Talking Shop : The Language of Craft in an Age of Consumption

Betjemann (English, Oregon State U.) offers a many-faceted investigation of 19th- and early 20th-century discourse on the subject of craft (rather than labor). His study encompasses early roots in western civilization (Benvenuto Cellini), and in American culture (Nathaniel Hawthorne), as well as manifestations in literature, advertising, and design trends (e.g. Gustav Stickley). The subject has ramifications that will interest a wide audience--anyone who deals with art, design, or marketing and consciously or unconsciously taps into language that is deeply embedded in the culture pertaining to quality, originality, authenticity, integrity--and stuff. Annotation 2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)