May 3, 2009


Sizer, Nelson, and H.S. Drayton:
HEADS AND FACES AND HOW TO STUDY THEM: A MANUAL OF PHRENOLOGY AND PHYSIOGNOMY
Fowler & Wells Co., Publishers, New York, 1897.

Some 200 engraved portraits, demonstrating a spectrum of character traits (benevolence, sublimity, acquisitiveness, rectitude, etc.), as well as lots of elaborate whiskers.

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Di Maio, Dan:

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF ROSY ASTER
Citadel Press, New York, 1971.

A porn novel in the form of a rebus makes for an interesting literary experiment; but ultimately, the genre lacks heat.

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LaFetra, William:
CLIP AND GROOM YOUR OWN POODLE
T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, NJ, 1972.

Overheard in our shop, as a wisecracking 11-year-old examined the cover of this book: "Which one's the show dog?"

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Pirenne, M.H.:
OPTICS, PAINTING AND PHOTOGRAPHY
At the University Press, Cambridge, 1970.

Anybody can draw two converging lines, and call it a train track; but it takes some serious erudition to actually explain pictorial perspective in terms of optics and physiology.

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Robinson, Clarence C.:
CAREERS FOR BOYS
The University Society Inc., New York, 1933.

It seems irresponsible to direct youthful enthusiasm into farming, construction, law, medicine, banking, etc., while entirely omitting the popular and promising profession known as... Used Book Tycoon.

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Reed, Carl, and Joseph Orze:
ART FROM SCRAP
Davis Publications, Worcester, MA, 1960.

With many intriguing, if slightly forlorn, photos; and a handy "Projects & Materials" chart at the rear ("...Bark; Beads; Boxes; Burlap; Buttons...").

<-- front cover