Buyers' Choice

This issue - April 2004.

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Some featured items are linked via a book cover to enable you to read more reviews.

	Conscientious objectives : designing for an ethical message, by John Cranmer & Yolanda Zappaterra. (2003) "Every design job is in part social", says one of the contributors to this important and timely book. "A laser-guided missile, a genetically designed seed, a voting ballot, or a book for children." Every aspect of design has an impact on the world around it and the people who consume the result. From Seattle's raw and raucous AmphetaZINE fro gay crystal meth users to the Computer is Bad subversion of Flat's public service announcements, Conscientious Objectives showcases inspired design solutions to a vast range of social, ethical, and environmental problems. (Book jacket)
	Bonfires and bells, by David Cressy. (2004) Bonfires, synonymous with the Gunpowder Plot, and bells, rung on a host of joyous occasions, were the most public markers of a new calendar that was uniquely English and that developed in the two centuries following the reformation. Overturning accepted ideas about English protestant attitudes to feast and celebration, David Cressy presents us with a picture of a people who were not all Puritan killjoys, bent on taking away the people's 'cakes and ale'.(He) shows how the traditional religious, farming and ritual calendars, were joined by celebrations to mark monarchs' birthdays, coronations and other occasions which singled England out as a Protestant nation chosen by God for special protection. (Amazon synopsis)
	Brick : a world history, James W.P. Campbell & Will. Price (photographer). (2003) This totally original architecture book - the first comprehensive work on brick, the essential building material - ranges over every culture throughout history. It follows the story of brick from 5,000 BC to the twenty-first century, from the vast baths and basilicas of ancient Rome, through the wonders of Gothic brick in Germany, Buddhist shrines in Burma, and Mughal mosques in Iran, to the modern revival of brick in the hands of architects like Gaudí. Marvelously illustrated with specially taken photographs. (Amazon book description)
	The self-destruction handbook : 8 simple steps to an unhealthier you, by Adam Wasson and Jessica Stamen. (2004) There is nothing more life affirming than total destruction, but it can be a difficult and sometimes lonely road. That is why, if you remember only one thing as you read this book, it should be this: the whole point of self-destruction is that it's fun. If you're not having fun, then you might as well be taking vitamins, 'working' on your relationships and reading self-help books. Your goal here should be to develop and pursue your self-destructive tendencies to their fullest potential, and have a good time doing it. (Amazon book description)
	Bootism : a shoe addict's handbook, by Michael Duranko and Penina Goodman. (2004) For those who believe you can never be too rich, too thin or have too many pairs of shoes, this title contains: bootist truths ("Price is not part of the purchasing decision"); bootist mantras ("There is always room for one more pair"); celebrity confessions; advice on where to shop; and more. (Amazon synopsis)

Day of the dead : the meeting of two worlds in Oaxaca, by Shawn D. Haley and Curt Fukuda. (2004)
The Day of the Dead is the most important annual celebration in Oaxaca, Mexico. The voices in the book are of those people who have participated in the Day of the Dead for as long as they can remember. There are no ghosts here. Only the souls of loved ones who have gone to the Village of the Dead and who are allowed to return once a year to be with their family. Very readable and beautifully illustrated, this book provides an extensive discussion of the people of Oaxaca, their way of life and their beliefs, which make the Day of the Dead logical and easily comprehensible. (Amazon synopsis)

The many faces of men : the definitive guide to the male species, by Stephen Whitehead. (2004)
We all know that men come in many shapes and sizes - but do you know how to recognise the difference between an Achilles and an Adonis? This highly entertaining guide shows you how to identify the man in your life - or recognise your own personality. Written in a tongue-in-cheek, accessible style, this book contains serious insights into the nature of men and masculinity by a respected expert on gender studies. Starting with a guide to modern men and their behaviours, it then goes on to reveal the 27 different faces of men in detail. (Amazon book description)

Dr Martens : the story of an icon, by Martin Roach. (2004)
A humorous, non serious tribute to the shoe that became an icon of pop youth culture and those "in search of durable footwear with weaponry applications". Written by music and pop culture journalist Martin Roach, it also includes items about musicians such as Jimi Hendrix and Freddy Mercury.

On the road to Mr Right, by Belinda Jones. (2004)

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