World of Department Stores Hardcover – December 1, 2011

This is one of the few "I'd want this with me on a desert island" books. It is absolutely full of gorgeous photos and artwork, and is a beautifully comprehensive overview of the luscious department stores of the past (and for the lucky few, the PRESENT.....) Endlessly absorbing, beautifully presented, a real work of art itself! I've seen other books on the topic, but this IS the gold standard, in my opinion. Cheers!

This is a great book. Mrs. Whitaker you really put together a fun read. The photos are superb, they really give you a feel for the Golden Age of retail. I don't know how you managed to gather such an outstanding collection (tons of the greatest vintage images). I hate shopping. The only place I will actually leave my house for is Costco. They still know how to make the shopping experience a kick (that said, I'm glad they weren't included in this work). I mention this as a preface to saying I wanted to jump into every one of those photos and grab a shopping cart. The architecture, decor and product layout was breathtaking. What a contrast to todays dept. stores - about as pleasant as a trip to the dentist. This book is nicely produced - well bound, good weight to the paper, beautiful dust jacket. What is there not to like. I can't imagine anyone not delighted to receive this gem for Christmas. Is there a volume 2 in the future?

But still an interesting book--I thought it would have more information on some of the local United States department stores.

This, make no mistake, is a tome...a door stop..., but it is far more-it's a wonderfully detailed, well researchedbook of the emporiums...the department stores...that used to define this country's retail scene.It was...and still is...a pleasure to hold it (on my lap), and vicariously reinsert myself into the wonder of theoriginal 'one stop' destination for everything imaginable...before the advent of the strip mall.Anyone with an interest in this subject would be well advised to purchase the book...before it becomesprohibitively expensive...due to scarcity and being out of print.Thanks to Jan Whitaker for taking on the subject, and for doing a remarkable job.

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This is a interesting book for anyone who loves architecture, interior design retail related. It is also a good choice for anyone who has traveled around the world and spent time in Paris, London, etc. because you most likely have been to some of the stores included. The pictures are beautiful and plenty! Would make a nice "coffee table" book gift.

They are so many exquisite pictures that could have been in the book - again, another disappointment in this book

Gave this beautiful book as a Christmas gift. My friend LOVED it! She is retired from retail after 30 years so it was very personal for her. Photography is fantastic - brings back lots of memories and has a great history of all the biggies.