In My Library... Russian Criminal Tattoo Encyclopedias

By far, the Russian Criminal Tattoo Encyclopedias are some of the most fascinating books in my library. I can talk about what I've learned from these amazingly detailed and beautiful books for hours!

Each volume digs deep into Russian history, exploring the prison system and gang hierarchy, which is symbolized through intricate (and often bizarre) tattoos. The history leads itself to story telling which is both intriguing and heartbreaking, with the power behind each tattoo's meaning teaching you more about Russian life than any traditional history lesson. LOVE these books!

In My Library... Giraffes? Giraffes!

"Giraffes? Giraffes! is the first in the series, and puts forth the following novel theories: that giraffes were not part of any evolutionary chain, but came here from Neptune, by way of very long (but convenient and fast) escalators; that giraffes are expert dancers, but they become angry if you ask them about their dancing; that giraffes control over 90 percent of what we see in mirrors; that the Giraffe navy is as strong as ever, contrary to recent claims in the popular press."

Funniest... book... (not ever) but EVER! I found this book at a great shop in the Mission while on a business trip to San Francisco this winter. I've always loved giraffes, but I had no clue what I was in store for with the brilliant Giraffes? Giraffes! by Dr. & Mr. Doris Haggis-on-Whey. Seriously... laugh out loud hilarious!

In My Library... Peggy Guggenheim

I've got a quick response every time the question of "name 3 people, living or dead, you would have to dinner" comes up, and Peggy Guggenheim is definitely one of them! After finding her biography cover, Art Love: A Biography of Peggy Guggenheim interesting while on a trip to the Hirshhorn Museum in college, I bought it and loved every page!

[Photo: Art patron Peggy Guggenheim at the Museum of Modern Art in 1942 from Associated Press]

Her incredible life, impeccable taste, and volatile personality make it an amazingly quick read. The history surrounding her collection, and her love life, are full of unbelievable events. Peggy's bold and brave taste has definitely influenced my own, and her life story is one I keep coming back to over and over again! Plus, gotta love her shades!