In the Know: The Classic Guide to Being Cultured and Cool

This is an interesting if somewhat quirky book to read in your spare time, a sort of Cliff Notes version of the "classics" that resonate for an older crowd (age 35+), either because they were cool years ago or because they finally have the money to buy them. The truly "cultural and cool" will see this as a sea of cultural knowledge with an inch of depth. For the rest of us, it's simply a handy guide to learn a little about a lot, without spending too much. The top ten lists cover a wide variety of topics, including books, music, furniture, wine, art, and places to travel. A brief description of their importance or uniqueness is included, which may inspire you to search them out. However, some choices are so iconic that if you wish to get one, you'll be paying really big bucks for them. But then again, many won't even bother. Will flaunting an Hermes Birkin or a quilted Chanel handbag really make you cool? Would you be willing to pay hundreds of dollars for a rare art book by Slim Aarons just to see pictures of attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places 30 odd years ago? The lists are not all-inclusive and there are glaring omissions at times. For example, Jackie O is nowhere to be found in the chapter about "5 Women Designers Love to Reference" which oddly enough highlights Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor (granted, she did get an exhibit at the Met in 2002, along with her husband). Audrey Hepburn is brushed off as not worthy "of the select group of women whose style (designers) pay homage to." In all fairness, the author has knowingly left out anything too obvious or anything too recent, either because it's too early to tell how it will age or because it doesn't need further explanation. Will reading this book make you look like an insider? Hardly. But with glossaries, pictures and pronunciation guides, at least it will keep you from looking foolish.

It's refreshing to read something that isn't afraid to spell out its bias. Of course its selection is restricted, it has to be, its a little book; but it is very well presented and the reviews of the objects and people deemed to be cultured and cool are well argued for. You don't have to agree with her on her choices but at least she is presenting her views on the highlights of 20th century culture in a way that non-students of the 20th century can come to them.

Interesting book to read for light reading. Once in awhile it's nice to have a book that tells it as it is on what is proper and acceptable in today's society. More or less a 'brushed up' course in culture & etiquette.