Archive for Books

Hanes Stocking Ads, 1965

Posted in absurd, advertising, Books, vintage with tags , , , on July 23, 2012 by shewalkssoftly

When I first glanced at these ads, I was thrilled because I thought “All right! Ads that extol the inimitable sexiness of a woman who reads! A win for the BRAINS!”

Then I looked closer:
“You can read about the women who are unforgettable, disarming and a not-so-quiet sensation…or you can become one by wearing new MSYTRECE.”

D’OH!

Now, it’s rare that I get riled up over vintage sexist advertising because I understand that although abhorrent, that kind of thing did happen…but there are books involved here…BOOKS, I tell you!

If I were less modest, I would reclaim this photoshoot by posing the same way and rewriting the captions to celebrate my fellow intellectual women out there. I dare say one doesn’t need to make a choice between being smart OR sexy. Smart IS sexy.

Source

Vintage Book Covers: Misc 3

Posted in absurd, Books, humor, vintage with tags , , , on July 23, 2012 by shewalkssoftly

The giant radioactive rodent welcomes you to this post. Civilization staggered!

I actually could have made a lot of money this way…

Who WOULDN’T?

Go on with your bad self!

And while we’re on the subject…

Why what a unique cover for a party hosting book. I guess “The New Hostess” sits naked by the fire and cooks the guests to serve on bread.

This is more the usual fare:

Incredible cover.

Careful with that “man-about-town,” Night Club Nurse…

…or you may become:

Stick with:

Here’s another pulp gem. I’m assuming “world’s oldest trap” refers to the woman on the left:

If THIS guy hands you a frog in your pudding, you eat it. You eat it and you shut up.

We’ll end on an uplifting note.

Don’t worry…it gets…well, not better I guess…

Oh fine, go have some:

Vintage Book Covers: Misc 2

Posted in absurd, Books, food, humor, kitsch, politics, science with tags , , , , , , on July 21, 2012 by shewalkssoftly

My apologies for the lack of posting yesterday. Some days just don’t allow for blog time!

Absolutely love this:

Space Cat instantly brought giant smiles to my face.

I hope this next one is purely literal (as indicated by cover). If you’re as cool as Space Cat, there is no need for hallucinogens.

A lesson every child should learn.

1831 informative volume:

Awesome.

Yikes, Christian Crusade Publications.

As a hermit, I always make a point to have some wild friends. It makes for good stories.

Now it’s time to get political.

…Although we use the term “beautiful” rather loosely.

Perfectly polite.

As I post these covers, I’d like to thank Carrie and Fritz for peppering my email inbox with fun vintage books this week!

Vintage Book Covers: Spooky Beautiful Antiques

Posted in antiques, Books, vintage with tags , , on July 19, 2012 by shewalkssoftly

Whether or not you like spiders…this is rather special.


Thank you, Headless Hearseman for this one:

A first edition of Baudelaire’s Les Fleurs du Mal.

What a beautiful process book binding/cover crafting used to be…

Amazing…

One of my all time favorites:

Vintage Book Covers: Misc. 1

Posted in absurd, Books, humor, vintage with tags , , , on July 18, 2012 by shewalkssoftly

Simply wonderful.

Sometimes we’re just introverted by choice…

Okay, so this is a book PAGE, but I love it. (Notice I said love it…not agree with it)

Oh, now that’s just mean.

Hm. Decide what?

Bold.

If bananas are not your thing, maybe Annie Ross can help.

Yes, I was.

Brilliant play on words. Love it so much…

I warn you…you can’t unsee this…

You were warned.

Awkward.

But it gets better?

If you need a little help:

Vintage Book Covers: Ventriloquism

Posted in absurd, Books, humor, puppets with tags , , , on July 17, 2012 by shewalkssoftly

This post is actually inspired by this particular book:

I loved that cover…then realized I’m such a collector-nerd that I had a whole bunch on vintage ventriloquism book covers…who knew?

Simple. Complete. Awkwardly titled.

So lifelike!

They got literal with the cover.

Somehow an LP cover got in the mix…”Instant!”

Why do I even have all of these? Ah well, this lovely 1930′s ventriloquist dummy shall bid you goodbye (we don’t want to get into my folder of antique puppets…no, we do not).

Vintage Book Covers: Wicked Women

Posted in absurd, Books, humor, vintage with tags , , , on July 16, 2012 by shewalkssoftly

Let’s kick off this theme week with some “sinners,” shall we?

Careful, Melvin…

I’m assuming she’s impatient because she hates getting caught in traffic during rush hour.

The worst? Of all? Really?

It happens.

Spell casting was never so sexy…

The greatest thing about this is the repetition of the word.

There are hundreds, perhaps thousands of vintage pulp covers featuring “wicked” woman but those are easy to find with a simple search. It’s gems like THIS that don’t come along every day.

But since I’m a good girl, I’ll end this post on a moral note.

Vintage Book Cover Week: Call for Submissions

Posted in announcement, Books with tags , on July 15, 2012 by shewalkssoftly

It’s been too long since I’ve had a theme week! I’ve decided to make this coming week all about vintage book covers, pulled from my archives. If you have a bizarre, interesting, creepy or gorgeous vintage book cover suggestion…please send it my way (will credit, of course)!

Desktop Goodies 7/8

Posted in absurd, advertising, anatomy, anthropomorphic, art, Books, clothing, comics, death, destinations, humor, kitsch, monsters, photography, pinup, vintage with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 8, 2012 by shewalkssoftly

I want to go here. So badly.

Anyone know the artist for this?

I do not know this woman, but her batty glasses indicate she’s probably pretty great.

This woman, too…

A child destined for greatness.

I really want this game!

Bats and cats…oh my.

Now let’s get serious and talk about death. Great book title:

And another:

I would absolutely read this one.

Another incredible title.

Does anyone have this? I couldn’t find it anywhere, but I’m curious and intrigued.

The first? Great detective work, Dr. Donohue.

I never knew a mortuary could be so exciting.

“Man describes his sensations while slowly roasting to death”

Rather beautiful antique illustration:

Indication of slightly skewed priorities (read the fine print…she’s upset about her hair).

It may feel like slight indigestion at first, but…

Anyone know where this anthropomorphic poison comes from?

Brilliant!

Serenade…

Lovely death and (a) maiden.

Come in, kiddies. A meaty, cheesy death surely does not await you in the hungry jaws of Mayor McCheese.

Heaven?

Hell?

For the ladies…

I don’t think this ended well.

The end.

Burning Book Sculpture

Posted in Books, sculpture with tags , on June 28, 2012 by shewalkssoftly

I have no info on this incredible piece expect for the fact that it seems to have come from a college sculpture class.

Ideas anyone?

Source

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