Kaleidoscopes: Wonders of Wonder

I have everyone of Cozy Baker's books. Each one is worth at least five stars. I didn't think Cozy could improve on her last book full of the festive colors and imaginations of kaleidoscopes and their makers', but she certainly has. I am a devote lover of kaleidoscopes and have been collecting them since 1982. My collection must be over 300 scopes by now. Everyone of them is completely original, beautiful, and loved by my family and I. I am always looking for more information regarding the artists and "industry" of kaleidoscopes. This book is filled with just that kind of information. I 've been collecting for over 22 years, but found out there is a lot I didn't know about my passion and the creator's that have made a difference in creating it. The one thing I never knew until I read this book was that these exciting, talented artists started out as collectors', just like me. I always assumed it was the artist's talent in either glass, marble, brass, wood, ect. that led them into saying "maybe I should try using my art to make a kaleidoscope". This book has taught me that all these spectacular artists are not only "artists", but "scope lover's as well. This book is a gem and you get to see and learn at the same time. Pure enjoyment! Just the same as when you look at a kaleidoscope. I love this book and it will be added as part of my collection and enjoyed forever! Thank you, Cozy Baker, you are indeed the "First Lady of Kaleidoscopes". All of your hard work and honest love for this craft shows brilliantly in this new book. The book deserves as many "stars" as when you look at a "star" with a teleidoscope. You "scope lovers'" will know exactly what I mean! John B. Mannes, Jr. Collector & Lover of Kaleidoscopes Also part of the "Cozy Baker" Fan Club!!

This is a GREAT Book. Someone gave it to me as a gift along with a kaleidoscope and I'm hooked. The beauty of the photos as well as the well-written text are a harmonious blend--just what a kaleidoscope is supposed to be!

After reading the two negative reviews from December 2001, I was left wondering if those reviewers were talking about the same book.I'm a kaleidoscope collector and enjoy this book immensely. It covers a wide range of information relating to kaleidoscopes, their history, contruction, and therapeutic value, along with brief artist profiles. Accompanying all this are striking photographs of scopes and their interior images from a wide variety of kaleidoscope artists. A fabulous coffee table book.In addition to other books by the author, I feel this is a must-have for scope collectors, and highly recommend it.

I collect kaleidoscopes. And books. I am an avid amateur photographer. How better to satisfy all those parts of me better but than with a book like this one from Cozy Baker. I'd recommend it to anyone who has ever been transported by the play of light and color through a kaleidoscope, or who has a passion for truly beautiful "coffee table" books.

This is a fabulous book on the art & science of the kaleidoscope. It covers the history, lore, construction and artistry of the instruments themselves and the fantastic images they produce, with great color photos throughout.The kaleidoscope was invented in 1816 and is much more than a simple toy. Many rare early kaleidoscopes, which were a popular Victorian parlor entertainment, are shown and their technical evolution is described.There has been renewed interest in kaleidoscopes since the 1970's. Much of the book is devoted to these modern models which are fine and beautifully constructed optical instruments. Many breathtaking kaleidoscope images are also shown and their emotional and artistic value is discussed. Lists of artists, galleries, shops and sources complete this gorgeous, comprehensive and fun reference.