Brandy and Vivian head to a comic-book convention to sell a rare 1940s Superman drawing. An intruder breaks into their hotel suite, and they suspect a felonious fan, over-eager to acquire the artwork. When Brandy and Mother stumble onto a murder victim impaled by a pen-shaped award, suspects range from comic-book collectors to crime kingpins, leading to a madcap Manhattan misadventure.

Marks are one of the collector's most important tools when it comes to identifying and dating antiques. Of course, it is important to understand that they should never be relied upon completely, as many have been copied or faked. What you should rely on is experience. Handle as many antiques as you can and learn to combine your knowledge of marks with the knowledge of how an authentic piece looks and feels. Whether you are buying at auction, flea market or antique shop this is the book you need to identify and date what you find. More than 6,000 marks are organized for quick, at-a-glance reference with full-colour sections on silver, Sheffield plate, bronze figures, ceramics, glass, costume jewellery, toys and dolls. This comprehensive guide can be kept handy to identify antique finds and valuate them from a catalogue of the most common marks that you will encounter, as well as any unidentified treasures you already own.

"Homesteading the Plains offers a bold new look at the history of homesteading, overturning what for decades has been the orthodox scholarly view. The authors begin by noting the striking disparity between the public's perception of homesteading as a cherished part of our national narrative and most scholars' harshly negative and dismissive treatment. Homesteading the Plains reexamines old data and draws from newly available digitized records to reassess the current interpretation's four principal tenets: homesteading was a minor factor in farm formation, with most Western farmers purchasing their land; most homesteaders failed to prove up their claims; the homesteading process was rife with corruption and fraud; and homesteading caused Indian land dispossession. Using data instead of anecdotes and focusing mainly on the nineteenth century, Homesteading the Plainsdemonstrates that the first three tenets are wrong and the fourth only partially true. In short, the public's perception of homesteading is perhaps more accurate than the one scholars have constructed. Homesteading the Plainsprovides the basis for an understanding of homesteading that is startlingly different from current scholarly orthodoxy. "--

This book takes readers on a leisurely journey through a bygone era with fascinating accounts of canals, corduroy roads, and turnpikes, waterwheels and icehouses, colorful road signs and their painters, circus folk, and more. Brimming with anecdotes about people and the times, this delightful narrative remains a milestone of Americana. 81 black-and-white illustrations.

A mother-and-daughter sleuthing team are on the trail of the bad guys in this “diverting” cozy mystery (Publishers Weekly). As spring lassos small-town Serenity, Iowa, Brandy Borne’s crime-bustin’ mama, Vivian, hatches a harebrained scheme to run for county sheriff—ropin’ in her daughter as campaign manager. First stop: a local assisted-living home, the ideal place to round up some voters and some much-needed funds. But shortly after they snag a valuable donation, a signed photo of an old-timey cowboy actor, a massive explosion sends Brandy to the ER and the donor to the grave. Now the ditzy duo—aided by their clever shih tzu, Sushi—must lay down the law on a deadly renegade . . . Praise for Barbara Allan and the Trash ‘n’ Treasures Mysteries “A hilarious team of snoops.”—Joan Hess “One of the funniest cozy series going.”—Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine “The exploits of the ditzy heroines remain endlessly amusing.”—Kirkus Reviews “Plenty of tongue-in-cheek humor.”—Library Journal Includes Brandy Borne’s tips on white elephant sales!

An auction house becomes a crime scene in this rollicking mystery starring an “amusingly ditzy duo” (Kirkus Reviews). With their reality TV series, Antiques Sleuths, Brandy Borne and her quaintly kooky mother, Vivian, have a real hit on their hands. But when the bidding turns deadly, Brandy finds herself ornately framed for murder. Aided only by Sushi, their loyal shih tzu, and police dog Rocky, the wacky mother-and-daughter sleuthing team races to determine how an empty antique frame can hold a deadly portrait, before they become the subjects of another masterpiece of murder. Includes Brandy Borne’s tips on investing in antiques! Praise for Barbara Allan and the Trash ‘n’ Treasures Mysteries! “If you delight in the absurd and enjoy manic humor, you’ll treasure the Trash ‘n’ Treasure mysteries.” —Mystery Scene “The characters, both primary and secondary, shine with brassy humor.”—Publishers Weekly

A comprehensive explorer's guide to South Carolina, with maps and information on hotels and restaurants, shopping and entertainment, and other interesting sights.