., 2002.

continued in The Book Stall
Reviews Archive
Outrider Reading Group
Seafood and Fish
Lobsters: Biology, Management, Aquaculture and Fisheries

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Review: Apothecary Cocktails


The first cocktails were concocted centuries ago by apothecaries, physicians, pharmacists, and anyone who specialized in healing ailments. They blended alcohol and liqueurs with herbs, fruit, flowers, spices and more to create  tinctures, bitters, elixirs, and tonics touted to cure tummy troubles, respiratory ailments, aches, pains, and more.

Not all of these potions were effective, any more than today's medicines cure all, and some were downright dangerous, but the better curatives prevailed and became the basis for many modern prescriptions and nightclub cocktails.

Apothecary Cocktails: Restorative Drinks from Yesterday and Today
by Warren Bobrow.
Fair Winds Press, 2013
continued in The Book Stall

Reviews Archive
Outrider Reading Group
good spirits & fine liqueurs
Beverage Supplies

Monday, February 17, 2014

Review: Jewelry Making


Beautiful jewelry does not have to be costly; homemade pieces can be crafted as finely anything store-bought and are often more unique and meaningful.

This how-to-do-it reference explains the basics of crafting rings, pendants, earrings, brooches and more from inexpensive materials like wire, acrylic, pewter and silver. Step-by-step instructions are provided for 35 beginner-level projects. More detailed techniques and instructions are provided for those who want to craft their own designs.

Jewelry Making: Tips and Tricks of the Trade
by Stephen O'Keeffe
Krause Publications, 2002

continued in The Book Stall
Reviews Archive
Jewelry
Outrider Reading Group

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Review: The Brand Called You


Your Personal Brand is the powerful, clear, positive idea that comes to mind whenever other people think of you. It's what you stand for -- the values, abilities and actions that others associate with you. It's a professional alter ego designed for the purpose of influencing how others perceive you, and turning that perception into opportunity."

Peter Montoya takes the concept of "branding" -- a marketing buzz word for creating an identity for a product in the minds of consumers -- and applies it to ambitious individuals or entrepreneurs who want to be known for their specific traits and abilities.

The Ultimate Brand-Building and Business Development Handbook  
to Transform Anyone into an Indispensable Personal Brand 
by Peter Montoya with Tim Vandehey 
Personal Branding Press, 2003

continued in The Book Stall

Reviews Archive
Selling Points
Outrider Reading Group