Antique Combs and Purses by Evelyn Haertig (1983, Hardcover)

I have a copy of this book and it is wonderful. The descriptions are detailed, the research and history is compreshensive and the photography and illustrations are clear and beautiful. Others have reviewed this book too. This book is still available new from the publisher and on eBay.

Here is what they have said:

Ralph and Terry Kovel..............
"It is the best book available on either combs or purses."

George Michael, PBS-TV Antiques & Americana................
"...a text that must remain the standard for many years. The research has been painstaking, she is a fine storyteller and her manor of writing as she must speak is a joy to any reader. Even if you may think the subject matter is mundane, this book will make you a believer. The need has been filled for many who have begged for such a text. Antique Combs and Purses will be a collector's item in itself."

Antique Trader
"... for lovers of beautiful books... it is unlikely that such a thorough and scholarly study will be available in print soon again."

Patricia Holt, Book Editor, San Francisco Chronicle ..........
"... an exhaustive, fascinating and beautifully produced 304 page reference work that fills the gap of scholarship on this long neglected subject. ... Haertig is an enthusiastic and impeccable historian..."

Library Journal .............
"... An attractive compendium of historical purses and ornamental combs... recommended for general as well as decorative arts collections."

Antique Monthly .............
"Evelyn Haertig's book is a delight... it is a must for every dealer and serious collector of antique fashions and accessories..."

The Textile Booklist ..................
"This title is a must for individuals and museums with extensive collections of either combs or purses and will undoubtedly remain the standard publication in this field for years to come."

Anna G. Bennett, Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco ..............
"... gives encyclopaedic coverage to an under published area of costume history. The author perceives these accessories as social documents and as works of art and she presents them with an archivist's passion for detail and a collector's visual delight."

Grace Wells ~ Valentine Museum ................
"A much needed book... of great help in cataloguing and finding information requested by many individuals..."

Jackie Fay ~ Sotheby's, New York ......................
"... invaluable to me as an aid to identify and date these charming accessories of the past... impressive research has resulted in a beautiful book."

Mary Gottschalk, Fashion Editor, San Jose Mercury News ............
"... it is truly a feast for the eyes."

West Coast Peddler .................
"... overnight the international definitive source book on the subject."

Monterey Herald Book Section .............................
"Geared for a wide audience... antique dealers, collectors, historians, designers, and museum researchers as well as the general reader. The book is encyclopaedic and profusely illustrated... the breadth of material covered is staggering..."

Hobbies ..........................
"This is a distinguished book of stunning illustrations, fascinating and informative text."