Ask Ninja 03: Books
Ninja July 20th, 2007
Someone at SVA saw my The One Trick Rip-Off
Q: Could you recommend some books? (This was after some conversation; he didn’t just launch into it)
A: You betcha! (I’m going to give you a longer list than I gave him). You can click on the titles + it’ll bring you to the various online stores if you’re interested in getting your own copy.
For your reading + viewing pleasure (in no particular order):
Peter Hall + Stefan Sagmeister
This book has a transparent, red slipcover, which when removed it reveals an alternate message. It showcases all of Sagmeister’s work (even the “bad” stuff, which honestly isn’t even that bad). It’s honest, creative, + humourous.
Deanne Y. Cheuk
+ Mushroom Girls Virus: A Guide to the Identification and Study of Our Commoner Fungi with Special Emphasis on the Edible Varieties
I think this is sold out, but there are a few copies floating around out there. It’s completely gorgeous!!! Yes, the cover is really embroidered! My gosh, Deanne’s so talented (drool).
Louise Fili
+ A Designer’s Guide to Italy
Louise Fili dishes out the must-see things for a designer in Italy. This book features various printing methods + paper (oh, vellum overlays).
+ Duino Elegies: A Bilingual Edition
Beautiful, haunting poetry (in the original German with English translation on the recto folio). As an added bonus, Louise Fili designed the cover, hehe. Random trivia: When he was a young boy, after Rilke’s older sister passed away, his mum dressed him up in his sister’s clothing. Later on in life, he suffered from a lot of unrequited love. =(
Jordan Crane
+ The Last Lonely Saturday
Touching short story about a man who’s wife passed away. I shed a few tears towards the end.
Emigre
+ Emigre issue 69 (2005)
Emigre’s last issue!
Rinzen
+ Neighbourhood
This book is so hugable—it’s got an embroidered felt cover! Collaborative, modified version of the old surrealist game, the exquisite corpse. Plain, blank dolls were fashioned + sent to designer/artists around the globe. Each participant modifies it + sends it along to the next lucky person. Photos document each stage.
Underware
Read Naked: Sauna Font + Book Font CD
This book cracks me up. I forgot that the cover had “Read Naked” on it + was carrying it around on the subway. I got a few knowing glances + raised eyebrows from passerbys.Then I cluelessly looked around (what’s with the funny looks) + then down at my book (ohhhhh, I see). The book is printed with a special ink that becomes visible when in contact with steam (so really, it’s perfect for reading in a Sauna). 
Ian Phillips
+ Lost: Lost and Found Pet Posters from Around the World
A collection of lost pet posters.
I can’t even give this a brief description because so much goes on in the narrative. But know this: it’s mind-blowingly good.
Jennifer Appel
+The Buttercup Bake Shop Cookbook: More Than 80 Recipes for Irresistible, Old-Fashioned Treats
I love baking! Everyone thinks I’m awesome at it, when really I just am fortunate to have good recipes.
Seymour Chwast + Martin Venezky
+ The Push Pin Graphic: A Quarter Century of Innovative Design and Illustration
Get inspired. Just plain, good work.
Chuck Anderson
No Pattern
Book of Chuck Anderson’s work.
I just bought this:
Etgar Keret
+ The Bus Driver Who Wanted To Be God & Other Stories
I read a few snippets + was hooked. I can’t wait to read the rest of it…I just need to patiently wait for it to arrive in the post.
Got questions? Feel free to write me at ninja [at] ninjavspenguin [dot] com. And of course, if you have any book recommendations, I’d love to hear ‘em, too.
=),
Ninja
