“Collecting Classic Video Games”

Just in case you can’t tell, this month’s issue of Discover Vintage America is all about Generation X collectibles, and video games came of age as this generation did, too.

That’s why it only seems appropriate to review a book about the games that shaped our childhood and played such a significant role in our formative years (and, for some of us, they continue to be a large part of our adulthood as well).

Enter Player One: “Collecting Classic Video Games” by Billy Galaxy (I have to assume the author’s name is a pseudonym, but if it isn’t … well done, Mr. Galaxy). Those of us who grew up in the 1970s and 1980s will see familiar names in this book – names that kept our entire nation entertained over the years.

The book goes over some of the legends of video game consoles, including Atari and Nintendo, but doesn’t forget about some of the lesser-known players, such as Bally’s Astrocade and Magnavox’s Odyssey. The video games themselves span companies both still in operation and now defunct, with titles including Asteroids, Donkey Kong, Tetris, and Pac-Man. The games are portrayed in more than 1,000 color photographs.

In “Collecting Classic Video Games“, you’ll find examples of which system is compatible with which game; hand-held, tabletop, and standalone games; and even a section listing collectible video game memorabilia.

Capping off this informative jog down memory lane is a price guide in the back of the book, meaning you can blow the dust out of those old game cartridges and find out what they’re actually worth today.

Have a blast powering up your knowledge of beloved video games with this comprehensive, simply fun volume.

Contact Corbin Crable at editor@discovervintage.com.

Christmas history

Those interested in Christmas history will find Robert Brenner’s “Christmas Through the Decades” a colorful, informative and easily accessible guide to Christmas traditions from long ago to the late 20th century.

Brenner takes the reader back hundreds of years, to the first Christmases celebrated in Colonial America (the first Christmas was celebrated in the original 13 Colonies in the early 17th century and, of course, included many traditions brought over from England), and explores in detail the Victorian era and midcentury periods as well. The author explains preparations and celebrations as part and parcel to Christmas observances in the U.S., but also does a deep dive into the items that really complete Christmas and play a sizable role in its evolution – the ornaments, the shimmering lights, the decorations. In all, the book features a whopping 500 color photographs and more than 3,000 images documenting the highlights and the history of Christmas in America. The observance to detail and sound research makes “Christmas Through the Decades” an invaluable resource to those casual readers who truly love Christmas, as well as scholars and researchers.

A note to collectors specifically: The book includes a price index alongside the photographs included, for ease of reference.
Readers should take note that the book covers decades throughout the 1990s but no later.

About the Author

Christmas that Robert Brenner has published. The previous two volumes, “Christmas Past” and “Christmas Revisited,’ have attained the status of classics and are widely respected in the field. Brenner teaches school in Princeton, WI. He has lectured widely on the history of Christmas and has developed a vast international network of fellow collectors, manufacturers, and historians of Christmas items.

The book presents a visual holiday feast for the eyes, presenting large, stately homes across the country decked out for Christmas with trees, garland, sparkling lights and eye-catching ornaments. Part idea guide for your holiday decorating, part holiday homes tour (there are 29 homes featured), flipping through this image-heavy book will feel like a peek into the world of leading designers as they spruce up beautiful homes for the holiday season. The designs in these photo spreads range from vintage to ultra-chic contemporary to casual. And, at only $45, it’s much easier on the wallet than hiring an actual designer.

The book offers decorating ideas for both indoor and outdoor spaces, with a variety of geographic locations presented. The authors’ tips and traditions shared not only make for compelling reading; they are sure to offer the reader plenty of ideas to turn their living space into a welcoming, warm winter wonderland. Themed rooms and decorations will delight visitors, and the authors also provide a nice, diverse variety of color schemes and decorating philosophies, one or more of which will surely align with your own.

About the authors

Patricia Hart McMillan, author of 19 book on interior design, is an interior designer, product designer, home furnishings consultant, and keynote speaker. Katharine Kaye McMillan is a redesign life coach/consultant and a keynote speaker. Visit her facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kkmcmillan.