Posts tagged books:
The Psychology of Insanity by Bernard Hart
I recently picked up this interesting little tome. Thought I’d photograph it. “This book is widely known for its lucid account of the modern theory that sanity and insanity are not to be divided in a clear-cut way, but rather shade gradually into one another. Since this book deals mainly with the fundamental general principles of abnormal psychology, and these were already clearly formulated at the time it was first written in 1912, a considerable part of the text needs no amendment. The author has revised the introductory chapter on the historical development of the subject, and his preface explains the scope and purpose of those textual changes which he feels to be necessary. The contents include chapters on the history and psychological conception of mental disorder, the phenomena of mental disorder, dissociation, complexes, conflict, repression, manifestation of repressed complexes, projection, the irrationality of the insane, phantasy, and the significance of conflict.” — Editorial Review from Amazon.com While an early 20th century perspective on mental illness makes for fascination reading, the reproduction of the 16th century Cambridge ornament on the cover and inside originally drew me to the book. The original artwork source is credited to a 1521 production by John Siberch. Cambridge lays claim to him as their first official printer although there some contention about whom he actually worked for. Siberch printed 10 books between the years 1521 and 1522 that I’ve heard described as of subject matter with little appeal. The press didn’t last long as a business venture. Whether the university can lay claim to Siberch, which would make their printing tradition just slightly older then Oxford (me thinks this just might have something to do with the matter), Siberch certainly was the first to set up a printing press in the town of Cambridge. John Siberch, formerly Johann Lair von Siegburg (c. 1476-1554)
Transit Maps of the World
Things of beauty as well as function, nearly every underground, light railway and tram network map in the world appears in this book.
Transimit Maps of the World by Mark Ovenden claims to be the first of it’s kind.
— Anthony P. Munoz
apmunoz.com
In January 2007, I spent 3 weeks criss-crossing India in an autorickshaw. For those of you familiar with this splendid vehicle, it’s a 3-wheeled, motorized rickshaw, much like a moped with a windshield and canvas roof.
It was an incredible way to see the country. While trying to stay alive, I couldn’t help but marvel at the roadway artwork. If an Indian vehicle hauls anything - from hay to humans - it is decorated to the fullest degree. Trucks, taxis, rickshaws, pedi-taxis, even ox carts, are covered stem to stern in slogans, initials, pictographs, floral designs and stripes. Usually all at once. No space is left untouched. Even the windshields are bespangled until the barest minimum space is left to operate the vehicle to a passable degree.
Taxis and trucks in particular have the word “Stop” painted on the lower left corner of the rear. It’s a plea really, for whatever is behind them, to pay close attention and at the slightest provocation, slam on the brakes. This book has examples of this “functional,” outsider art, with some other images from the road tossed in.
by Anthony P. Muñoz
Centennial Theme by One by Four Studio. Powered by Tumblr.
