Collector's Encyclopedia of Depression Glass

This is a very nice, informative little book. I inherited a lot of of my grandmother’s depression glass, and it helps me identify the pieces. It seems very thorough and comprehensive. I would purchase again.

Updated for 19th Edition (last one, they retired): Well, the 19th edition is almost identical to the 18th edition with the exception of prices. That is not a bad thing. (I created a real index for 18th ed, so when I updated it the 19th edition I saw only a few pages were modified). They have FINALLY gotten realistic with pricing, the common pieces dropped by 50% and the rarer pieces dropped by 25% or so. I know dealers and hoarders don't like it, but sky-high prices stopped casual collectors dead in their tracks. With shipping, eBay prices come out about right for MINT pieces. Prices at retail don't regularly sell above this book price (you'll see plenty marked higher, but they've been sitting on the shelf for years.) This is the best book out there for dealers of depression glass, but the authors/publisher once again forgot a usable index or table of contents. To make matters worse, some patterns are still alphabetized as No. ###. No index of alternate names (some patterns have 3 or 4 commonly used names). The table of contents is the same as the alphabetical listing by page, totally useless. The official company name is the pattern name it is ordered under, regardless of the popularity of other names. Pictures are great. Verbiage for patterns normally indicates the marketability of the pattern, but wish there was a prominent "popularity score" above each color the pattern comes in. Some colors in some patterns have absolutely no buyers, at any price above a buck or two, which is an extremely valuable piece of information. Would recommend using --,-,+,++. They use a purist definition of depression, so you'll have to also buy the 40s 50s 60s book and the Elegant Glassware book to complete your reference of what is commonly known as depression glass (the Mauzy's book is much better at selecting patterns to include). There are pictures for about 1/2 of the pieces available, and generally a larger closeup for pattern identification. My success of pattern identification from the photos is probably 95% (best we've seen). Reproductions are listed in the back, not as useful as being integrated into the "real" pattern pages but still very useful. If you are a collector, I would highly recommend purchasing this book before it goes out of print. The authors have retired. This is considered the "bible" of depression glass.

I have collected Depression Glass off and on for over 20 years. When I first began I purchased an early edition of Gene Florence's guide and found it very helpful. I have recently decided to sell some of my collection and bought this more recent version of Florence's guide to get a feel for current prices. I have enjoyed comparing the prices to those in tmyoriginal book. All of his guides are beautifully prepared with clear pictures and in depth descriptions of the patterns. There is a lot of information such as the years of manufacture and the company. I would recommend the guide to amyone, the new collector and the experienced.

Lots of good information, great condition and quick delivery.

Good bargain.

This book on Depression Glass has more than served me well, it has saved me from purchasing fakes and reproductions. In addition, although prices vary frequently, the pricing guides by color and patterns have provided me with excellent "rule of thumb" for pricing on resale as well as purchase. Use this book in conjunction with Florence's "Glassware Pattern Identification Guide" to have a complete reference in identifying true depression glass vs. reproductions and fraud. If you collect on the road, have these books handy to help you make intellgent decisions for the correct patterns and prices. Florences "Glassware Pattern" book provides good pictures for identification but the 16th Edition "Depression Glass" Encyclopedia goes further, providing excellent detailed information on the manufacturers, patterns and discussion on what patterns were found to be reproduced later in different colors or using old molds. The descriptions also detail differences in similar patterns and how they vary slightly. This information helps the buyer from purchasing one pattern by mistake, especially when using the internet. In conjuction with both books I mentioned here, you will become further educated on Depression Glass, therefore, a more informed buyer.

I love this book but wonder if Florence intentionally put a wrong patterned piece in with a well known pattern or if it was by accident. I wondered about it enough to want to email the question. Not able to get a valid email on Florence and the publisher. Makes me wonder about the accuracy of the other pictures, I also do not like the way the other "go-with" pieces for Jubilee were listed in the pricing, it is confusing, may make others think it is part of the pattern.

This was an okay book to search for patterns in this era.