Book of Tiki: A Guide for the Urban Archeologist

I was happy to find this book, excited to see it listed as collectible. Received it and looked it over sad to see big creases on the top corner of the first few pages.

This book is a must have for anyone interested in Tiki or kitsch art. Describing themselves as "urban archaeologists" seeking remnants of Tiki culture, the authors provide a fun and informative look at this vanishing art form. The book does an acceptable job presenting the evolutionary history of Tiki, from the 1920s to the present. Key events, such as the establishment of Trader Vic's, and the Kon Tiki craze of the late 40s, are looked at in further detail. There is also a good look at the "artifacts" of Tiki art and architecture throughout the United States. The book is packed with color photos of Tiki mugs, matchbooks, buildings, and much more.However, the book does lean a bit too much towards making the book eye candy. The Book of Tiki uses intense colors, and ultra-hip page compositions that make it difficult to read (typically Taschen, but I still found it distracting). Also, a consolidation of information would have made it easier to reference, such as a table differentiating the different "Trader" Tiki businesses. Also, some of the text ("Exotica and the Tiki style were denounced as contrived rituals of the imperialist establishment at the same time that the Vietnam war developed into and ugly mistake, with native huts and palm trees burning on TV."), had me wondering if they were being tounge-in-cheek, or were actually serious.Nevertheless, this book is the current bible for Tiki aficionados, and is well worth having on your bookshelf.

The way this book is written is just pure cringe. I know that tiki culture in and of itself is cheeky, kitschy, dare I say corny - but there is nothing clever about how the author tackled the subject matter. Seems really sarcastic all throughout. The images are gorgeous though!

If you love Tiki, Mid Century commentaries or Pop Culture, Buy This!For Tiki Lovers: its your Bible, for Mid Century connesuers: its a guidebook, for Pop Culture lovers: this is one of the biggest and longest lasting trends that has grown worldwide and you owe it to yourself to seek it out in debth.This book has great pictures, wonderful, accurate information, and puts you right in the middle of the era as it was, not totally romanticized.If you have young children, you may want to censor a few pictures, as they show some nudity.When you buy this out of print, wonderfully Tiki text, also buy a Matin Denny Album  Best of  or Ultra Lounge Bachelor Pad Royale: Ultra Lounge 4  or Don Ho Greatest Hits , then go find a cofy spot under some swaying palm trees or in a corner of your favorite lounge and read away.

No kidding! TIKI SENSORY OVERLOAD! I'm a "johnny come lately" on this book, since it's outa print, and paid a hefty premium for it on marketplace, but "WOW!" I am a tiki fan and graphic artist and had been reading the reviews and kept looking at the ones for sale and finally decided to jump-in and get it. Prepare yourself, you have no idea what you are in for! The few pics shown on amazon are not the best representation of what's inside the book. There are tiki's, tiki's and more tiki's. Tiki hotels, motels, restraunts, bars, apartments, gardens, nik-naks, ephemera, a whole world! It was well worth the price!

DO NOT BUY FROM >>> NORTH LAMAR BOOKS <<<I received this book today.The description never indicated a razor slice in the cover, nor did it state anything about what looks like coffee spilled on this book.I would have preferred a crayola hand drawn picture of a monkey humping a football; at least I would have laughed.I am very disappointed.I will not ever buy from North Lamar Books, again.Aside from the unmentioned condition of this particular book, this book is awesome!

I am a Tiki loving guy. This book covers just about everything I could ever want to know about the history of Tiki. I love it. Quite simply The best book about Tiki anywhere. So, if you are looking for a big, fat and very heavy book with lots of photos about Tiki, then "The Book of Tiki" by Sven A. Kirsten is the one to get. Besides, it will look good on your coffee table when people come over for those strong Tiki inspired alcoholic drinks you like to make. Enjoy. I do.

great condition , for tiki fans this book is a must have

I have been after this book for years - finally I have a copy and it probably is the most expensive book I have ever bought- it’s worth every penny- it is actually better than I had expected - a treasure trove of information and superb pictures - I have been transported back to that terrific tiki time and can feel the escapism and magic of that era - yes parts of the ‘culture’ were not particularly PC with women being treated in some ways as objects ( a product of that time ) and this is certainly mentioned in th early part of the text - but the architecture , decor , general atmosphere and vibe are captured here perfectly and I found my trip back in time to be an absolute joy - I have indeed been waiting for years to take this journey and it has been well worth the wait ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

THE book of Tiki, en effet, la bible du phénomène Tiki, pour tout savoir et comprendre sur cette engouement, cette culture, the « Islander way of life in Southern Pacific», qui traverse les "âges" depuis les années 30, reprenant naissance ou tombant en désuétude au gré des tendances, des modes, à cause ou grâce à quelques fous , artistes, passionnés et bons vivants (comme moi !!) qui veulent bien prêcher la bonne parole Tiki...Un véritable univers dans un bouquin : laissez-vous transporter sous le soleil du pacifique sud, et inventez-vous ou rêvez à la vie qui va avec, c'est déjà ça...