Classic Scrapbooking: The Art & Craft of Creating a Book of Memories

Rating:
Summary: Don't let the lack of page layouts fool you!
Review: I have looked for a long time for a book that talks about incorporating items other than just photos into a scrapbook. Finally I have found one! When I first got this book I was was afraid that it wouldn't be much help since it did focus on anecdotes,and had few color illustrations, but this is both one of the most inspirational and helpful books on scrapbooking I have found. The anecdotes are more inspirational than any page layout not to mention more conducive to creativity. I am frankly sick of all the books on how to layout your photos, and scrapbooks that are really glorified photo albums, nothing like the traditional scrapbooks. I love putting photos and stickers in mine, but there are tons of books on how to do that and precious little on putting anything else in them. Another thing I liked about this book was the number of anecdotes from male scrapbookers. Scrapbooks used to be for everyone, but it seems that they are becoming a female only territory. I'm glad to know that this isn't entirely the case. That there are still men doing the more traditional scrapbooks. The only part of this book I didn't find a use for were the sections on making handmade scrapbooks, but that is only because I have no interest in doing so. I feel this is the most informative book on scrapbooking I have come across, not to mention the only one I would actually feel like reading cover to cover more than once.

Rating:
Summary: Terrific book -- AND in color
Review: This is a comprehensive guide to creating meaningful, elegant and sophisticated scrapbooks -- there are no die-cuts of cutesy bunnies or pastel umbrellas in here. THE definitive guide, and contrary to a previous reviewer (who must be thinking of another how-to book), there are gorgeous color plates.

Rating:
Summary: Classic Scrapbooking and history
Review: This is a curious combination of books. It is a little bit how-to, a little bit of history, and a little bit of anthropological research on scrapbookers. For me, an academic who is studying scrapbooks, I found the history parts invaluable. It is VERY difficult to find historical information on something that was not considered significant for many, many years, and thus below the notice of historians or scholars. This book is a great place to start for that. The discussions with people are excellent also--it gives information about the WHY and the WHO, so one can get a better idea about the reasons why people make scrapbooks. Unfortunately for my needs, the book is not a complete scholarly work, giving references, analysis and bibliographies. It may also not meet the needs of some others who may be expecting a lot more information about how to create a "classic" scrapbook rather than a "memory book", as the pages devoted to history and analysis take up space that could have gone to instruction. It is a good beginning, though, and a valuable reference work in my library until another one can be found.