Early American Pattern Glass: Collector's Identification & Price Guide

I almost didn't purchase this book because of a couple of bad reviews. I took a chance and got it anyway, and am very glad I did. The book has provided me with hours of enjoyment. Many patterns displayed via photos and detailed sketches on many different types of pieces (many books show an example of a particular pattern on just ONE PIECE; we all know that we often need more than one example of a pattern for more accurate ID). I don't use this book as an EAPG field guide, and I think that is why previous reviewers were not very happy with it. I don't think the book was meant to be one,; to me it is more of an EXTENSIVE cross reference. I use a more streamlined field guide like the highly recommended "Field Guide to Pattern Glass" by McCain when scoping out pieces for quick possible ID. It serves its purpose as does this big, informative, beautiful "atlas of old glass" by Reilly\Jenks. Comparing them to each other is like comparing apples to oranges; would you compare an instructions manual to an encyclopedia? In "Early American Pattern Glass," ALL patterns are listed alphabetically instead of grouping "like patterns" together for easier field ID...this is what probably frustrates people the worst about this book. You should SUSPECT a pattern's name BEFORE HAND from your trusty field guide, then VERIFY it with "Early American Pattern Glass." This book is also very enjoyable just to look through, with a nice color center section. The value guide is also nice, which is lacking in my field book. Enjoy this wonderful book for what it really is. Recommended.