The new second edition of the "Johnson Brothers Dinnerware Pattern Directory & Price Guide" replaces the original text of the same title. The new edition is virtually twice the size of the first edition with an increase in both the number of patterns and the text. It is again soft cover with a special more durable binding. Altogether, over twenty years of collecting and research, both in the United States and in England, have gone into the development of this book. In the pattern section over 360 patterns are identified and shown in full color. The book also contains a brief history of ceramics and the manufacturing techniques used by Johnson Brothers and other dinnerware manufacturers. An added chapter presents some historical background and motivation on the "Historic America: and "Old Britain Castles" patterns. To date, this book is the most complete work on the Johnson Brothers Company and its wares. In all, there are over 560 color photographs and a number of informative sections detailing backstamps, styles, coloring, and the variety of pieces and items produced. When the first edition of the book came out, I was expecting to be contacted by Johnson Brothers enthusiasts with questions, comments, and additional information. And contacted I was! So much of this expanded second edition must be attributed to them. Most of the comments fell into two categories. The positive ones generally had to do with the format of the book. The layout and display of patterns were especially well received, and I have repeated the arrangement in this edition. Virtually all of the negative comments I received had to do with pricing. As the years went by, the figures shown were out of date for a number of patterns. The new edition includes current 2003 prices. The grouping of patterns into three categories along with plus and minus signs will hopefully help to adjust these figures to keep up with the times. Additionally, I have expanded the chapter on pricing to offer some explanation of the changing prices. Always keep in mind that the given figures are only a guide. The dealer and the buyer must allow for alterations and increases in reaching a fair and agreeable price in the future. Mary Finegan began her involvement in the antique business thirty years ago in Atlanta, Georgia. It wasnt until the mid-eighties that she began to specialize in Johnson Brothers Dinnerware. In 1992, she and her husband moved lock, stock and barrel, (and thousands of dishes) to Boone, North Carolina, where she continued to operate her Johnson Brothers Dinnerware Replacement Service for ten years. Today, because of increasing years and decreasing energy, she is phasing out the replacement service part of her business and will devote her time to the promotion and distribution of her book. Dishes!! A staple in every household the world over throughout the ages! From the caves and huts of the past to the homes, campsites, and even battlefields of today, some form of this essential will be found. The assortment of shapes and sizes is without limit as is the diversity in composition of the pieces. Stone, wood, reeds, metal, paper, plastic, ceramics -- all have had their place. How did it all happen? Where did it all begin? Used Book in Good Condition