Customer Reviews

Oak-Mot

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I wouldn't really classify Oak Mot as a book, but more of a labor of ludicrosity (I know, that's not a word, but it seems to fit). Composed by Hollywood uber-oddball Crispin Hellion Glover, who's probably most famous for his portrayal of the hopelessly nebbish George McFly in Back to the Future (1985), but has made less noticeable, but more satisfying appearances in films like River's Edge (1986), Rubin and Ed (1991), Bartleby (2001), and Willard (2003).

Oh sure, it was a book at one point, originally published back in the early 19th century, but, as he did with Rat Catching, Glover has taken a previously published work, and modified it extensively, adding drawings, photos, and his own writings to transform this fairly obscure book into something...something that defies description. Is it art? I dunno...but I like it.

I wish there was a picture posted of the book, as it's really nicely put together. The dimensions of the book are 7 ½ inches by 5 ½ inches. It's hard bound, with a dark green cover with gold/orange inlay on the cover and back cover. Both covers feature a black and white western-style print of a barely discernable man standing behind a large herd of sheep making their way through a smoky valley. The book contains just under 50 pages, and does not utilize the source material in its' entirety as original page numbers are present, but often indicate the absence of numerous pages. The pages themselves are of a thick and glossy nature, indicating a certain amount of expense in the production of the book. Also, the copy I have has what appears to be an original signature by Crispin Hellion Glover near the front, done in thick, silver marker.

As far as the actual content of the book...well, as I said before, it certainly doesn't conform to the normal definition of a book. One will notice what appears to be some of the original text, mixed in with scrawls, gothic writings, drawings, pictures, and various squiggles and what not, effectively confounding and confusing the unwary reader. While I, myself do not entirely `get it', I can certainly enjoy it, but I feel many people would probably dismiss this as the work of a nut, instead of artistic conceptualization. To get the full effect, if one is interested, you must take this in context with a CD Glover released back in 1989 titled Big Problem Does Not Equal the Solution. The Solution = Let It Be. Which contain selected readings from not only this book, but also Rat Catching, along with some really odd songs (check out his unique rendition of Nancy Sinatra's These Boots Are Made for Walking).

Is Mr. Glover a beatnik for the new generation, or just a looney loner with too much time on his hands? I'd probably say somewhere in-between...

Cookieman108

Adry is a simple, bizarre individual, adoringly twisted and possessed of perverse and loathsome passions. A blatantly screwed up tale of inverted desires, nazis, and spooks, told in a high victorian, disjointedly gothic prose. Not for the politically correct - savor Oak Mot and its macabre illustrations like a fine abisinthe.

this is a fascinating book by a fascinating man. the original edition was limited to 1000 signed and numbered copies, and worth the extra money. the second edition is the same book but can be bought new from the author's website for cheaper than some of the sellers are asking for a used copy here. make sure the seller specifies that it is an original first edition and enjoy.

This book sometimes makes you wonder, am I really reading this or am I stuck in some bizarre dream. From "Back to the Future" to "Rubin and Ed" to "The big solution" to "Oak mot" Mr. Glover repeatedly proves to us his sub-genius standings.