Fostoria: An Identification and Value Guide of Pressed, Blown & Hand Molded Shapes

Rating:
Summary: Check it out before you buy!
Review: I agree wholeheartedly with the other review of this book. However, I have faith that it one day will be valuable tool for me. For now, it sits on my shelf.

Rating:
Summary: Not recommended for the novice glass collector
Review: Unless you are familiar with the Fostoria line, this is not the book for you. As a collector who is just acquainting herself with glass, the arrival of this book is met with great disappointment.

Most pieces are unmarked, so a good reference to the patterns and color shades is valuable. Of the 240 pages, only 48 contain color pictures. The majority of the patterns are represented by black and white catalog clippings and silouette line drawings. Some patterns have no visual representation at all.

There is also a small section dedicated to reproductions with the warning that no value can be given to reproduced items. However, there are no tips on how to spot a reproduction.

Perhaps those already familiar with the patterns would find this a valuable tool, as the listings of pieces in each pattern appear to be complete and the patterns are sensibly listed in alphabetical order.