American Junk

Junk

by Mary Randolph Carter

A passionate collector shares photos of her own finds, prices, a list of junking sites nationwide, general information on how to hunt for treasure at places like flea markets and thrift shops, and tips on haggling, cleaning, and camouflage. Reprint.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Art

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[jimtown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty book showing a decor style using flea market finds, junk and other pretty but inexpensive stuff. The prices paid for items shown are included in the short descriptions that accompany the photos. Not all was my style, but a lot of the colors, textures and items shown were very attractive and pleasing to the eye. I especially liked the red books, the farmhouse sink and the primitive goose decoys. A book to look at and pass on to another junk lover.

[Prissy Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have coveted this book for YEARS , given to me by my momma in early years of junkin and hunting, sets the premise for great books.
Before pickers, storage wars ect there was going out and actually junking hunting and yard salings. Get yourself a copy and you will not be disappointed,

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is my life!

[Less_cunning · Rating 5 out of 5]

"American Junk" is an informative, instructive & worthwhile read.

[Ray Quirolgico · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was even more fun without the accompanying text: the photos collected here seem to convey stories all in their own, as if the layers of dust and rust on these antiques are just waiting to be swept away so that a real gem could be discovered underneath. Really makes you wonder about “junk” and how we attribute value to objects. Kind of a wonderful virtual dive into attics and basements and backyards of collectors, without having to go to a single flea market or yard sale.

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore this author and the spirit behind this book. It highlights some of the treasures she’s found in random thrift shops, antique stores, estate sales, etc. and also shows fellow collector’s homes. I loved this view into the artful arrangement of unique junk. These are my people. This reminded me a lot of the Country Living magazines that were always around our house growing up. My only criticism here is that the book feels a little dated.

[MKF]

This book feels like an insurance inventory with a list of bought items, prices, and sometimes the location of purchase. It also had photos that was cluttered or just too dark to see. Even with glasses I had to hold the book to my face to see some item or detail.

[Kimberly Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I realize that most of the items in this book are "collectibles" but I was so not impressed. I like nicer, more colorful, items, more along the lines of "shabby-chic". Much of this looked like junk that was in need of a good refurbishment.

The photographs were dull as well. The section that held my interest was the one on Blankets "Western Junk", as I love Pendletons, and have several.....

Contents consist of: What is Junk, Western Junk, Glass act, Solid Gold, something Fishy, Kitchen Junk (I expected more), Animal House, Child's Play, Junk Matters, Shady Business, Shell Shocked (I wanted more), Heavy Metal, Chair Crazy (I wanted more here too), and Junk Guide.

I consider this book to be a beginning, but not one that is so important to a collector as to purchase.

[SouthWestZippy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"I enjoyed this book. One person may look at his a junk and others find it to be treasure. We are a toss away society and it is nice to see there are people out there who don't need the shinny and new to make themselves happy. I am a collector but most of my collection comes from family who have passed on and other family don't want it because it is old and not perfect. I am able to put the shabby chic next to my crystal and not worry about what others think because it holds memories. Great pictures throughout the book. Enjoyed the notes on where items were found and how much was paid for them.

[Lawra Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

mostly a photo book of junk/antique items and where they were purchased. I was hoping for more info on how to care for or clean up antiques or flea market finds. the pictures are great for inspiration, but otherwise kind of a letdown.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun way to spend the afternoon. Perfectly worth the $6 I paid for it at a -- you guessed it -- junk store. I was especially interested in the memory jars, kitschy tramp art from the early 20th century. Gorgeous pictures show you how people display their junk.

[Joann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great pictures and helpful advice.

[Elyza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book with lovely pictures. Made me want to go junk shopping. I wish she could've listed some places in Indiana, oh well.

[SmarterLilac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable. Though I'm not sure I would want quite everything in my house to be from an estate sale.

[Lori Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

whet your appetite for a day antiquity with this photographic tidbit of a book.