I love my bookshelves. My wife says I spend more time arranging them than actually reading them and I think she's right. I have a wall of cubicles that I alternate with books and folk art and other treasures and to me it's my private space to endlessly curate. I always love seeing how people arrange their favorite books and objects. It's like a small glimpse inside their head.
Many of these books (Click on the images for a larger shot) can be found on Amazon by clicking the links at the top of the page (yes, that's a shameless plug because I get a few cents for every book purchased through those links). But seriously, I find that to be the best way to list some great books that I find interesting and you may too, if you like some of the stuff that I post.
All of these books are great but I'll highlight a few that I think are crazy deals. (HINT: I tend to not be too anal about buying a book in pristine mint condition. It just needs to be in decent condition, so I typically will buy a book used from a bookseller and save myself some money.)
American Vernacular: The followup to Ricco/Maresca's seminal American Primitive. Both volumes are indispensible for anyone interested in sculptural folk art forms. Starting at $9.95 for a used copy is ridiculous!
Fun Along the Road: American Tourist Attractions: A really fun book highlighting roadside tourist attractions. Starting at $.97 for a used copy.
The Flowering of American Folk Art 1776-1876: Another bible and must have for any folk art collector, although this one from a slightly earlier time and focus. Starting at $14.45 for a used copy.
Create and Be Recognized: Photography on the Edge: An amazing and really fun book on outsider photography. $6.09 for a new copy is crazy. I may just buy another copy.
Friday, August 28, 2009
A Few Good Books...
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7 comments:
Charming collection. I've attempted something I never thought I would - colour coordination. This frankly works well with the novels but not so well with non-fiction and reference works.
What exactly is outsider photography?
Ah, that's a good idea. The only thing about color is that it would drive me nuts trying to find a book. I tend to be pretty straightforward when sorting the books - theme and then by size.
I had the same question when I first heard the term "outsider photography" too. It's pretty much exactly what it sounds like - outsider artists who used the medium of photography instead of painting or sculpture to articulate their particular vision. Some really fascinating examples are in the book including this one:
http://anonymousworks.blogspot.com/2007/04/nothing-like-crazy-russian-with-gun.html
Great post, I always enjoy looking at other people's books and how they are shelved/organized.
I myself have contemplated going the color coordinated route but can never bring myself to. I've always been restricted, for one reason or another, to alphabetizing within sections. I did though recently decide to arrange all art/design related books by size (largest to smallest). Would never think of doing such a thing with fiction, or more importantly, with the philosophy/theory section. That might push me over the edge.
Yeah, I like having all the different colors together, so never went the color coordinated route. I've also liked putting strange bedfellows together, just so that everything isn't completely regimented into their own sections. Like Bauhaus textiles next to Charles and Ray Eames next to Spanish folk art. I don't know, seems to work for me.
Oh, and I love putting the archival book jacket protectors on the dust jackets. It's a little perverse I know...
I get these from BroDArt:
http://www.shopbrodart.com/shop/cb/Product.aspx?pgID=6423
It is a little perverse but that's okay, I know I feel the same way when sleeving lps. I wonder how my girlfriend would react if I pulled out archival jackets one day. She already gives me a funny look sometimes when I get out the bulk bag(s) of lp sleeves.
christmas list....
I put books on my Xmas list almost every year and somehow my wife got it in her head that books don't make good Xmas presents, so I almost never get them. I use THAT to justify my being able to buy myself books all year long!
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