Ralph Kovel, one of the world's foremost experts in antiques and collectibles, died after complications from a broken hip. He was 88 years old, and lived in Shaker Heights, Ohio, with Terry, his wife of 58 years and coauthor of his syndicated newspaper column and bestselling books.
Together, the Kovels have published 96 guides to antiques and collectibles, which have sold millions of copies. Their 97th book, "Kovels' Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide 2009" (Black Dog & Leventhal) is scheduled to be published this month.
The couple's first book, "Kovels' Dictionary of Marks -- Pottery & Porcelain: 1650-1850," published in 1953, led to their Q&A newspaper column, which was launched into syndication by King Features in 1955. Terry Kovel will continue the column, which appears in more than 150 newspapers nationwide.
In addition to their syndicated column and book collections, the Kovels have kept collectors and dealers up to date on trends, prices, care and identification of antiques and other collectibles through a monthly newsletter and a robust, interactive website at www.kovels.com.
They also have been featured frequently on radio and television shows and wrote articles for various publications.
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