Made in Japan

A wonderful pictorial book about transistor radios, 175 of them, not only photographed but put in the context of fifties and sixties design. The spread on 60-61 shows six radios mixed with close-up photos of chrome styling from fifties cars. I loved the chapter on design with its photos of grills and lettering, even a spread on 9-volt batteries.This is the kind of book that Chronicle do so well, interesting subjct, well designed and printed all for the general reader. If you collect these radios you will certainly want to have a copy but don't expect to get lots of technical detail or a price guide. For that have a look at 'Collector's Guide to Transistor Radios' by Marty and Sue Bunis, plenty of text about seven hundred models, some photos and that all-important identification and price information.

This is possible the only radio book, that, when left out on a coffee table, will start a conversation with non-collectors. But I advise against leaving your only copy on display, since it might get stolen. The layout and photos in this collaboration turn already beautiful radios into nearly sexual fetishes. Nice historical information, and an intriguing layout make this true eye candy. .... Find one for the coffee table, and another to hide away someplace safe! Printed in Japan.

A wonderful book full of exuberant, fun design. Don't let the other review here by this sad person at Booknews spoil it for you (execrable?? quotesqueries?? Sheeesh!!).