**STAFF PICKS**

Here are some gem-gem-gems staff picked from our shelves:


Hand Job: A Catalog of Type 
Comic Sans got ya down? If so, this collection of typography (brought to you by cool kid Mike Perry) introduces super cool fonts, type and illustrations by various artists that will inspire your imagination rather than evoke strong feelings of hatred.


Manhole Covers
FIRE IN THE HOLE! Manhole, that is. Manhole covers, often overlooked by those walking over them, are shown in a whole new light. The covers shown are ornately composed and displayed in black and white photographs. If in the past you have been guilty of not paying attention to manhole covers, it's okay. But as of now you have no excuse not to show them love. You are now doomed to look down forevvver.


Steam, Steel & Stars
Alllllll aboard! Steam, Steel and Stars takes us on a majestic journey through the last days of the steam-powered railroad. Lots of beautiful black and white portraits with a nostalgic feel, taking you way back when to those good old days of a simpler time where the choo-choo was king.

OLDIES BUT GOODIES

 I love old books, don't you? Here are some gem-worthy titles that have only gotten better with age:
 
Knife, Fork, Spoon; The story of our primary eating implements and the development of their form
What did we do before the creation of these avant-garde utensils? We ruined our outfits by making a mess at the dinner slab! Keeping the artist ideology of "form as function" in mind, Knife, Fork, Spoon highlights the practical use of these tools as well as the aesthetic value of each, even touching upon the use of table manners and dinner etiquette! So if you'll please excuse me, ahem-hem, I need to continue on with the next title.

 
Jewellery
Do you wear jewels? Live jewels? Sleep jewels? If you possess an ornamental mentality, Jewellery, first published in 1908 will certainly bedazzle you. Whether you are taking a jewellery course or if you're like me and quite certain that your spirit guide is a magpie, this book is sure to give you plenty of inspiration for all future, shiny endeavors.


The Wonderful World Of Netsuke
Welcome to the wonderful world of netsuke, the miniature, sculpted figurines of the Japanese. Raymond Bushell examines the historical significance and/or narrative tale each figurine provides. And some of the figurines...sooo cute!

Hidden Gems: Secrets of the Library Vertical File

Don't be afraid to search for items in the Vertical File Cabinets in the Library! They contain some definite hidden gems. The cabinets are located at the end of the banks of shelves. The Vertical Files may contain interesting lesser-known artists, or unusual collections of your favorite artists.

Here's one that caught my eye:

the work of Kwang-Young Chun

and his folded paper sculptures

Check out some hidden gems the next time you are in the library.

Hidden Gem: Graphis Diagrams

Hidden Gem:

Graphis diagrams : the graphic visualization of abstract data

Check out this title full of odd, creative, compelling diagrams, maps, posters, charts, graphs and more!

Hidden Gem: Changing Faces

Be sure to check out this title the next time you are in the library!

Changing Faces

by George Tscherny

"... an offbeat and humorous collection of paintings, drawings, cartoons, masks, toys, advertisements, and other works of ephemera that-- by flipping, spinning, twisting, pulling or just plain staring-- transform the human visage.... Filled with over 130 pieces of fully interactive objects from the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, the Victorian era and today..."

Hidden Gem: Unique Forms of Art

Unique Forms of Art

This is undoubtedly a hidden gem. Unique Forms of Art (German: Urformen der Kunst) is a large book bound in green cloth, full of elegant and alien portraits of plant forms. Previously cataloged in a different part of the library, this hidden gem should get some more attention, now that it is appropriately cataloged and shelved in the photography section, where it belongs. Next time you're at the library, be sure to check out this classic beauty!

Hidden Gem: PUBLIC PRIVATES

This book is for people who are interested in performance, have a vagina or know someone who has one. Of the many interesting essay topics that fit the scope of this study:

• Playing Doctor: Cronenburg's Surgical Construction of Mutant Female Bodies
• Retooling the Speculum: Annie Sprinkle's Public Cervix Announcement
• Cadavers, Dolls and Prostitutes: Medical Pedagogy and Pelvic Rehearsal

Kapsalis deconstructs the medical establishment, examining the way it is performed and how it influences women's views of their bodies. With a scope so broad, there's a little something for everyone.

Hidden Gems: Titles that deserve a second look

Be sure to check out these Hidden Gems the next time you're at the library:

Jake & Dinos Chapman : if Hitler had been a hippy how happy would we be

Sex Design

Compact cabins : simple living in 1,000 square feet or less

Hidden Gem: Complete Encyclopedia of Illustration

Be sure to check out this Hidden Gem of a book next time you're at the library:

Complete Encyclopedia of Illustration

by J.G. Heck

Hidden Gem: Contemporary Erotic Drawings

Be sure to check out this Hidden Gem of a book next time you're at the library:

Contemporary Erotic Drawing

curated by Stuart Horodner