|Listed in category:
Have one to sell?

Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game: A Collector's Guide to Mah Jongg Tiles and Sets

US $23.16
ApproximatelyAU $35.47
Condition:
Brand new
5 available
Breathe easy. Returns accepted.
Postage:
Free Economy Shipping.
Located in: Glendale Heights, Illinois, United States
Delivery:
Estimated between Tue, 26 Aug and Wed, 3 Sep to 94104
Estimated delivery dates - opens in a new window or tab include seller's handling time, origin postcode, destination postcode and time of acceptance and will depend on the postage service selected and receipt of cleared paymentcleared payment - opens in a new window or tab. Delivery times may vary, especially during peak periods.
Returns:
30-day returns. Buyer pays for return postage. If you use an eBay postage label, it will be deducted from your refund amount.
Payments:
     Diners Club

Shop with confidence

eBay Money Back Guarantee
Get the item you ordered or your money back. Learn moreeBay Money Back Guarantee - opens new window or tab
Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing.
eBay item number:296839120782
Last updated on 25 May, 2025 19:59:08 AESTView all revisionsView all revisions

Item specifics

Condition
Brand new: A new, unread, unused book in perfect condition with no missing or damaged pages. See the ...
ISBN
9784805313237

About this product

Product Identifiers

Publisher
Tuttle Publishing
ISBN-10
4805313234
ISBN-13
9784805313237
eBay Product ID (ePID)
201677657

Product Key Features

Edition
2
Book Title
Mah Jongg: the Art of the Game : a Collector's Guide to Mah Jongg Tiles and Sets
Number of Pages
192 Pages
Language
English
Publication Year
2014
Topic
Porcelain & China, Asian / General, Board Games, General
Illustrator
Yes
Genre
Art, Games & Activities, Antiques & Collectibles
Author
Gregg Swain, Ann Israel
Format
Hardcover

Dimensions

Item Height
0.8 in
Item Weight
29.3 Oz
Item Length
8 in
Item Width
8 in

Additional Product Features

Intended Audience
Trade
LCCN
2014-030050
Reviews
"From Tuttle Publishing comes this absolutely gorgeous book Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game , by Ann M. Israel and Gregg Swain, with photographs by Michel Arnaud, packed with 192 pages of beautiful illustrations showcasing the occidental experience of Mah Jongg [...] Using a mix of historical black and white with contemporary full color exhibitions, the authors unravel through their pages Mah Jongg's history, lore, art, beauty and fantasy into one of the most extensive displays of Western Mah Jongg art and accessories as one will probably ever see." -- Mahjong News, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Whether used as a reference or a beautiful keepsake, it's a very worthy addition to the world of Mah Jongg. -- Ruth Unger, President, National Mah Jongg League , This handsome book is the first to give a history of the tiles used in the game of Mah Jongg. The concept of the game and the symbols on the tiles are explained, and then the wide variety of materials used in making the tiles is discussed and illustrated. Presented in brilliant color and beautifully designed, Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game would be a welcome addition to the bookshelf or coffee table of any art lover. For Mah Jongg players, it's a must! -- Elizabeth Stillinger, author of The Antiquers and A Kind of Archeology: Collecting American Folk Art 1876-1976 , "This handsome book is the first to give a history of the tiles used in the game of Mah Jongg. The concept of the game and the symbols on the tiles are explained, and then the wide variety of materials used in making the tiles is discussed and illustrated. Presented in brilliant color and beautifully designed, Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game would be a welcome addition to the bookshelf or coffee table of any art lover. For Mah Jongg players, ti's a must!" -- Elizabeth Stillinger, author of The Antiquers and A Kind of Archeology: Collecting American Folk Art 1876-1976, "This handsome book is the first to give a history of the tiles used in the game of Mah Jongg. The concept of the game and the symbols on the tiles are explained, and then the wide variety of materials used in making the tiles is discussed and illustrated. Presented in brilliant color and beautifully designed, Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game would be a welcome addition to the bookshelf or coffee table of any art lover. For Mah Jongg players, it's a must!" -- Elizabeth Stillinger, author of The Antiquers and A Kind of Archeology: Collecting American Folk Art 1876-1976, A book about the game of Mah Jongg sounds extremely individualized, but might serve to the broader interests of those with a passion for art history. -- Bennington Banner , "From Tuttle Publishing comes this absolutely gorgeous book Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game , by Ann M. Israel and Gregg Swain, with photographs by Michel Arnaud, packed with 192 pages of beautiful illustrations showcasing the occidental experience of Mah Jongg [...] Using a mix of historical black and white with contemporary full color exhibitions, the authors unravel through their pages Mah Jongg's history, lore, art, beauty and fantasy into one of the most extensive displays of Western Mah Jongg art and accessories as one will probably ever see." - Mahjong News, What a great book ... The many international manufacturers, the culture craze, and variations in decorative elements have all been pulled together by Ann Israel and Gregg Swain in a very readable and incredibly well-researched book. that not only is|9784805313237|, "Offering an intimate look at the history of the game as well as the visual beauty of the mah jongg tiles, this book chronicles sets from the most basic, made simply of paper, to the most precious material such as ivory and mother-of-pearl. Recognized and respectable scholars and game experts contribute important chapters on the game's history and its pieces as well as technical information on the tiles. Lastly, great collectors from around the globe have shared their incredible sets and memories for the first time in one book for everyone to enjoy. The perfect gift for the mah jongg maven in your life." -- Southern Jewish Life Magazine, What a great book ... The many international manufacturers, the culture craze, and variations in decorative elements have all been pulled together by Ann Israel and Gregg Swain in a very readable and incredibly well-researched book, that not only is chock-full of useful information but laden with wonderful illustrations. Next time a set comes across my desk, I'll not only know more about it but can refer the owner to the definitive source for all Mah Jongg set knowledge. -- Lark Mason, Lark Mason Associates, Antiques Roadshow , [...] Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game, an elegant new coffee table book written and photographed by three people with Columbia County connections. For many players, there's a social ritual to the whole game experience. For the authors and photographe|9784805313237|, "I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Whether used as a reference or a beautiful keepsake, it's a very worthy addition to the world of Mah Jongg." -- Ruth Unger, President, National Mah Jongg League, "A book about the game of Mah Jongg sounds extremely individualized, but might serve to the broader interests of those with a passion for art history." - Bennington Banner, "I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Whether used as a reference or a beautiful keepsake, it's a very worth addition to the world of Mah Jongg." - Ruth Unger, President, National Mah Jongg League, "Offering an intimate look at the history of the game as well as the visual beauty of the mah jongg tiles, this book chronicles sets from the most basic, made simply of paper, to the most precious material such as ivory and mother-of-pearl. Recognized and respectable scholars and game experts contribute important chapters on the game's history and its pieces as well as technical information on the tiles. Lastly, great collectors from around the globe have shared their incredible sets and memories for the first time in one book for everyone to enjoy. The perfect gift for the mah jongg maven in your life." - Southern Jewish Life Magazine, "What a great book ... The many international manufacturers, the culture craze, and variations in decorative elements have all been pulled together by Ann Israel and Gregg Swain in a very readable and incredibly well-researched book. that not only is chuck-full of useful information but laden with wonderful illustrations. Next time a set comes across my desk, I'll not only know more about it, but can refer the owner to the definitive source for all Mah Jongg set knowledge." -- Lark Mason, Lark Mason Associates, Antiques Roadshow, Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game ... delves into ... cast-stone tiles and ambitious manufacturers' experiments with plastics and composites like Pyralin and Ebonite. -- New York Times, "I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Whether used as a reference or a beautiful keepsake, it's a very worthy addition to the world of Mah Jongg." - Ruth Unger, President, National Mah Jongg League, Offering an intimate look at the history of the game as well as the visual beauty of the mah jongg tiles, this book chronicles sets from the most basic, made simply of paper, to the most precious material such as ivory and mother-of-pearl. Recognized and|9784805313237|, " Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game ... delves into ... cast-stone tiles and ambitious manufacturers' experiments with plastics and composites like Pyralin and Ebonite." -- New York Times, "What a great book ... The many international manufacturers, the culture craze, and variations in decorative elements have all been pulled together by Ann Israel and Gregg Swain in a very readable and incredibly well-researched book. that not only is chuck-full of useful information but laden with wonderful illustrations. Next time a set comes across my desk, I'll not only know more about it, but can refer the owner to the definitive source for all Mah Jongg set knowledge." - Lark Mason, Lark Mason Associates, Antiques Roadshow, "[...] Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game, an elegant new coffee table book written and photographed by three people with Columbia County connections. For many players, there's a social ritual to the whole game experience. For the authors and photographer of the book, however, it's so much more. It's about the art of the Mah Jongg tiles and sets: their histories, their design, the materials used, the varied symbols and scenes depicted on the tiles." -- Rural Intelligence, "[...] Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game, an elegant new coffee table book written and photographed by three people with Columbia County connections. For many players, there's a social ritual to the whole game experience. For the authors and photographer of the book, however, it's so much more. It's about the art of the Mah Jongg tiles and sets: their histories, their design, the materials used, the varied symbols and scenes depicted on the tiles." - Rural Intelligence, What a great book ... The many international manufacturers, the culture craze, and variations in decorative elements have all been pulled together by Ann Israel and Gregg Swain in a very readable and incredibly well-researched book, that not only is|9784805313237|, Offering an intimate look at the history of the game as well as the visual beauty of the mah jongg tiles, this book chronicles sets from the most basic, made simply of paper, to the most precious material such as ivory and mother-of-pearl. Recognized and respectable scholars and game experts contribute important chapters on the game's history and its pieces as well as technical information on the tiles. Lastly, great collectors from around the globe have shared their incredible sets and memories for the first time in one book for everyone to enjoy. The perfect gift for the mah jongg maven in your life. -- Southern Jewish Life Magazine , " Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game [...] delves into issues as serious as racist imagery printed on cast-stone tiles and ambitious manufacturers' experiments with plastics and composites like Pyralin and Ebonite." - New York Times, From Tuttle Publishing comes this absolutely gorgeous book Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game , by Ann M. Israel and Gregg Swain, with photographs by Michel Arnaud, packed with 192 pages of beautiful illustrations showcasing the occidental experience of Mah Jongg [...] Using a mix of historical black and white with contemporary full color exhibitions, the authors unravel through their pages Mah Jongg's history, lore, art, beauty and fantasy into one of the most extensive displays of Western Mah Jongg art and accessories as one will probably ever see. -- Mahjong News , " Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game ... delves into ... cast-stone tiles and ambitious manufacturers' experiments with plastics and composites like Pyralin and Ebonite." - New York Times, From Tuttle Publishing comes this absolutely gorgeous book Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game , by Ann M. Israel and Gregg Swain, with photographs by Michel Arnaud, packed with 192 pages of beautiful illustrations showcasing the occidental experience o|9784805313237|, "What a great book ... The many international manufacturers, the culture craze, and variations in decorative elements have all been pulled together by Ann Israil and Gregg Swain in a very readable and incredibly well-researched book. that not only is chuck-full of useful information but laden with wonderful illustrations. Next time a set comes across my desk, I'll not only know more about it, but can refer the owner to the definitive source for all Mah Jongg set knowledge." - Lark Mason, Lark Mason Associates, Antiques Roadshow, This handsome book is the first to give a history of the tiles used in the game of Mah Jongg. The concept of the game and the symbols on the tiles are explained, and then the wide variety of materials used in making the tiles is discussed and illustrate|9784805313237|, "This handsome book is the first to give a history of the tiles used in the game of Mah Jongg. The concept of the game and the symbols on the tiles are explained, and then the wide variety of materials used in making the tiles is discussed and illustrated. Presented in brilliant color and beautifully designed, Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game would be a welcome addition to the bookshelf or coffee table of any art lover. For Mah Jongg players, ti's a must!" - Elizabeth Stillinger, author of The Antiquers and A Kind of Archeology: Collecting American Folk Art 1876-1976, "What a great book ... The many international manufacturers, the culture craze, and variations in decorative elements have all been pulled together by Ann Israel and Gregg Swain in a very readable and incredibly well-researched book, that not only is chock-full of useful information but laden with wonderful illustrations. Next time a set comes across my desk, I'll not only know more about it, but can refer the owner to the definitive source for all Mah Jongg set knowledge." -- Lark Mason, Lark Mason Associates, Antiques Roadshow, [...] Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game, an elegant new coffee table book written and photographed by three people with Columbia County connections. For many players, there's a social ritual to the whole game experience. For the authors and photographer of the book, however, it's so much more. It's about the art of the Mah Jongg tiles and sets: their histories, their design, the materials used, the varied symbols and scenes depicted on the tiles. -- Rural Intelligence , "A book about the game of Mah Jongg sounds extremely individualized, but might serve to the broader interests of those with a passion for art history." -- Bennington Banner, "What a great book ... The many international manufacturers, the culture craze, and variations in decorative elements have all been pulled together by Ann Israel and Gregg Swain in a very readable and incredibly well-researched book, that not only is chock-full of useful information but laden with wonderful illustrations. Next time a set comes across my desk, I'll not only know more about it but can refer the owner to the definitive source for all Mah Jongg set knowledge." -- Lark Mason, Lark Mason Associates, Antiques Roadshow
Photographed by
Arnaud, Michel
Synopsis
"I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Whether used as a reference or a beautiful keepsake, it's a very worthy addition to the world of Mah Jongg." --Ruth Unger, President, National Mah Jongg League This is the first book to fully capture the story of the exotic and exciting game of Mahjong or "Mah Jongg," offering an intimate look at the history of the game as well as the visual beauty of the tiles. When authors Ann Israel and Gregg Swain began playing Mahjong, they were unaware of the vintage collections that existed not only in the United States but also across the globe. Slowly, they started to collect their own sets of Mahjong and as their collections grew, so did their appreciation of the history of, and interest in, the game. Finding few references, Israel and Swain set out to create a book that chronicles the early beginnings of the game and documents Mahjong sets from the most basic, made of paper, to the most precious materials such as ivory and mother-of-pearl. Recognized and respected scholars and game experts have collaborated with Israel and Swain, contributing essential chapters on the game's history and its pieces as well as technical information on the tiles. Lastly, prominent collectors from around the globe have shared their incredible sets and memories for the first time in one book for everyone to enjoy. With hundreds of beautiful new images by renowned photographer Michel Arnaud, and including historical documentation and ephemera, Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game fills the void between the past's and today's game, providing vision, inspiration and resources. Anyone who has ever been intrigued by a Mahjong tile will find in these pages visually stunning photographs that will entice them into becoming an enthusiast of the timeless game of Mahjong., Mah Jongg: The Art & History of the Game is the first book to fully capture the story of the exotic and exciting game of Mah Jongg, offering an intimate look at the history of the game as well as the visual beauty of the tiles. When authors Ann Israel and Gregg Swain began playing Mah Jongg, they were unaware of the vintage collections that existed not only in the United States but also as far ranging as Africa to New Zealand. Slowly, they started to collect their own sets of Mah Jongg and as their collections grew, so did their appreciation of the history of, and interest in the game. Finding few references, Israel and Swain set out to create a book that chronicles the early beginnings of the game and documents Mah Jongg sets from the most basic, made simply of paper, to the most outrageous and opulent sets that have ever existed, made completely from gold.
LC Classification Number
GV1299.M3

Item description from the seller

About this seller

Booksxpress

95.9% positive Feedback40K items sold

Joined Dec 2023
Usually responds within 24 hours
Booksxpress, which was founded in 2013, is one of the most sought-after marketplace booksellers nationally and internationally, shipping over 2.5 million books a year from our U.S. fulfillment ...
See more

Detailed seller ratings

Average for the last 12 months
Accurate description
4.8
Reasonable postage costs
5.0
Postage speed
5.0
Communication
4.8

Seller feedback (10,651)

All ratings
Positive
Neutral
Negative
  • j***s (1099)- Feedback left by buyer.
    Past month
    Verified purchase
    Just as described, great condition, great packaging, good price, thanks so much, oh & I think you gave me the wrong tracking number, as this just came today July 28th, the one I got came last week in another part of NY, thanks though, A+++ Seller :)
  • d***i (216)- Feedback left by buyer.
    Past 6 months
    Verified purchase
    Packed safely and securely - Shipping was slow (10 days from an hour and a half away!) but it was Free! I thought Price was especially reasonable! Book came in Exactly as Described and I can't wait to start reading it! I Recommend this Seller!
  • e***j (92)- Feedback left by buyer.
    Past year
    Verified purchase
    A rocky start after I had to NUDGE the Seller into checking on my order after MORE than a week with NOTHING happening... But Seller communication was GOOD and the item showed up, well packaged, within the delivery window. Item was well priced, and they had a series that I STRUGGLED to find elsewhere, in NEW condition. I would recommend this seller if you can't find it elsewhere, that's the best I can give them.

Product ratings and reviews

5.0
12 product ratings
  • 12 users rated this 5 out of 5 stars
  • 0 users rated this 4 out of 5 stars
  • 0 users rated this 3 out of 5 stars
  • 0 users rated this 2 out of 5 stars
  • 0 users rated this 1 out of 5 stars

Would recommend

Good value

Compelling content

Most relevant reviews

  • Top favourable review

    A lovely and educational book

    I own more than two dozen books on mah jongg and this quickly became one of my favorites. While it deals with sets from a collector's perspective (for example, how to tell ivory from bone), it also deals with the game from a player's perspective (rules and strategies). All in all, this is a nice addition to any mah jongg addict's library.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-ownedSold by: bellwetherbooks_usa

  • the art of the tiles (but it also has some good history, too!)

    ...gorgeous photos and interesting info. It shows the authors' love of the mah jongg tiles.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-ownedSold by: bellwetherbooks_usa

  • Vintage Mahj

    I think this book is really great. I so enjoyed reading through it. It has so much more information for the non collector than I would have thought. I found it so interesting.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: NewSold by: bargainbookstores

  • Great book for lovers of the game of Mah Jongg

    Excellent informative history of Mah Jongg tiles, with very good full color pictures. Especially the history of the flower tiles.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-ownedSold by: books-fyi

  • Beautiful book! Fascinating history. My ...

    Beautiful book! Fascinating history. My neighbor wrote it and is teaching mah jongg classes, so I knew it would be interesting.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-ownedSold by: booksandmediastore