Teardrops and Tiny Trailers [Hardcover]

Douglas Keister (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2008

Buckle up as Douglas Keister takes you for a decidedly retro ride in the world of diminutive travel trailers in Teardrops and Tiny Trailers. The demand for vintage trailers-the smaller the better-has risen dramatically in recent years, with the most in-demand trailers being "teardrops," first manufactured in the 1930s and containing just indoor sleeping space and an outdoor exterior kitchen. Also profiled in the book are "canned ham" trailers, whose shape resembles the profile of a can of ham; small-size examples of America's most beloved vintage trailer, the Airstream; miniscule gypsy caravans in Europe; and fiberglass trailers made in Canada. Two hundred color photographs showcase these trailers' sleek exteriors, retro-styled interiors, and, in many cases, the restored classic cars that tow them. Teardrops and Tiny Trailers includes a resource section chock-full of places to locate vintage trailers, clubs to join, and rallies to attend.

Photographer/writer Douglas Keister has authored thirty-six critically acclaimed books. His books on classic recreational vehicles include Ready to Roll, Silver Palaces, and Mobile Mansions. In addition, he has authored twenty-five books on architecture, including Inside the Bungalow, Storybook Style, Red Tile Style, Classic Cottages, and Cottages. Keister also writes and illustrates magazine articles and contributes photographs and essays to dozens of magazines, newspapers, books, calendars, posters, and greeting cards worldwide. He lives in Chico, California.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Take a retro ride through the '30s and '50s with this picture book that focuses on teardrops and other vintage trailers, often shown with period vehicles." (Arizona Republic 20080807)

"Gasp at their gumption; admire their ingenuity. It takes a special breed of travel aficionado for ''Teardrops and Tiny Trailers.'' Popular during the 1940s and '50s, these vintage tow-alongs are specialty items: kicky to restore and decorate, impractical to maintain. A new hardcover by Douglas Keister offers a colorful peek inside." (Birmingham News 20080822)

"It's a fun book, and clear that tiny trailers are nothing less than portable personalities." (Chico Enterprise-Record 20080813)

"Virtually every page is colorfully illustrated with historic teardrops and, notably, the interesting vehicles used to tow them. His text is not without its charms as well. Mr. Keister throws in interesting little facts with each section. He notes, for instance, that the shiny aluminum Airstream-style trailers had their origins in aircraft design. Like these little trailers, he packs a lot of content in a compact package. And like the teardrops, the book is a little gem." (New York Times 20081207)

From the Inside Flap

Buckle up as Douglas Keister takes you for a decidedly retro ride in the world of diminutive travel trailers in Teardrops and Tiny Trailers. The demand for vintage trailers-the smaller the better-has risen dramatically in recent years, with the most in-demand trailers being "teardrops," first manufactured in the 1930s and containing just indoor sleeping space and an outdoor exterior kitchen. Also profiled in the book are "canned ham" trailers, whose shape resembles the profile of a can of ham; small-size examples of America's most beloved vintage trailer, the Airstream; miniscule gypsy caravans in Europe; and fiberglass trailers made in Canada. Two hundred color photographs showcase these trailers' sleek exteriors, retro-styled interiors, and, in many cases, the restored classic cars that tow them. Teardrops and Tiny Trailers includes a resource section chock-full of places to locate vintage trailers, clubs to join, and rallies to attend.

Photographer/writer Douglas Keister has authored thirty-six critically acclaimed books. His books on classic recreational vehicles include Ready to Roll, Silver Palaces, and Mobile Mansions. In addition, he has authored twenty-five books on architecture, including Inside the Bungalow, Storybook Style, Red Tile Style, Classic Cottages, and Cottages. Keister also writes and illustrates magazine articles and contributes photographs and essays to dozens of magazines, newspapers, books, calendars, posters, and greeting cards worldwide. He lives in Chico, California.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Gibbs Smith (July 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1423602749
• ISBN-13: 978-1423602743
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 0.9 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #164,605 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #54 in Books > Professional & Technical > Automotive > Classic Cars
  • #95 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Physics > Acoustics & Sound

More About the Author

Photographer-writer Douglas Keister, has authored and co-authored thirty-six critically acclaimed books. He also writes and illustrates magazine articles and contributes photographs and essays to dozens of magazines, newspapers, books, calendars, posters and greeting cards worldwide. His twenty-five books on architecture include five books on Victorian homes (Daughter's of Painted Ladies, Painted Ladies Revisited, America's Painted Ladies, Victorian Glory and 500 Victorians); twelve books on bungalow homes (The Bungalow, Inside the Bungalow, Outside the Bungalow, 500 Bungalows and eight small format books on bungalow details), a book on 1920's whimsical homes (Storybook Style) a book about cemetery art and architecture (Going Out in Style), a book on Spanish architecture, (Red Tile Style), four books on cottage (Classic Cottages, Inside Classic Cottages, Cottages and 500 Cottages a book on cemetery architecture (Going Out in Style) and a book on Courtyards. Keister photographed and wrote an award winning children's book (Fernando's Gift), has two monographs of his personal work (Black Rock and Driftwood Whimsy), and four books on classic recreational vehicles, Ready to Roll, Silver Palaces, Mobile Mansions and Teardrops and Tiny Trailers. His wealth of books on architecture has earned him the title, "America's most noted photographer of historic architecture". His book on cemetery symbolism, Stories in the Stone: A Field Guide to Cemetery Symbolism and Iconography, has garnered a number of glowing reviews. Sunset magazine said, "Keister has done for cemetery exploration what Audubon did for birding."
He recently photographed and wrote two bilingual children's books in China, To Grandmother's House: A Visit to Old-Town Beijing (January 2008), and Tao Tao's Green Gift (future release). Three other books came out in 2008: Forever Dixie (a book on southern cemeteries), Teardrops and Tiny Trailers and a book featuring his collection of glass negatives. Lincoln in Black and White 1910-1925.
His thirty-seventh book, "Forever LA" which will feature cemeteries in the Los Angeles Area, will come out in the fall of 2009
Doug frequently gives presentations in conjunction with his books and speaks at related events. In the past few years he has lectured in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Chicago, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Spokane, Kansas City, Boston, Milwaukee, Vermont, Winnemucca and Carson City, Nevada, Lincoln, Nebraska, The Smithsonian in Washington D.C. and the Cooper-Union in New York.
He lives with his wife, Sandra Mclean, in Chico, California.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book on Real Teardrops August 11, 2008

By Mary Kaplan

Format:Hardcover

A wonderful book with illustrations and descriptions of modern and historical teardrops. Shows a wide variety of teardrops and tiny trailers. Lots of detailed pictures.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Doug Keister production. July 23, 2008

By Nicholas L. Taylor II

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Another Douglas Keister book full of high quality photography and great reading. For the teardrop purists there may be some trailers covered that you don't like but for everyone else, you'll appreciate the coverage of the smaller canned-ham trailers.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Enchanting, ingenious little trailers - nostalgic and new September 2, 2008

By Shawn S.

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

An interesting read for trailer aficionados, novices, RV and even tent camping enthusiasts. Excellent photography, engaging and concise history. I keep a copy in my teardrop to lend to campers who ask for a tour and more information. This book's "tiny trailers" are non-teardrops like Shasta, Serro Scotty and other "canned hams." Good value, great book.