The oldest keys known to exist date from around 4,000 BC in Ancient Egypt. These were simple wooden cylinders that were part of a mechanism to secure doors. By the time of the Roman Empire, metal keys were in common usage and had begun to adopt the recognizable pattern of keys today. This book tells the complete story of the key, backed by numerous photos from all time periods. Today, old keys are more than just security mechanisms. They are highly collectable artifacts that can either be artistically beautiful or coldly functional, but either way, they can help us unlock the secrets of the past.

American Southwest Indian artists working in metal, clay, wood, textiles, and paint have proudly left their individual hallmarks on their work-and until now there has not been a comprehensive source for identifying the marks. Barton Wright, the pre-eminent historian, curator, and proponent of these native crafts-people, has filled that void by collecting and organizing these hallmarks into a useful book. Compiled over many years of work with the craftspeople, and with the cooperation of one of their main organizing bodies, the Indian Arts and Crafts Association, Mr. Wright has with this book both made a useful tool for identification and left an important record of the work of these talented people. The information is alphabetically arranged with important personal data, tribal affiliation, working dates, materials used, and facsimiles of their marks.

Large quantities of leaded decorative windows were manufactured in the years surrounding the turn of the century. Glasses of many colors and textures were used to make elaborate windows for homes, creating spectacular presentations of light and color formerly seen only in churches. These windows are enormously popular on todays antiques market, varying widely in price and condition. This attractive book is a useful tool for anyone looking to bring the enchanting beauty of stained glass into their home. In this revised 2nd edition there are hundreds of gorgeous windows of many shapes, sizes, colors, and complexities are featured here, including etched, beveled, painted, and mosaic windows. Learn about the influences of some of the more prominent names in decorative windows, including Louis Comfort Tiffany, John LaFarge, and Frank Lloyd Wright. Original catalog material, a discussion of glass and leading types, values for each window, and other information will help you assess decorative windows in the marketplace. For designers and artisans, this book is a treasury of classic designs.

Collectors, science fiction fans, and movie aficionados will all go ape over this thorough and entertaining guide to the Planet of the Apes. A detailed listing of collectibles from the original film, the sequels, the television series, and the animated cartoon are all presented. Over 330 color photographs accompany the text. Values are provided for every item listed in the collector's guide. The author also provides a test of every fan's memory with his trivia challenge. Black and white stills from the original movie are found throughout the quiz, adding to the enjoyment and, with a little luck, jogging the memories of all who see them. Finally, a bibliography of Apes references rounds out the presentation.