Amazon.com description: Product Description: This new and beautiful book traces the development of pioneer photographs and the miniature art cases that were manufactured to protect and display them. Icons of their time, photographic cases are rich in history and design. Not limited to the cases themselves, this book explores various aspects of the Daguerreian era (1840-1870) and includes information on one-of-a-kind photographic forms, artists and casemakers, die-engraving, and all components of wood-framed, thermoplastic, and novelty cases. Emphasis is placed on Victorian-era design and its impact on the American case art industry. Included are over 460 illustrations, informative captions with values, and a comprehensive index. Written for novice and experienced collectors and designers alike, this book is a must-have resource for photographica enthusiasts, dealers, historians, and artists.