If you’re in the mood for something a little off-beat, try one of these dillies.
The Toothpick by Henry Petroski. More from the guy that brought you The Pencil. What began as a twig has become a tiny work of art. Find out how toothpicks are made (in great secrecy), possible interlopers on the trade (floss!) and the dangers of use (toothpick-related injuries – watch that club sandwich).
[un]fashion by Tibor Kalman. The most beautiful, unusual book on the planet. Published with photographs only and without text. The Kalmans traveled the globe to show how real people dress for all occasions. Sections include “headgear,” “footwear,” “extreme conditions” and “very extreme conditions.” One-of-a-kind in any context.
Sister Bernadette’s Barking Dog: Quirky History and Lost Art of Diagramming Sentences by Kitty Burns Florey. This is a beauty of a work. A little grammar, a bit of history, some nice nostalgia, and you’ve got yourself a sweet artistic book. Plus, it has a dog on the cover.
Important Artifacts and Personal Property from the Collection of Lenore Doolan and Harold Morris, Including Books, Street Fashion, and Jewelry by Leann Shapton. A very unusual and inventive story of the life and death of a romance, illustrated by various artifacts and memorabilia from a couple’s past. Find love, lose love, keep the Scrabble set.
Black Velvet Masterpieces: Highlights from the Collection of the Velveteria Museum by Carl Baldwin and Caren Anderson. Alas, the Velveteria Museum in Portland closed in January, but thankfully you can still see 300 of the paintings the authors collected over the years. From dogs playing cards to Frank Zappa to the Virgin Mary. All on the under-appreciated medium of velvet. So real you’ll think you’re in a wax museum.
The Natural History of the Chicken (DVD) by Mark Lewis. The average American eats 80 pounds of chicken products each year. But is that all there is to a chicken? The truth is that they can be quite charming. This warm and humorous DVD mixes coverage of the commercial chicken industry with fascinating stories of people who have poultry as pets. Get down with these funky chickens.
Ellen F. ~ Central Library
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