Book excerpt: One of the loveliest objects to come from China's Imperial history is the snuff bottle--elegant, tactile, beautifully crafted, and above all small; it makes an ideal subject for collectors. This book clearly explains the history of snuff and its specialized bottles from the 17th century to the present in America, Europe, and China. For the novice, it provides fascinating background and descriptive information, and for the established collector it showcases over 650 diverse snuff bottles to study and admire through excellent color photographs. There are examples of glass, stone, porcelain, enamel, wood, ivory, amber and other bottles with distinctive interior and exterior decorations. Each bottle is fully described with a value range. This book shows that it is not necessary to be wealthy to own good snuff bottles, nor is it guaranteed that only wealthy collectors have the best ones. Be prepared to be delighted in this addictive collecting field.