Forum / A Book Review

  • Darryl_falling_water.thumb
    Darryl Price
    Nov 11, 09:29pm

    Book Review

    by Darryl Price

    Footnotes from the
    Most Fascinating
    Museums

    Stories and Memorable Moments from
    People Who Love Museums
    By Bob Eckstein(also on Fictionaut!)
    PA Press | 9781797224398 | $27.50 | 176 p. | Travel

    A Review by Darryl Price

    Once upon a time my favorite cartoonist, Bob Eckstein, the award-winning illustrator, writer and cartoonist for the New Yorker, wrote what had instantly become one of my favorite books of all time, The History of the Snowman, which is exactly what the title suggests. It was like receiving a life saving vaccine against all the apathy and indifference the world has to offer in one delightful flu shot. I was an independent bookseller at the time and made a point of talking to each and every customer of mine about the incredible merits of owning such a weird and wonderful book, and then buying copies for any other adventurous readers they might know and love for the holidays. That was 2007, and I still feel the same way. Only now there is an illustrated edition that's even more fun to curl up with on a given quiet day--especially a cold, snowy one. Time will cease to exist, at least for a little while.

    And now he's turned out another stunning thing that just fascinates in the hand and mind like a beloved talisman, Footnotes from the Most Fascinating Museums. Mr. Eckstein likes to go deep into his subject matter, so he spent an enormous amount of time visiting museums and collecting stories from workers, visitors and curators, among others. He then made paintings from 75 museums to go along with each story he chose to include in his findings. The result is a masterpiece of creativity, wit and charm. Fun to look at, fun to read, and fun to contemplate. In an interview, he said he hopes the book gets used as a kind of travel guide. I wish the same for anyone lucky enough to get a firm hold of a personal copy. The funniest thing he said about the experience, for me, was: "Museums are giant selfies." That, my friends, is like a little Zen koan, a gag parting gift from the author--the more you think about it, the deeper you go. Or, as the Beatles once put it, A splendid time is guaranteed for all! Enjoy. I know I did. dp

  • Gun.thumb
    Chris Okum
    Nov 11, 10:25pm

    This sounds great.

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