Robert Block

A comprehensive and extensively revised 5th edition marbles guide, featuring over 500 stunning color photographs (many are new for this edition), a current valuation guide, and information on the the current state of the marbles market. Delve into the fascinating realm of marbles, from handmade masterpieces to meticulously crafted machine-made wonders. This timeless guide covers a wide array of marble types, including Indians, Aggies, Steelies, transitionals, M. F. Christensen & Son, Akro Agate, and more. No major category of marble is left unexplored. View marbles crafted from glass, earthenware, minerals, and steel. Learn valuable insights about machine-made marbles, with detailed identification of their manufacturers. Also showcased is the work of contemporary marble artisans, who skillfully revive classic styles while introducing exciting new designs that are uniquely their own. Navigate the complex world of marble pricing with confidence, as the author offers a comprehensive explanation of today’s market values. Discover the four key factors to consider when assessing the worth of a marble, and gain access to an accurate and up-to-date pricing guide. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a curious enthusiast, this reliable source book is an indispensable resource for anyone captivated by the allure of marbles.

" A] tightly crafted, very readable book . . . the best in-depth contemporary analysis we are going to get." Stephen Flynn, The Washington PostWhen Hurricane Katrina roared ashore on August 29, 2005, federal and state officials were not prepared for the devastation it would bring. In this searing indictment of what went wrong, Christopher Cooper and Robert Block take readers inside FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security to reveal the inexcusable mismanagement during the crisis the bad decisions that were made, the facts that were ignored, and the individuals who saw that the system was broken but did nothing to fix it. In this award-winning and critically acclaimed book, Cooper and Block reconstruct the crucial days before and after the storm hit, laying bare the government's inability to respond to the most elemental needs. They also demonstrate how the Bush administration's obsessive focus on terrorist threats fatally undermined the government's ability to respond to natural disasters. The incompetent response to Hurricane Katrina is a wake-up call to all Americans, wherever they live, about how distressingly vulnerable we remain."

With this book, readers will discover machine made marbles from the early 1900s to the 1930s that revolutionized the glass marble industry. Over 700 beautiful color photos display marbles produced by both Ohio-based companies, M. F. Christensen & Son Company and Christensen Agate Company. Among the examples displayed are bricks, cobras, guineas, opaques, slags, single pontil slags, swirls, and hand-gathered swirls. Additionally, early slag marbles known as "transitionals" are featured. The text includes histories of these two important glass marble companies, descriptions of their various marble types, and their methods of manufacture. Values for the marbles displayed are found in the captions. This book will be treasured by all those who collect and enjoy marbles.