20th-century glass

Running from vases and bowls to lamps and outright sculpture, this collector?s guide highlights notable glassware of the past century that transcends the pedestrian and has proven to be fine art. Miller, an antiques expert and co-founder of the bestselling Miller?s Antiques Price Guide, organizes the book primarily by type of glass (e.g., blown, pressed, iridescent), but she also includes concise histories of glass designers and factories. She provides illustrated looks at the hallmark traits of each style as well as carefully captioned examples of select pieces from each genre. Collectors will love the fact that she estimates the value of each piece shown in the book: Tiffany & Co Crocus table lamp, $30,000-$40,000; green glass dragon paperweight $30-50. Such price estimates establish Miller?s book as an important research and educational tool, and may send even casual readers running about to appraise the items in their homes. As thorough as it is, the book isn?t written with much sparkle. But die-hard collectors will hardly be looking for lyric verse in this volume?they?ll be looking for information, and this book unquestionably gives them that. 1,000+ illustrations. (Oct.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.