n/a:
MANUAL ON UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES FOR STREETS AND HIGHWAYS.
U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, 1971.

Official graphic standards for signage in the automotive landscape: a potent fetish object for Ballardite design junkies. With colour illustrations throughout.

<-- front cover

Peterson, Wm. O. (ed.):
MASONIC QUIZ BOOK: "ASK ME ANOTHER, BROTHER"
Charles T. Powner Co., Chicago, 1960.

"What is a Broached Thurnel?" "Who is the Principal Sojourner?" "What is the length of your 'Cable Tow'?" "What is the source of the term 'Riding the goat?'" ...etc.

<-- front cover

Douglas, Helen (comp.):
THE SILVER CROSS, A COLLECTION OF POEMS AND HYMNS FOR THE SICK AND SUFFERING
George Bell & Sons, London, 1908.

Uniquely depressing verse on Christian resignation in extremis: titles include "Pain," "Weariness," "Enough," "Wishes about Death," etc.

<-- front cover

Austin, Alma H.:
THE ROMANCE OF CANDY
Harper & Brothers, New York, 1938.

From tropical raw materials to Main St. merchandising, a forgivably tolerant overview of the industry responsible for creating the world's easiest-to-like substances. With over 50 photos.

<-- photos 28 to 33 ("Making Peanut Crisp," etc.)

Clark, George H., and James Fletcher:
FARM WEEDS OF CANADA
Dominion of Canada Dept. of Agriculture, Ottawa, 1923.

It's sweet, and somehow chivalrous, that a couple of agricultural bureaucrats would produce such a lovely book about plants they despise so adamantly. With 76 very pretty colour plates.

<-- page 120 & plate 44: Field Bindweed

Fogarty, Ann:
WIFE-DRESSING
Julian Messner, Inc., New York, 1959.

Costume advice for married narcissists with big closets: for a 10-day Florida vacation, the author (herself a fashion designer) recommends packing 18 dresses and 20 pairs of shoes.

<-- front cover