Collecting and Display

Examines the history and psychology of collecting and showcases the ways in which collections can be displayed to great effect

These British authors offer a work that both surveys the human impulse to collect and presents decorating tips. Fine and entertaining writers, inveterate collector McAlpine and archaeological conservator Giangrande are at their best in the opening chapters, which offer an information-packed but breezy history of collecting from ancient times to the present and a rumination on the psychology of collecting. They then give 135 pages over to chapters on "Styles of Display," "Display Techniques," and "Conservation and Security," all of which unfortunately are too vague and meandering to be of much practical use to collectors. In any case, the most satisfying part of the book?for both those looking for help in presenting their treasures and those simply fascinated by the human compulsions to accumulate and order?will be the more than 250 illustrations depicting historical and contemporary hordes of fine porcelain, shepherds' crooks, taxidermy, and much more. Well recommended for all medium and large public libraries.?Eric Bryant, "Library Journal"
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.