Rating: 
Summary: For The Love of Old American Things
Review: "Hidden Treasures" is a friend for anyone whose pulse has ever reacted to the sight of a grand piece of antique furniture. For those who have ever become breathless or teary-eyed over fruniture, it should be required reading. The most appreciated surprise of "Hidden Treasures" is how generous the Kenos are with their knowledge -- reading this book is almost like being enrolled in an advanced course in American furniture complete with field trips and historic background. There's even a textbook like glossary for quick reference to terms.The world of the Keno brothers is one of extreme privilege and yet, as we travel from their modest and nurturing childhood to the decisive playgrounds of the wealthy -- Sotheby's, Christie's, and the Winter Antiques Show -- we feel welcome, if not at home. That is, perhaps, the most endearing charm of these identical gentlemen -- they are seemly unaffected by their palacial world -- driven primarily by their passion for historic masterpieces of American furniture and a childlike enthusiasm for the hunt. The honesty and power of their passion ignites every page of their book as it does everyday of their lives. And, it is so infectious that many will be inspired to begin plotting their first five, six, seven, or eight-figure purchase of Americana. My only slight disappointment was with some of the writing. The masterful talent of Thatcher Freund, author of "Objects of Desire" could have been put to good use on this project. I only wish he would have been part of the team. Then, the book would have been perfect -- an American Masterpiece.
Rating: 
Summary: Hidden Treasures a REAL Treasure
Review: "Hidden Treasures" is a delightful read! The Keno brothers have opened the door into the world of antiques and auctions as I've never read or heard before. In "Hidden Treasures," Leigh and Leslie take the reader on a journey through their lives collecting - speaking directly to the reader - and taking them along on their adventures in the world of antiques. I found myself getting as excited as the Kenos over their discoveries and auctions. Their love of the trade and the wonderful antique pieces they encounter makes this book a wonderful read for anyone who has ever watched "Antiques Roadshow," or for anyone who has trampled through flea markets, antique shows, and auctions. My only disappointment: that there had to be an end to this charming book!
Rating:
Summary: For The Love of Old American Things
Review: "Hidden Treasures" is a friend for anyone whose pulse has ever reacted to the sight of a grand piece of antique furniture. For those who have ever become breathless or teary-eyed over fruniture, it should be required reading. The most appreciated surprise of "Hidden Treasures" is how generous the Kenos are with their knowledge -- reading this book is almost like being enrolled in an advanced course in American furniture complete with field trips and historic background. There's even a textbook like glossary for quick reference to terms. The world of the Keno brothers is one of extreme privilege and yet, as we travel from their modest and nurturing childhood to the decisive playgrounds of the wealthy -- Sotheby's, Christie's, and the Winter Antiques Show -- we feel welcome, if not at home. That is, perhaps, the most endearing charm of these identical gentlemen -- they are seemly unaffected by their palacial world -- driven primarily by their passion for historic masterpieces of American furniture and a childlike enthusiasm for the hunt. The honesty and power of their passion ignites every page of their book as it does everyday of their lives. And, it is so infectious that many will be inspired to begin plotting their first five, six, seven, or eight-figure purchase of Americana. My only slight disappointment was with some of the writing. The masterful talent of Thatcher Freund, author of "Objects of Desire" could have been put to good use on this project. I only wish he would have been part of the team. Then, the book would have been perfect -- an American Masterpiece.
Rating:
Summary: A FUN ADVENTURE
Review: A fun,educational read for anyone interested in antiques,the antiques roadshow or collecting.Its well written and the excitement builds to a big finish.It reads like an adventure and could make a good movie.Not what you expect in this genre.
Rating:
Summary: A highly educational, fun, and interesting book!
Review: Antiques Roadshow twins Leigh Keno and Leslie Keno take readers on a fascinating journey through their early childhood and adult life of antique collecting. From digging up old bottles in a creek and collecting rare bits of stoneware to the vast international world of high stakes antique collecting-this book will have you enthralled for hours-even if you don't care for smelly old furniture! By the time one is half way through their book one can feel the excitement starting to catch on. Who knows? Someone who reads this book might be motivated enough to become the next Sotheby's or Christie's president!
Rating:
Summary: Their Passion is Inspiring
Review: Even if antiques isn't your 'thing', you may want to take a look at this combined life history in the realm of antique dealing.
Why? Because their passion for what they do comes shining through. Their dedication to the craft catches up with the reader and sweeps him/her away. It is this type of passion and dedication which almost inevitably brings success to people in any walk of life. In fact, possessing this level of passion IS success in life. Highly recommended for those who want to simply enjoy a story about two unique brother's experiences in rising to the height of their profession.
Rating:
Summary: Their Passion is Inspiring
Review: Even if antiques isn't your 'thing', you may want to take a look at this combined life history in the realm of antique dealing.
Why? Because their passion for what they do comes shining through. Their dedication to the craft catches up with the reader and sweeps him/her away. It is this type of passion and dedication which almost inevitably brings success to people in any walk of life. In fact, possessing this level of passion IS success in life. Highly recommended for those who want to simply enjoy a story about two unique brother's experiences in rising to the height of their profession.
Rating:
Summary: You've never known furniture like this!
Review: Famous for their exuberant furniture appraisals on The Antiques Road Show, Leslie and Leigh Keno reveal to us a genetic anomaly that compels them to hunt, chase, and sell the best of the best of American-made furniture. Starting in abandoned cellar holes as young boys and bringing us to more current dealings in NYC, Leslie and Leigh share their joy of dense mahogany, fluidly carved arms, inlaid husks, open talons and hairy paws. Using a handful of finely crafted examples, they explain who made it, who commissioned it, who's owned it, when it was made, how it was made, why it was done like that, why the piece is superior, and how they know it's authentic. The gilding, the carving, the panels, the feet, the keyholes, the lopers -- they appreciate everything and explain it all to you. There's nothing they don't convey to you in layman's terms. By scrutinizing the detailed photographs you can feel the grain of the wood as palpably as you feel their awe of these amazing objects. (My favorite caption is the one in which Leslie simply puts: "The desk that took my breath away.") Their exuberance is so infectious that now I feel compelled to take with me on my next visit to the Museum of Fine Arts a pair of binoculars so I can more closely enjoy the craftsmanship of their early American furniture. And if you're familiar with the Keno brothers, you wouldn't expect anything less.
Rating:
Summary: Good Read
Review: Having met the twins at a live showing of the PBS Antiques Roadshow in Des Moines, Iowa,(two very neat guys) I was really interested in learning more. This book is one of those that once you start you can not stop. What fun to read of all their adventures young and old. It makes one want to go right out and start looking for those sleepers. I also was able to come away knowing so much more about American furniture, something I already loved, now with just a more informative view. I can't wait for warm weather and the chance to go out flea marketing and antique shopping, with some of my new found knowledge.
Rating:
Summary: A Treasure of a book
Review: How many of us can say that we knew at age 12 what we wanted to be and then accomplished our goal? Leigh and Leslie Keno can. This treasure of a book is as much a story of their journey from a small upstate New York town and country antique shows to the glamour of New York City and Sotheby's, as it is about "masterpieces in American furniture.". The twins - already celebrities from PBS' Antiques Roadshow - have penned a fascinating book that will appeal to antiques experts and those, like myself who have only a passing knowledge of the subject. In the interest of full disclosure, I should point out that I am originally from the village next to the Keno's home town and that their father - mentioned frequently in the book - was my highschool art teacher. It was an added pleasure reading of their references to their family and New York's Mohawk Valley. It is clear that Leigh and Leslie have never lost that boyish enthusiasm they developed hunting for hidden treasures in the farmland that surrounded their home. That enthusiasm permeates the book. I cannot close this review without commenting on the beauty of the book itself. From its attractively designed slipcover, to its high quality paper stock and rich photography this book is a pleasure to display as well as read.
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