Reviews for Popular Arts of Mexico 1850-1950

Formal Reviews

"This new Schiffer book shows us these works in context, in a proper art book with good color photography and researched text. There's a serious effort here to dig out information on these pre-WWII artists, many of whom failed to sign their work....There is much information on styles and a wealth of collector's hints. ...These books have built our admiration for Mexican arts." The Old Times, November 1996

"For collectors, folk art fanciers, ....the cream of this year's crop of glossy gift books....Popular Arts of Mexico 1850-1950". Chicago Tribune, December 1, 1996.

"Our nomination for most colorful book of 1996 goes to this exposition of Mexican popular culture spanning the years 1850-1950. .....luscious interior shots. McMenamin clearly loves the material and has presented it in an enticing manner." Maine Antique Digest, January 1997 (Note, the entire review can be read on MAD's website.

"This book should go a long way toward creating an awareness of the valuable artifacts made south of our border". The Antique Trader, Jan 22, 1997.

"This is long overdue! A super book on the subject, finally, has been published, with hundreds of color pix. You must have this book!" West Coast Peddler, Editor. February 1997.

..."this book is a must". J. C. Martin, The Arizona Daily Star, Book Reviews, August 3, 1997.

"This book is beautifully presented. It provides a large amount of information in this field where there is still a considerable possibility to make finds. The book is recommended."Charles Semowich, Ph.D, The Antiquer's Guide, Book Review, October 1997.

"The beautiful photography by Richard Loper elevates this book to a work of art. This is a book to be treasured and enjoyed." (This review came from a whole page devoted to it in an English magazine, however, my publisher didn't write down the info for me on the back of the review).

READERS COMMENTS ON POPULAR ARTS OF MEXICO

 "It’s wonderful. I read it on the way to dinner last night. I read it on the way back from dinner last night. I read it in bed last night (even during Nightline) and I got up this morning at 3:30 am to read it and compare my pottery with the pottery in the book." Sheila Billingsley, TX

"Wow! Congratulations! The book is gorgeous and fabulous (and really well organized) and I’m thrilled to have it." Elisa Phelps, TX

"Your book is a great accomplishment. I knew the photos would be lovely, but I was equally impressed by the text. What a tremendous research job." Laurie Brannen, CO.

"It is most impressive, going beyond any expectations I harbored. It has enhanced by commitment to collecting and studying Mexican folk art." Alan Ryave, CA.

"As a long-time collector of Mexican folk art, especially Mexican ceramics, and an arts writer, I wanted to personally tell you how important this work is to the field." Kathleen Vanesian, AZ.

"I am enjoying it immensely. I don’t know how many times I have read it, but it sits on my chair side table and not a day goes by that I do not re-read a section or reference items in it." Sandy Smith, AZ.

"While I was out of town (at a Cowboy-Western collectibles show in Pennsylvania) I overheard a woman mentioning that "new collectibles book on Mexican popular art" and my ears perked up. Are you speaking about the new McMenamin book and both women said "Yes, it’s so great". One of the women had lived in Mexico in the early 1950s for about 10 years and was THRILLED by your book..just thought you would like to know that the buzz on the book is good in the East." John Cavanagh, NY.

"Your beautiful book is very informative and at the same time a joy. It is helping me organize my knowledge about Mexico's folk art, which is the creative expression of a mass culture so unique, and which has fortunately been preserved and strengthened as of today." Catalina Ilea, CA.

"We are very impressed with your book and congratulate you on the fine research and beautiful pictures, a real quality item. It is a great addition to our resource library...."James Green, AZ.