November 8, 2009

Graham, Harry:
RUTHLESS RHYMES FOR HEARTLESS HOMES
Edward Arnold, London, [later reprint, ca. 1949].


Illustrated verse, gleefully describing hideous accidents and sadistic cruelties visited upon stiff Edwardian families. Is this where Edward Gorey learned his shtick?


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[folding wall ruler]
McDONALDLAND METRIC & INCHES GROWTH CHART

McDonald's Systems, [U.S.], 1978.


Allows devotees of corporate fast food to track the metabolic conversion of cheeseburgers into children. Unfolds to 5 feet (1.5 meters); illustrated with insipid McDonaldland characters.


<-- top panel

Mershon, Wm. B.:
RECOLLECTIONS OF MY FIFTY YEARS HUNTING AND FISHING

Stratford Co., Boston, 1923.

A lifetime of decimation with shotgun and fly-rod, and never a moment of moral reflection: "I think it was in the fall of 1886 that I killed the last wild turkey in Michigan..."


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Caprilli, Federico; Piero Santini (trans.):

THE CAPRILLI PAPERS: PRINCIPLES OF OUTDOOR EQUITATION

J.A. Allen & Co., London, 1967.


The writings and photo archive of an Italian cavalryman who, on the brink of the automobile age, revolutionized riding with his "forward seat" style (and later died by falling off his horse).


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Smith, William Wye:
THE NEW TESTAMENT IN BRAID SCOTS

Alexander Gardner, Paisley, 1901.

The gospels with a wee o' the Scottish burr: "Gie us ilka day oor needfu' fendin. And forgie us a' oor ill deeds, as we e'en forgie thae wha did us ill..."


<-- title page


Senn, C. Herman:
THE ART OF THE TABLE

Ward, Lock & Co., London, 1923.


Not an art at all, but an inflexible set of formalities for serving nine-course meals to demanding socialites. Includes many diagrams of elaborate napkin-folding.


<-- front cover