Collector's Encyclopedia of Fiesta: Plus Harlequin, Riviera, and Kitchen Kraft (Collector's Encyclopedia of Fiesta)

by Bob Huxford, Sharon Huxford

Buy new: $24.95 $10.93 Buy used: $6.50

Editorial Reviews

This ninth edition of the Huxford's Collector's Encyclopedia of Fiesta has been heavily revised and updated with new finds. This book has long been considered the best reference for collectors and dealers. Introduced in 1936 by the Homer Laughlin China Company, the colorful Fiesta dinnerware was redesigned in 1969, withdrawn in 1973, and reissued in 1986. This encyclopedia showcases this vibrant dinnerware line, featuring over 1,000 colorful pieces, including coverage of the increasingly popular new lilac color as well as other colors in the new line. There are many new photos that will aid in identification, including several never before seen pieces. In addition to the regular line of Fiesta, this all in one resource includes the other popular lines of Harlequin, Riviera, and Kitchen Kraft. Also featured are experimental items from the Homer Laughlin morgue, as well as the historical information so many collectors crave. In addition, there is a pricing breakdown on the original Fiesta price list. Gorgeous color photos, accurate information, and current values - what more does a collector need? 2001 values. AUTHORBIO: After writing their first book, The Story of Fiesta, published in 1974, the Huxfords became pottery editors for Collector Books and in that capacity wrote several other books on various Ohio potteries: Roseville Pottery, McCoy Pottery, Brush-McCoy Pottery, Weller Pottery, and Roseville Pottery, Volume II. Since 1982 they have been editors of Schroeder's Antiques Price Guide; Schroeder's Collectible Toys; Antique to Modern; Garage Sale & Flea Market Annual; and Wanted to Buy. REVIEW: Full-color plates and suggested values in a range format are a great trading tool in the secondary market while informational pages provide an armchair education in Fiesta. The book includes identification of trademarks, design and color, as well as dating codes and English measurements. The story of Fiesta takes collectors back to the beginning and the value guide reviews all Fiesta-related dinnerware such as Kitchen Kraft, OvenServe, and new (post 1986) Fiesta. -Brimfield Antique Guide

Customer Reviews

I am a newbie to Fiesta, 2007-09-26
by scotdog (Dallas)

I am brand new at collecting Fiesta Ware. I really enjoyed this book. Great pics. It has been a wealth of info for someone new like me.

FIESTA, 2006-07-26
by Roger C. Bishop (Las Vegas, NV)

This is the third book in this series I have purchased by these authors. I like the book a lot.

A jumbled up mess, 2006-01-23
by Brian S. Walker

One of worst of the newer "collector" books out there. There isn't even a color chart with the names, you need to deduce them by flipping through all the pages and guessing at collections of variuos colors and doing a process of elimination. Fakes are mentioned, and the author says "you'll know them when you see them". Thanks alot! All the marks aren't even listed. What about newer peices versus old?

Some Encyclopedia, more like ramblings of a collector. The medium green issue is already covered by others, the book mentions it everywhere but gives very little evidence of it (maybe the author has medium green envy?).

Not worth the bargain price spent on it. Certainly not a reference book.

p.s. I give other collector books 5 stars, so I'm not just a grump.

Huxford's Fiesta 10th Edition, 2005-08-06
by Brad S. Carnes (Sioux Falls SD USA)

I just received the 10th edition copy of Collector's Encyclopedia of Fiesta, and other related items. The new layout and design are exactly what this edition needed to set it out above the previous ones. It seems the forward is a bit lengthy. Each page is framed in the turquoise color. The new pictures are numerous!! And for those who collect New Fiesta (produced since 1986, the pages for this are expanded to include up thru Scarlet and quite a few of the pieces produced thus far in color pictures. I rate this book at 4 stars for one reason. I feel the prices are inflated and out of line. Yes, there will always be some "rare" items at high prices. There are a fair share of pictures that are the same as previous books as well.

A Good Beginning, 2005-07-10
by Don Bistrow (Eastern Ohio)

The title of this book "Fiesta" can be a little misleading to the novice or seasoned collector. Beyond actual Fiesta and Fiestaware by Homer Laughlin the author's detail company history by delving into Harhequin, Riviera, Mexican lines, Kitchen Kraft, even promotional items and advertising.

For Fiesta identification pieces the pictures and Plate descriptions are very good. Pictures, specifically are very clear and concise while the page quality is excellent. In particular, this book will provide a very wide range of history and the wide variety of products offered by Homer Laughlin Co. over many years. Although the title suggests a book on Fiesta, this portion is limited.

If your looking for price comparisons or rule of thumb the book is weak in this department, it does not effectively handle all colors preferring to provide information strictly on the "hot" collector pieces such as 'medium green.' Of course, prices quoted in books are strictly "guides" as the internet, antique malls and live auctions mix up values on a weekly basis. Current research and personal perspective will be the true guides for market value at any given time.

Fiesta is covered in the first 73 pages of this book (pre/post 1986) and then moves on other topics or products produced. This book would be a fine starter for the novice but additional resources will need to be added for a complete library on Fiesta and Fiestaware.