Encyclopedia of Bad Taste - Hardcover

Stern, Jane

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 051708595X ISBN 13: 9780517085950

Publisher: Random House Value Publishing, 1992

Synopsis

America's premiere scholars of popular culture present a hilarious tribute to the all-time highs of lowbrow taste. The Sterns offer the definitive sourcebook of the world's favorite cultural extremes and faux pas. 350 photos, 50 in full-color.

About this title

From Library Journal:

Pop culture mavens and authors of 15 books, including Elvis World ( LJ 10/1/87) and Sixties People ( LJ 1/90), the Sterns have assembled a directory of American "ersatz culture" that would make Roseanne Barr proud. Their goal is, "to catalogue bad taste, define the standard masterworks, and inaugurate the annals of the world's favorite faux pas." With entries running the gamut from Chippendale dancers, Tammy Faye Bakker, and the jogging suit to Jello, nose jobs, and tattoos, the result is a somewhat humorous and whimsical volume that celebrates lowbrow culture more than berates it. This encyclopedia offers trivial information aplenty, most of it from secondary sources: the origins of bowling, the invention of the Lava Lite. It might make a good gift item, but as a library reference purchase it is not recommended. Perhaps for pop culture or humor collections.
- David Nudo, New York
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

Lava lamps, Hawaiian shirts, accordion music and outlandish performer Charo are among the kitschy or lowbrow people, places and things affectionately featured in this entertaining, colorful reference book. Illustrated. $50,000 ad/promo. (Oct.)no PW rev
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Random House Value Publishing
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 051708595X
• ISBN 13: 9780517085950
• Binding: Hardcover