Monday, January 31, 2011

Tantalizing Titles





I admit it. I judge my books by their covers...or at least I do when choosing the ones to place on top of cocktail and side tables. Why waste precious real estate with a banal book cover? But what about titles? Have you ever thought to display books with witty or naughty titles?

I admit that I never thought of doing so until I saw the above photo of London designer
Richard Adams' bookcase. He very cleverly placed Snobs, Unsuitable Company, and Shocking! facing out on the ends of the glass shelves. I do have Shocking! in my home, and I really should place it on the top of a stack of books. Unfortunately, that might be the most Shocking! thing my home as seen.

After a quick search on the web, I found all kinds of books that would be perfect to display in a woman's home.




This Lonny photograph shows a stack of books in the home of New York designer Elizabeth Bauer. On top is the classic 1930s single gal primer Live Alone and Like It by Marjorie Hillis. I might have to get a copy for myself because I live alone, and guess what? I actually like it.




You could really be devilish and feature Maysie Greig's Men as Her Stepping Stones prominently in your home. (I have Nick Harvill to thank for introducing me to this book.) No, I'm not trying to make a statement nor a confession with this choice.





The feminist counterpoint to Greig's book might be Self Made Woman by Faith Baldwin. It might not be feminist, though, depending on how that woman became self made.




And last but not least, another Maysie Greig novel that is perfect for me: No Dowry for Jennifer. "His selfish love forced Jennifer into the arms of another man." And you thought all I did was write this blog!



Adams photo from English Eccentric Interiors by Miranda Harrison. Bauer photo from Lonny magazine, June/July 2010, Patrick Cline photographer.

22 comments:

  1. Anonymous8:54 AM

    You are very funny! Have a good day.

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  2. Completely delightful.

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  3. What fun!! And considering that I art directed book jackets for almost 20 years, I especially appreciate this post!

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  4. Wonderful collection of novels with personality. I want to display them - but I really want to read them. Added to my reading list...thanks for sharing!

    Leigha

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  5. WHAT FUN
    Thankyou fay xx

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  6. I love quirky titles! I once worked in my friend's bookshop and her favourite title was "The Dog in Art from Rococo to Post Modernism" whilst I love one of the Shire Book titles, "Betal Chewing Equipment of East New Guinea"! Beat that, har, har!
    Margaret P

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  7. cute, cute titles! Now, I'm on the hunt for some :)

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  8. Anonymous10:08 AM

    This is brilliant - perfect way to start a snowy Monday in the office with my coffee - KDM

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  9. MIne would be "Who's your mama, are you Catholic and can you make a roux?", a creole cookbook I found...sort of sums me up.

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  10. OK that poked me! Now my hunt is on to get me some great titles for my bookshelves+Great post-I love your blog!xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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  11. The order I see the narrative of these book titles is that when guests see "Stepping Stones" the heroine will be living alone, requiring her to become a self made woman.
    Best,
    Liz

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  12. hilarious! Shopping for books has become much more fun today!!

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  13. There are several blogs that regularly feature the covers of vintage pulp fiction and special interest magazines. I have thought about using these bizarre covers to make my own dust jackets for books stacked around, out of their "regular" location. But I always have so many out that I am reading or want to show someone that I do not have the opportunity to decorate with books for effect. But I would if I had the opportunity!

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  14. I am feeling BEYOND chic with this post. I, too, have Shocking! And Snob (I adore Julian Fellowes) and Live Alone is another favorite...read about it here http://lucindaville.blogspot.com/2009/09/etiquette-wednesday_20.html

    Her companion book Caviar and Corned Beef For The Live-Aloner is another gem!

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  15. Ha! Interesting post...I do have 'Snobs' - I love Julian Fellowes especially from 'Monarch of the Glen' but he is behing the new BBC series 'Downton Abbey' - :0

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  16. I have a copy of Live Alone and LIke It and love this book. If the other titles are half as good, they would be as much fun to read as display.

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  17. Great little post here...loved your humorous and creative take on the books. You are right, we are much more captivated by the title and covers of books, than maybe we would care to admit. Great post.

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  18. I love the collection of titles you chose to include here. My roomate and I took a similar and displayed books with raunchy titles! Great post, keep it up!

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  19. Oh! I have "Live Alone and Like It!" but my copy is missing the book jacket, which makes it so much better for display.

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  20. Dear Jennifer,

    This post is why I love the south, and southern women, LIKE YOU!!!

    Dean

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  21. I completely agree! Buying books has become archaic with kindles and ipads so if you're going to spend more money to get the actual book, it better have something unique about the artwork so you can show it off :)

    www.thefinishing-school.com

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  22. You got a pretty decent book collection.

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