I love to read, and I love eye candy. Put the two things I love together, throw in that the book is based on wine touring, and you have one Wine Chic in heaven!
Have you heard of the cartoonist Ralph Steadman? He's probably best known for working with Hunter S. Thompson, but he has created many political and whimsical illustrations outside of that collaboration along with several of his own books. In fact two of his books are dedicated to wine: The Grapes of Ralph, and the book pictured above - Untrodden Grapes.
First, the deets: published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Nov 1, 2005 - 260 pages.
O.k., now that the deets are out of the way, on to the reasons why I love having this book in the salesroom for our guests to peruse. And for me to pick up when the power goes out and I can't do computerwork or use the cash register (or by the way,flush the toilet - ah the joys of country living!).
Mr. Steadman is delightful and usually irreverant in all his writings. In this book he focuses his witty observations and whimsical illustrations on the world of wine. Transport yourself inksplash by brash line through the major wine regions of Europe and the New World. Don't feel like you need to start at the beginning of this book either - just open up to a section and read. His chapters are more essays than lengthy chapters which makes it pretty easy to pick up in any spot and read for just a few minutes.
My guess is though, the first time you put this book in your hands, you won't hardly read a thing. You'll be too busy checking out all the artwork that fills the pages.
Steadman's flowing energetic lines plus all his collaged fantasmagorical creatures and contraptions make me think that this man may have actually begun the steampunk trend (well, along with Terry Gilliam) or been influenced by Rorschach tests. Whichever the case, he softens all these images with watercolor washes and a joyous use of bold color. You won't get bored when you look through this book, I promise!
My doggies, Pepe and Maggie are thoroughly disappointed to have not been included in the wine dogs of the world portion of this book.
However, they agree with Steadman's approach to all winery dogs (found on page 90):
I never go to stroke a dog, but offer the back of my hand to be smelled, licked, and savored, like a fine wine.
My criticism is that I'm too easily distracted from the writing by all the intricate illustrations. But alright that's not really a criticism. Well, the book is too big to fit in my purse, making it unsuitable for perusal during those times when there is a line to the tasting counter or you forgot to make reservations at your favorite restaurant.
I hope you have a chance to check out this book. Really, any book by (or featuring) Ralph Steadman would be a fun one to pick up. When you are not traveling around drinking wine of course!
Happy Trills,
Katie
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