No comments about Collecting Casino Matchbooks.

1 comments about Matchbook Art.

1. This folio of matchbook images collected by Yosh Kashiwabara comes from his collection first started when he moved to the U.S. from Japan in 1957. To viewers in 2001, these (wonderfully reproduced in full color) images are as romantic and foreign as they must have been to Mr. Kashiwabara as a recent immigrant to the States. Accompanying text is absent, and indeed would seem superfluous, as the matchbooks literally and figuratively speak for themselves. The images appear to be high quality photos or scans which reveal creases and snags and that marvelous slight misaligning of colors that often happens with screen printing. Dynamic design and lush color make this a great document of marketing as well as an asthetic pleasure. Unexpected delights include examples wherein the matches themselves feature illustrations and witty jokes, intentional or otherwise ( one matchbook features a burning dreamhouse with the warning " insure against carelessness".) Chronicle Books would do well to reprint this collection.

1 comments about Close Cover Before Striking: The Golden Age of Matchcover Art (Recollectibles).

1. "Your Red Scarf Matches Your Eyes, You Close Your Cover Before Striking, and Loving You Has Made Me Bananas...." For the graphic artist or just fans of the visually arresting, there are some supurb images in this publication. Chronicle Books put out a book two or three years later called MATCHBOOK ART by Yosh Kashiwabara which is a nice compliment to this Abbeville Book. The Steel/Heimann book was published at a time when Abbeville was putting out a fun, funky series on American Pop culture - John Margolies MINATURE GOLF book, and the Dyer/Spark book FIT TO BE TIED: VINTAGE TIES OF THE FORTIES & EARLY FIFTIES, all of which are useful references for those in the (or into) arts/applied arts field/popular culture/or mid-century americana. The breakdown of categories in CLOSE COVER BEFORE STRIKING works well, the text (which is sparse) is very readable, and the page layout is attractive. I'd say that it would be a fine addtion to any bookshelf.

No comments about Matchbook: Indian Matchbox Labels.

1 comments about 930 Matchbook Advertising Cuts of the Twenties and Thirties (Pictorial Archive Series).

1. its very interesting to flip through and the pictures are all so incredible. It shows the difference between how advertising then differs from ads now. However, i have seen better, therefore the 3 stars. But buy this book if you have time because it is interesting.

5 comments about Striking Images: Vintage Matchbook Cover Art.

1. I think all the books I've seen on this subject merit high praise, but Striking Images stands out for its layout and focus on the artwork itself. The juxtaposed covers allow for many great samples to be consumed by the eyes at once, while other blown up images assume a Pop Art painting quality. So do not mistake this for a book on vintage matchbooks; this is about the art on the cover. At this price I feel this book's a deal considering the design and thought devoted to it by Mr. Beauchamp - well done! I've encountered his unique passion and perspective on other ephemeral subjects in various issues of Blab!, another book I've collected and highly recommend!!



2. This is the greatest book, and so inspiring. From goofy characters to pinup girls and more. Perfect size and a steal for the price. On par with a Taschen release, you can rest assured Beauchamp has the passion. I'm so glad I got this book- Grab it.



3. If a TOP 10 list of graphic ephemera collections were ever assembled, STRIKING IMAGES would get my vote for the #1 spot. Unlike one or two reviewers who have criticized the editor for doubling and quadrupling the size of the tiny matchcover images, I found Beauchamp's "easy-on the eye" approach not only refreshing, but respectful to me as a reader because I no longer need to squint my eyes to enjoy such images. Upon finishing the lavishly printed 272-page volume, I purchased two more copies to hand out as gifts. It's that GOOD.



4. This book is absolutely awesome and far better than I ever expected! I spent over an hour looking through it. There is so much to see, great variety, wonderful art. I won't go on and on, but I don't think anyone would EVER be disappointed in this book. I LOVE it!



5. Lots of Cool images.Alot of vintage Match work images. No reading,Just images, but Cool Layout.