OBJECTS OF DESIRE: The Lives of Antiques and Those Who Pursue Them

Even if you're not already interested in American antiques, if you enjoy excellent nonfiction writing, try this book. Unlike so many contemporary writers of nonfiction, Freund does not focus this book on himself but on a subject--the world of American antiques. By telling the stories of three different objects, the craftsmen who made them, and the collectors who owned them, Freund brings his readers into a quirky, fascinating world, where the desire for objects shapes people's lives. And if you have any interest in nonfiction writing, this book will give you lessons in the craft from a master writer.

This book is delightful--I've bought 7 copies over the years for friends and family. With its readable style, brilliant characterizations of the eccentric people involved and its nonfiction "plot," it SHOULD have been the next MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL. I suppose its relative lack of success is due to factors in the industry, but it's certainly through no fault of the book's. I heartily recommend it to anyone and everyone, even persons uninterested in antiques--for, while it IS about antiques, it's mostly (as the subtitle suggests) about PEOPLE.

This is one of the finest examples of "Creative Nonfiction" to appear in recent years. It is both engaging and informative, and will be a source of enjoyment to anyone who appreciates antique funiture, American history, a good narrative or, preferably, all three.

Now that it's summer and the Antiques Roadshow is in reruns, loyal viewers might need a change of pace. This is the perfect book to take along with you to the Brimfield Flea Market, or on vacation (with the requisite antique shop stops, of course). Why? Because this book gives you the inside scoop on many of your favorite appraisers on the Roadshow, and gives you a great insight into the behind-the-podium world of antiques dealers.Some of the best bits have to do with the Keno brothers, Leslie and Leigh. They began their career in the antiques trade at age 7 (!) when they started selling stoneware they dug up around their house. At age 13 they went to Brimfield, where Leigh had a hizzy fit after a stoneware jug he asked the dealer to hold for him was sold. You can also find out more about Barbara Deisroth (you know, the lady who never, ever, pays attention to a Tiffany signature). Other Roadshow Regulars appear as well, and you will never be able to look at any of the appraisers in the same way again.If you like the Roadshow and antiquing, you will enjoy this book a great deal. Highly recommended for summertime (or any time!) reading.

If you have difficulty understanding why anyone would pay big bucks for antiques, read this book. You will live through the fascinating saga of three pieces of furniture from day one to their day on the auction block. Each piece comes alive as you become intimately involved in their history. You will be enriched by an appreciation for provenance that you did not have before. And, you have gained respect for those collectors, auctioneers and craftsmen that combine their efforts to make the desire for inanimate objects a very real thing.