Most wallpaper books are about surface design. This one looks below the surface to discover the material culture of wallpaper as it became popular in Europe and came to New France and New England. It asks important questions; Was wallpaper really only for the well-to-do? Who were the people who bought wallpaper? Who sold it? Who installed it? How much did it cost? Robert M. Kelly explores the foundations for the continuing success of wallpaper; one of the most prolific and delightful decorative materials ever invented."Backstory" was nominated for the annual book prize of Historic New England. It has been recommended by Print Quarterly; CHOICE (Current Reviews For Academic Libraries); Booklist (American Library Association); ARLIS (Art Libraries Societies of North America); and the Wallpaper History Society. The revised eBook edition includes 13 additional color photos.
#3246594 in eBooks 2016-01-27 2016-01-27File Name: B01B4SEYMG
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Being a sideshow fanatic as a kid I really liked this bookBy Arkansas RedBeing a sideshow fanatic as a kid I really liked this book. Im reading it again. Recommended for anyone interested in the sideshow side of the carnival.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy WilliamWell written look at alternative entertainment6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. THE REAL STUFF ABOUT THE REAL MODERN SIDESHOWBy Wayne KeyserI am impressed. I speak as an author and podcaster on modern-day sideshow arts (...); Tony Gangi is the real thing; and the real behind-the-scenes secrets are here (carefully avoiding the overawed but superficial laymans perspective).Gangi is a good author and hes written a book that is not just engaging; but insightful - no matter how experienced you already are; youll learn some new things here. The 12 chapters alternate between Gangis personal stories about the skills he learned at Coney Island Sideshow School; and chapters on the people who represent the best of New Sideshow: Todd Robbins; Harley Newman; Tyler Fyre and Thrill Kill Jill; Ward Hall; most of the 999 Eyes performers; Penn Jillette; Danny Borneo; Swami Yohmami; Gwyd and Sylver Fyre; Brett Loudermilk; and many others. And these are my favorite kind of interviews; presenting these characters as a meeting of colleagues.Gangi has better interview skills than I do; he draws out personal insights and thoughtful reflections on sideshow arts; particularly some thoughts on sideshow ballys as handed-down folk traditions from Penn. This one isnt just a book for sticking on your sideshow shelf to say youve got it; it will repay more than one careful read.
