The Hedonism Handbook: Mastering The Lost Arts Of Leisure And Pleasure [Paperback]

Michael Flocker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 12, 2004

In the age of Oprah, Dr. Phil, and countless other self-help disciplinarians, indulging in any kind of pleasurable pastime is on the brink of extinction. But it's not too late to revive those lost pleasures that make life worth living. The Hedonism Handbook can help put the three-martini lunch, the baguette with real butter, the deep tan, the unfiltered cigarette, or the simple act of lying in a hammock under the stars back within our grasp. A tongue-in-cheek, satirical guide to the "good" life, The Hedonism Handbook will help us reclaim it all.With his characteristic wit, author Michael Flocker combines humorous reviews of historical excesses, suggestions for everyday indulgences, lists of hedonistic icons with famous quotes and earnest warnings about the perils of structured living. Made up of ten worldly wise chapters arranged to form a journey for the reader-a path from the straight-and-narrow into wide-open fields of frivolity-The Hedonism Handbook will help readers master the lost arts of leisure and pleasure. It provides an entertaining, yet (if you're not careful), life-changing read.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Built around the notion that a new wave of self-help puritanism—abetted by the good ol’ American drive toward success and eternal youth—is stifling the nation with "tedious" ideals, Flocker’s campy little volume aims to redirect readers toward a more lofty goal: the pursuit of pleasure. Fans of Flocker’s previous book, the bestselling Metrosexual Guide to Style, will appreciate his clever lists and section titles: e.g. "Top Ten Reasons Big Rats Abandon the Race" and "Looking Good—Buy the Outfit, Screw the Phone Bill." The pages are delightfully laid out, with amusing marginalia and wonderful Victorian-era illustrations, and there are plenty of barbs to keep readers chuckling. For example, writing of May-December relationships, Flocker quips: "The trick, on both sides of the fence, is to feign serious interest." But the book nonetheless feels a bit too weakly espoused. For one, Flocker’s ideas and examples appear grasped-at rather than pondered-on. For another, he’s constantly hedging his argument, always calling for caution and balance in the indulgences he espouses, as though afraid of a backlash from the very forces that he mocks. Flocker’s first book was notable for its dissection of an existing trend; it seems unlikely that his second will spark a new one. That said, this little red book does have its moments of wit, joy and even profundity and, as a novelty gift, it could make a charming nudge to one’s partner in crime.
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Review

"A refreshing change from earnest self-help books." -- Chicago Tribune 11/21/04

"After this quirky and very fun read, am I a hedonist? Yes I am...The feeling is all good. " -- Playgirl January 2005

"Flocker urges us to get out there and party hearty...Bravo!" -- Toronto Star 1/2/05

"I would be hard-pressed to name an era in which such a book was more necessary...Hedonism is for everyone." -- Nerve.com 1/6/05

"It's a simple message, but a good one." -- New York Post 10/31/04

"It's hard to stop turning the pages." -- Brentwood Magazine November 2004

"Now, gluttonous heathens have their own pocket-sized bible to live by...as easy to swallow as a slice of comfort-food." -- Philadelphia City Paper 11/18/04

"Offers a colorful history of debauchery." -- New City Chicago 12/14/04

"We're sure George W. Bush will keep a copy of this book next to his Bible. It's a must buy." -- Instinct Magazine October 2004

The Awards: Grooviest History -- Esquire January 2005

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (October 12, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306814145
• ISBN-13: 978-0306814143
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 5.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #295,598 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EUREKA!, November 16, 2005

By 

Matt (NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Hedonism Handbook: Mastering The Lost Arts Of Leisure And Pleasure (Paperback)

This book is exactly what I have been looking for!

I am the type of person who puts a great deal of pressure on myself in all aspects of my life. This obviously results in a heightened level of stress, discomfort and overall disillusionment.

This book will truly debunk those of us who find ourselves constantly rushing so that we may eventually "live the good life". Most of us do this, only to find that it is too late to enjoy it by the time we get there. This book will help you to realize that the good life must be led, in moderation, on a daily basis.

There are plenty of lines in this book that will stun you, as you will realize that you've said that in your own mind, but never heard anyone else say it. The idea is not to be lazy or perverted (as the modern hedonist has come to be known), but to learn to let loose and enjoy your life.

The author takes you through a history or hedonism, from the worlds' greatest and most reknown to the modern laws that attempt to trap the would-be hedonist into a life of self-deprivation and distress.

Wonderful book. This is the best thing I've read in years!

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing book, makes stop and think for a second, November 1, 2004

By 

Jan Klier (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Hedonism Handbook: Mastering The Lost Arts Of Leisure And Pleasure (Paperback)

I grew up with the notion that hedonism is a bad character trait and has to be avoided at all cost (it even made me hesitate for a moment picking up the book from and checking it out), only to end up in the extreme workaholic, career-chasing crowd of today's America. I picked up the book because I felt something was wrong with the way I was living my life. And it was just the right book for that situation: it examines the silliness we all have put in our life, as well as the misguided puritan and martyrlike behaviors of the other extreme and advocates a way of healthy balance between focusing on what's important in your life, without going over the edge on either end of the spectrum. Well done!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars But this book!, October 13, 2004

By 

Brian Williams "gentleman" (Harwood Hts, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Hedonism Handbook: Mastering The Lost Arts Of Leisure And Pleasure (Paperback)

Every once and awhile a charming little book comes along that leaves you refreshed, and maybe a bit giddy.

This is such a book, it is one of the best and least expensive vacations I have ever taken. At the end you want to take the author out for a great time just to say thanks. I owe him two because of his last book as well.

Many of my friends will be getting copies this holiday season.