Review of Chip Rack - Fifth Edition By James L. Perlowski

I borrowed a friends copy of the Chip Rack #5 (TCR-5) thereby giving me an opportunity to evaluate it. I'm still waiting for mine.
At first glance I was pleased with the binding. The big red spiral back was plenty oversized allowing the turning of pages without any problems. The cover is color but it is nothing more than a reproduction of the cover used for TCR #3 & TCR #4. The back or last page for lack of a better description is black and appears thicker to the touch than any of the other pages except the cover. TCR- 5 looks and feels better constructed than any of its predecessors. It should hold up well from the "beatings" it will receive by the constant use in looking up requested information.
The Acknowledgments page is right there as you open the book. I was disappointed to see certain names left off that I know for a fact these individuals are constantly providing information to the authors. One name that comes immediately to mind is Don Lueders. Don always provides any information he discovers. To leave him off does not create good public relations and irritates those involved in the hobby especially me.
Boy! was I pleased to see a Table of Contents. In my opinion a Table of Contents should have been introduced two editions back. The introduction is in its usual place. Readers SHOULD read it. The intro contains information that every chip collector must be aware of. I have found in the past that users of the "Rack" just don't read anything other than the info they are looking up. Big Mistake!!!! I would have preferred the Users Guide to be in the back instead of the front of the book. This is personal and really does not detract from a well put together reference book.
The type of print used is a little different but does not detract from easy reading of the information. By making the print for the last three columns smaller nothing is lost and much is gained in the binding process. I like the way it was done.
I immediately turned to some of my "pet peeves". You know California chips listed as Nevada. WOW!!! Most of them were gone! Way to go authors!!! They finally listened. I will no longer accuse them of being Polish. On a selective basis I picked out certain chips to check the prices against what I know to be the market price. Again a pleasent surprise. Although the value listed was still under market - it was much closer to reality than any of the previous editions. I like the use of the plus and minus signs. In my opinion they should put the reader on notice that maybe, just maybe, the chip sells for more or less than listed. I like that. It is obvious the authors worked hard to try and create realistic prices. That is all a reader can expect.
Overall, I highly recommend TCR -5 to everyone who collects chips. The wealth of information presented and the effort put forth is obvious from the moment one picks up this fine publication. Those who know me know I am not free with my praise nor can a positive opinion be purchased. I take great pride in calling it like I see it. In this case I see it as a bargain at any price!!!!! Best, Jim