NONFICTION - Feb. 9, 1986

MILLER’S INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUES PRICE GUIDE: 1986 AMERICAN EDITION, compiled and edited by Judith and Martin Miller (Viking/Penguin: $18.95). Ever wonder what that old vase is worth? You know, the one you inherited from your aunt. Or what about the beaded dress that your grandmother wore during her flapper days that’s been carefully tucked away all these years? You are likely to find these treasures or something similar in the Millers’ 1986 price guide. Published annually in Great Britain since 1979, this is only the second of what promises to be an annual American version.

Like last year’s guide, this edition has good, sharp photos printed on quality stock with a concise description of each item, including its dimension and price range. As always, the Millers stress that condition is very important in determining value and desirability. All of the more than 10,000 photos of antiques and collectibles are completely different from last year’s guide, so each volume should be treated as a separate and useful reference book. Aside from several full-page advertisements that detract a little from the admirable photo format of this book, it is still a very useful tool for any collector’s library.