Written by the prominent art and artifact historian and authentication expert David Cycleback, this small book is an introduction to identifying common materials found in antiques, artifacts, collectibles and memorabilia. Materials covered include glass, plastics, stone, wood, paints, paper, metals, cloth, gems and leather. As a primer, it doesn't intend to 'cover it all,' but gives the introductory basics to identifying many common materials collectors will come across, from bakelite to amber to uranium glass to marble.