Category: absurd

Hanes Stocking Ads, 1965

July 23rd, 2012

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

July 23rd, 2012

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

July 21st, 2012

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: Misc. 1

July 18th, 2012

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

July 17th, 2012

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

July 16th, 2012

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.
Desktop Goodies 7/8

July 8th, 2012

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.
Micro-Blog Week

July 4th, 2012

I have some things to do this week that will prevent spending time on this blog (oh, LIFE!). However, since there are always hundreds of things lurking on my desktop at any given time, I’ve decided to do a little “micro-blogging” instead of my usual posting style.

Expect the usual daily fare, in bite sized pieces (I won’t call them “fun sized” because fun sized candy would actually be more fun if it were bigger…we all know it).

More detailed posts will return ASAP.
Soft-Weve, 1950’s

June 24th, 2012

I think I’ve posted one of these in a Desktop Goodies post, but it’s time to show the whole fabulous set.

Never has toilet paper been so all-encompassing. Soft-Weve inspires entire rooms! Evening gowns around the house!

Heck, I’d coordinate everything with my toilet paper too for laugh one day…if it weren’t white…and who knows when I last wore white?
The Barbie Dream Hearse

June 21st, 2012

I’m the kind of girl who stumbles upon pictures of The Barbie Dream Hearse by accident amidst my regular web perusals.

I forget what search made this come up, but I’m glad it did. From the website:

The Barbie Dream Hearse is a fun alternative to your regular means of transportation. What began as a simple play on words turned into a full-fledged business concept, serving Seattle area ladies (and self-confident gentlemen!) with a unique, avant-garde way to spend the night on the town.

I don’t have any immediate plans to be in the Seattle area (though I’d like to visit), but this shirt is going my wish list.

Has anyone ridden in the Barbie Dream Hearse? If so, I’d love to hear about it.