Customer Reviews

Encyclopedia of Bad Taste

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Witty and sharp-tongued, this book guides readers in a primer of that which was bizarre and tasteless in the 70s and 80s. Topics range from "Frederick's of Hollywood" to Jell-O [tm] to Chippendale's Dancers to those obnoxious cedar plaques you used to be able to find at truck stops across the country (and maybe still can, somewhere). Some of these topics will be totally lost on younger readers -- my 25-year-old boyfriend had never heard of the Mayflower Madame, never knew the glory of ring-pull caps, and had never seen a macrame plant hanger. For me, however, a child of the 80s, these are just part of the general background of my life.

Some topics are strangely absent (where was the section on raccoon-style eyeliner? Where were edible underwear, slogan-bearing buttons, and Love's Baby Soft perfume?), and others are explored in far more depth than might be strictly necessary (Charo is a prime example -- she just never blipped my radar like fish sticks did, I guess).

I loved it, though. It's a good source of laughs. Actually, it made me feel a bit nostalgic. I'm making Jell-O tonight.

Warning: There is some strong language in this book, including a few examples of the F-word. There are also some R-rated pictures in it. Also, it really pokes fun at people named Tiffany. I wasn't offended, but I thought I'd mention it in case someone else wanted to avoid such things.

The Sterns, best known for their books about vernacular American cusine, dug their claws into pop culture in this book full of short (1-3 page) essays about topics as diverse as Death Cars, Fish Sticks, and Florida's Fountainblu hotel.

The tone is generally mocking, sometime excessively so (some of the phenomena the Sterns spear are not so much in bad taste, but merely goofy), but the pieces are almost always informative and entertaining.

Out of print? What a shame. But come to think of it, this book could use an entirely new edition, with the Bad Taste items of the 1990s worked in and a few obscure items (Boudoir photos) expunged.

The entry on Las Vegas, which has outdone itself in recent years, could be expanded into a book.

A wonderful book. if you are mid 30's to mid 50's, this book's for you. I bought it in 1990- laughed out loud MANY times---I still read parts of it today, although the cover has come off! It has short articles on some of our nations funnier, and awfull-er things, from accordians to zoot suits- with stops at dino parks, liberace,diners, & fake fur, to name but a few. Reading it now, some things are definitely dated, and I would LOVE to see an updated edition ( hint hint, jane & micheal stern). All in all a fun, fast read, blast from the past for all of us to laugh at ourselves, and recognize someone we knew. and remember,"just because something is in bad taste, doesnt mean it has to taste bad."( the sterns, on cool-whip)

This book is hilarious. The Sterns provide history and facts about some of our culture's more notorious fads, and explain why they might now be "past their prime." The writing is hilarious, and the Sterns make sure to take a goodhearted look at these entries without offending those who might enjoy them (I used to love heavy metal, but was howling at the descriptions of my favorite bands of the late 80's/early 90's). I've had this book for years, and it still makes me laugh until I can't read any more. I'm hoping for a second volume soon!

Cool whip, Polynesian cuisine, poodles, enormous breasts. Everything that made America great, right in this here book. Absolutely the best Americana book I've ever read; everything lovingly researched and dissected with wit and sensitivity. Where else can you find out about the semiotics of velvet paintings? Too bad that Jane and Michael Stern's book is out of print; if you can find it, buy it.

What a great book - you can peruse this one and find forgotten things that you secretly love, secretly loathe, along with any number of things that simply cause you to think "what the hell?!?"

Digging into the proletarian underbelly of what could broadly be described as 'Americana,' the Sterns wallow around in a world of bikers, jello, spam, bad t-shirts, large-breasted pin-ups, disco, Nehru jackets, faux-Hawaiiana (Tiki Torches!), Winnebago warriors and assorted other things that make this country great and icky.

You just have to hold your nose and dive in - of course there's an elitism here, but even the trashiest people I know are usually aware of their own trashiness, and revel in it as often as not: I could claim with some arrogance to be a cultured person, having read Kafka and Borges and having sat through both operas and 'performance art' spectacles, but I also do recall having hanging macrame and driftwood sculptures in my childhood home, and I LOVED seeing those things in here.

Some conspicuous absences: Martin Denny (get to know Martin Denny - you'll thank me), Southern Rock, the entire state of Florida, blaxploitation films (actually, any -xploitation films), slasher movies, neo-folk music and Valley Girls. Vegas is here; we also need its' siblings - Atlantic City, Myrtle Beach and Orlando! Please, let's have an update!

-David Alston

"The Encyclopedia of Bad Taste" by Jane&Michael Stern is a glorious exploration of the tasteless. From Elvis to Spam, the Smoky Mountains and Dolly Parton to Las Vegas, it's a fun romp through American pop culture.

It's such a fun read my copy is falling apart. There are in-depth culinary explorations of Spam,Jell-O,and Twinkies. (There are even recipes) The cultural impact of Elvis is assessed. There are articles on Charo and the late Tammy Faye Bakker.

It makes for great fun and laughs. Too bad it's been long out-of-print and hasn't been updated. If you love the campy,this encyclopedia is fun for perusing!

Jane and Michael Stern have created a masterpiece. Although dated, their observations on Panty Hose Crafts, Treasures from Trash, Velvet Paintings and much more will leave you laughing until tears are in your eyes.
I've had this book since it was first published in the early 90's and it has never ceased to entertain.

Even today, although the book is somewhat dated (published in 1990) it's good for a fun time.

By all means, if you can find a copy, get it.