26 ~ Friday, December 19, 1997 — North Shore News : CONSUMER GUIDE NOOK By the book ae gS vot From page The Essential Cigar Book THE rekindled interest in the fine art of cigar smoking has becn a boon for those with — difficult-to-buy-for friends. From two-doilar cigar cutters to $19,009 humidor rooms, accessories are as much a part of the smoky pas- time as ribald humor and snifters of brandy. And for that stogy smoker in your life, the next best thing to inhaling the tubular nectar is reading about it. The Essential Cigar Book, by Anwer Bati, is essential reading for the serious aficionado. And if you"re not one before you read through the 64-page hardcover, once you've fin- ished you will be. Subtitled A Book for Connoisseurs, the book contains over 80 color pho- tos documenting the history, produc- tion and etiquette of cigars. Also, famous cigar smokers through the ages are profiled. (Lorenz Books, distributed by Raincoast Books. $17.95) — AM, Jemagle Schools: Letters from Sarawak NORTH Shore oldtimers may recall details of Manson Toynbec's jungle adventures from a serics of articles the former West Van school teacher con- tributed to the Lions Gate Times in the °50s. Toynhee was school principal at Gleneagles Elementary before: head- ing off to Sarawak, a division of Bornco, in °58. On assignment with the Canadian government, the young teacher’s task was to develop schools in the remote jungle regions of the country. His hardcover book chronicles his seven-year experience, as_ revealed through his letters to his family and friends and in the articles to the Lions Gate Times, published over a five-year period. Toynbee and his wite Mary self- published their 366-page book in "97, after coming full circle, returning to Salt Spring Island, Toynbece's birthplace, where the couple now live in active retirement. (Self-published. Available at Amber Books in West Van. $30). — Layne Christensen Promises Promises: Breaking Faith in : th Canadian Politics IN approaching his subject, Anthony Hyde has decided to start at the beginning, for better or worse. On one haad, his 218-page hard- cover is certainly complete and com- prehensive. But then, who thar is interested in Canadian politics is going to glean any worthwhile per- spective from reading about Moses and his promise atop Mt. Sinai? Politicians lic and people who think one party or another is made up of members that are less likely to indulge in this practice should give their head a shake. The problem now, as it always has been, rests firmly within the system and the way it defines the game. HL. Mencken said it as well as it can be said: “Under democracy, one party always devotes its chief efforts to try- ing co prove that the orher is unfit to rule — and both commonly succeed and are right.” Where Hyde succeeds is in provid- ing a record of the federal Liberals in power, particularly as it pertains to the GST, which the Liberals insisted incessantly they would rid Canada of. The GST is sll with us, the Liberals are still in power and Moses probably wouldn’t stand for it. (Penguin Books. $29.99) — Robert Galster Trademarks of the '60s & 70s THE old saying goes, “If you can remember the Sixtics, you probably weren’t there.” If you were there, this interesting softcover should jog your damaged brain cells. And if you weren't, the hundreds of black ink images tell the interesting story of the evolution of graphic art during these nvo creative decades. The 132-page, image-heavy, copy- light book is dedicated to the graphic artists that turned corporate America --- and Europe — into a logo-littered landscape. There is the familiar — John Deere circa 1961, KISS circa 1974 and Hot Wheels circa 1969. And the unta- miliar ~- Hot Dogger cooking devices of 1976 and Weird-ohs luggage circa 1964. A great gift for the artist. or Sixties’ sur- vivor on your list. (Chronicle Books, dis- tributed by Raincoast Books. $23.95}. —AM Wael Jahns Gant 1th an iversary Bathroom THE Bathroom @ TPR De 7 7 oRGTere SSCS Slat eer or at aes CPP be re tee pe erat trate ASTON I PROMISES ROMISE . ee EALDIEIN PORIT IES Readers’ Institute celebrates its decade anniversary with this 522 page door-stopper. A perfect read for fans of News of the Weird, the Bathroom Reader is packed with inane facts, useless stats and forgettable quotes. In other words, it’s a great read for those quict moments on the porcelain throne (with apologies to People magazine). Categorized by subject and, ahem, length of article, the book borrows from past Bathroom Readers and also inciudes many new items. Nor including the 10th anniversary issue, the Bathroom Reader gang have sold over one mil- lion copies of their cdes to trivia. The perfect gift for that biblio- phile who has everything. (Earth Works Press, distributed by Raincoast Books. $22.95) — AM. Brewhouse (coking UNLESS you’ve been living under a keg for the past few years, you'll know that the beer business has gone uptown. Trendy, upscale brew pubs have replaced the traditional tap houses, and connoisseurs describe the brown broth in terms and words that once were used only for the wine crowd. This Beeraissance has brought with it a renewed interest in using the amber Jiquid in food recipes. North Shore News contributing writer John Moore and chef Mark Livingstone have tapped into thar trend with Brewhanse Cooking. In addition to some rather inspired recipes (Fanny Bay Oysters in Stour with Spring Vegetables and Lamb Shank Braised in Creamy Stout are just two of the offerings), the 166-page softcover inchides an invaluable guide to brewpubs and craft breweries in BoC. and Washington State. There's also some interesting stuff about che grand liqguid’s history. (Terra Bella Publishers Canada. $14.95). — AM. The Rolling Stones. It’s Only Rock'n’ Roll: Song by Song LET’S be honest here. The tase thing the world needs is another book about this British rock group. They may be the Greatest Rock and Roll Baad ia the World. They're also the most overexposed. But before you discount Steve Appleford’s coffee table-size book as just another ode to the Glimmer Twins, it’s worth a Jock. Unlike past publications — the bulk of which were no more than glowing tributes to or tell-all tales abour Mick, Keef, Charlie, Billy and Ronnie — this 256-page softcover contains some meat. Specifically, a breakdown of the inspiration and evolution of some of the Stones’ best tunes. Behind -the- scenes info about the Exile oa Main Street recording, session is worth the price of admission alone. Ive been a Stones fan since Some Girls, but even [ didn’t know the origin of the song tde Let Ir Bleed. 1 do now, (Raincoast Books. $29.95). — AM. See Book page 3% m free Gifts ‘Pre-Christmas All Christmas items including Santas, Angels, decorations and CHRISTMAS HOME IDEAS Barb Lunter has some timely tips to add elegance to your festive entertaining and gift giving. Friday December 19 at 11am Sunday December 21 at Spm Monday December 22 at 4pm PLUGGED IN! NORTH SHORE Leoking ahead to making changes in your fife in the New Year? North Shore Continuing Education has a weaith of courses for the hobbyist as well as the career-minded ard the Outdoor Pursuits Centre offers physical activities that challenge and enlighten. Plus the “Stra egies for Youtn” program is set up to help young aduiis with leaming disabilities prepare for ihe job market. Sunday, December 21 at 6:30 pm Tuesday December 23 at 6 pm Wie" to you, your family and Iriends from the Reo t staff and voiunteers at Rogers ie Community TV, North Shore Studio R@GERS Commun berton Ave. Ni th V2 i %o oe =, a