The Kovels are the royalty of the collectibles world. Husband and wife Ralph and Terry Kovel are the authors of more than eighty books, write a nationally syndicated newspaper column and a column in Forbes magazine, as well as publishing their own newsletter. Their latest television show, "Flea Market Finds with the Kovels" airs on the HGTV Home and Garden television network.

The Kovels recently published the 34th edition of their Antiques & Collectibles Price List for 2002. This is a very handy guide to have around, and is one I have started bringing to shows and auctions. It is a nice size and stands up well to use. (The Kovels are typical collectors; practical and frugal. The book is jam-packed, with no empty spaces, and there is even a little ruler printed on the last page!)

The prices in the 2002 Price List are based on actual sales from 2001 and are from the American market, for the American market.

"All year we check prices, visit shops and shows, read our mail, check online computer services and the Internet, and decide what antiques and collectibles of most interest. We concentrate on the average pieces in any category."

The book also contains basic background on many of the items listed; for example, it briefly explains Carnival Glass and then goes on to list specific pieces of carnival glass and their selling price. So, if you see some pieces at an auction, you can check the book and get a very general sense of what Carnival Glass is and what some pieces have gone for in the prior year.

This is an excellent way to continue your education. The best way to learn about antiques and collectibles is to pick up and touch real items at stores, auctions, shows, etc. And who knows, someday, you might come across some of the items you have learned about, and either pick up a great find, or save yourself some dough by passing it by.

As it so happens, I am the proud owner of a 1969 second edition of their book, "The Complete Antiques Price List," a guide to the 1970 market for professionals, dealers and collectors. I picked it up at a yard sale (of course - I am frugal too), and it has stood the test of time. As Ralph and Terry say in the beginning of these guides, don't throw out the book when you get the new edition next year. "Old Kovels' price books should be saved for future reference, and for tax and appraisal information." I must admit, it IS pretty interesting to look at prices in the 2nd edition and compare them to those in the 34th edition.

The 2002 Kovels' Antiques & Collectibles Price List includes over 50,000 collectibles and antiques, 400 pictures marks and logos, and dozens of helpful tips on care and preservation. The book features cross-referenced categories and a complete index. You can find copies on Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0609808419/auctionbytescom