Neptune's treasures

Review "Their study and value guide traces the history of shell collecting from the days of Native Americans through the present, stopping only to focus on decorated picture frames, pin holders, small decorated boxes and a myriad of other items. The Smyths tackle their writing with the same buoyant enthusiasm they bring to their collecting. To say this book is nicely done is an understatement. The numerous photographs are outstanding. -- Celeste Holme, 'Treasure Chest' The Smyths have prepared here a reference book and value guide that teaches, informs, entertains and brings pleasure! And, It does so in a completely enjoyable and eminently readable fashion. I know that you will have as much difficultly putting this book down as did I. It is certain to become the main reference source in this field, and will spur the growth in collecting Shell Art objects. -- John W. Bruno, the Senior Antique Appraiser on Fox Television's 'Personal FX - The Collectible Show' Product Description Neptune's Treasures is the only reference book and price guide devoted entirely to antique, sea shell decorated love tokens, souvenirs and whimsies. It's 128 pages are filled with never before published information and over 260 full color photographs. "Neptune's Treasures" traces the love of sea shells and sea shell decoration from ancient times right up to today. In it's pages you will meet Phoenician merchants, Greek scholars, Roman warriors, explorers, Native Americans, sailors shell crafters and traders from around the world as well as Counts and Duchesses who built grottos and shell rooms and gentlewomen who became shell craft teachers. Then there is a famous landscaper, and another young man from the mean wharves of London's East End Docks would make a fortune and found a dynasty as well as an Italian immigrant with a gigantic vision. These diverse characters all had one thing in common - their love of sea shells. Telling their story provides a human face and context to the history of sea shell decoration. Illustrated in the book are hundreds of shell decorated love tokens, picture frames, jewelry, sewing and gift boxes, many decorated with hearts formed by shells or with heart shaped pincushion of silk, nestled in borders of iridescent shells. Vacation, resort and exposition souvenirs, along with whimsical folk art shell novelties fashioned from the Victorian mid eighteen hundreds through to the funky Floridian Flamingo shell concoctions of thirty years ago are all included. If you are a serious collector of shells or just enjoy vacations by the sea, beach walking and stooping occasionally to pick up a shell to take home as a keepsake you will enjoy this book.