The Encyclopedia of Bad Taste

by Michael Stern and Jane Stern

Book Overview

Alphabetically arranged, this humorous compilation of bad taste and mediocrity covers topics as diverse as fashion, music, people, places, food, furniture, automobiles, and more.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060164700
• ISBN13: 9780060164706
• Release Date: January 1990
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Length: 331 Pages
• Weight: 2.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 8.9" x 10.3"

Customer Reviews

bought it as a first edition, still read it!

A wonderful book. if you are mid 30's to mid 50's, this book's for you. I bought it in 1990- laughed out loud MANY times---I still read parts of it today, although the cover has come off! It has short articles on some of our nations funnier, and awfull-er things, from accordians to zoot suits- with stops at dino parks, liberace,diners, & fake fur, to name but a few. Reading it now, some things are definitely dated, and I would LOVE to see an updated edition ( hint hint, jane & micheal stern). All in all a fun, fast read, blast from the past for all of us to laugh at ourselves, and recognize someone we knew. and remember,"just because something is in bad taste, doesnt mean it has to taste bad."( the sterns, on cool-whip)

Love it, want another

This book is hilarious. The Sterns provide history and facts about some of our culture's more notorious fads, and explain why they might now be "past their prime." The writing is hilarious, and the Sterns make sure to take a goodhearted look at these entries without offending those who might enjoy them (I used to love heavy metal, but was howling at the descriptions of my favorite bands of the late 80's/early 90's). I've had this book for years, and it still makes me laugh until I can't read any more. I'm hoping for a second volume soon!

All The Mysteries Revealed

How was cheez-in-a-can invented? What is personal nude boidoir photography? Who makes enormous bosoms? And what of Chia-Pet? These and many other wonderfully vexing questions are answered in this lexicon of tacky-ness. Other worthy instalments include Sammy Davis Jr.'s wardrobe, Jerry Lewis telethons, celebrity death cars, bumper stickers, t-shirt messages, lava lamps and low riders. The quick-witted Sterns take no prisoners in their tour of the truly awful. The only risk in giving this to friends is the scope of the coverage: because of in their comprehensive treatment, there is almost always some vice of which even reasonable people are guilty.

Outstanding bible of kitsch

Cool whip, Polynesian cuisine, poodles, enormous breasts. Everything that made America great, right in this here book. Absolutely the best Americana book I've ever read; everything lovingly researched and dissected with wit and sensitivity. Where else can you find out about the semiotics of velvet paintings? Too bad that Jane and Michael Stern's book is out of print; if you can find it, buy it.