'Our aim, ' say the authors, 'has been to impart the knowledge which will allow a collector to rely more confidently on his own judgment' The emphasis throughout the book is on good taste and good design, and while the first chapters deal with the marvelous English and American silver of the 18th century, highly prized for its fine craftsmanship, the largest part of the book is devoted to the long-neglected and underrated 19th century which is now becoming so popular.