Every family historian, collector (of anything), packrat, and anyone else who wants to save stuff of any kind will learn from "Saving Stuff". I am all of those: family historian, collector of many things, and packrat. Sometimes the right way to save things so they will last with the least amount of decay is not the intuitive way to save said things. This book is written by Don Williams, the senior conservator of the Smithsonian Institution -- and therefore an authority on the best way to preserve stuff.

The subtitle on this book is How to Care for and Preserve Your Collectibles, Heirlooms, and Other Prized Possessions. Did your child make you a macaroni necklace that you'd like to preserve? Do you own a priceless vase? You will get advice for preserving both.

The book is well-written. It contains clear and complete instructions for do-it-yourself preservation, along with advice on when the project is likely to be beyound a DIYer's abilities, and how to find a professional's help at that point. Although I keep this as a reference book, it's an easy read, and sometimes I pick it up to read through just for fun. ( )