Quack, Quack, Quack: The Sellers of Nostrums in Prints, Posters, Ephemera, & Books

Book Description

This authoritative and entertaining exhibition catalog explores the long visual history of a rich and neglected topic: medical quackery, from the itinerant seller of nostrums four centuries ago to the unsolicited spam of today's internet. Presenting a broad variety of material--prints by William Hogarth and Honoré Daumier, posters by Jules Chéret and Maxfield Parrish, and books by H. G. Wells and S. Weir Mitchell--Quack, Quack, Quack offers a delightful look at the remarkable artistry and elaborate language quacks used to peddle their wares: lavish pronouncements, excessive postures, and imaginatively exalted therapeutic promises.

The earliest quacks, we see, dressed elaborately, inflated their credentials, and embraced an extravagant vocabulary to market their panaceas, at times claiming their pills and salves would cure all disease. They were succeeded in short order by the makers of proprietary medicines, many of whom adopted quack-style promotional methods while introducing new ones of their own. These vendors advertised widely--often with celebrity testimonials--publishing broadsides, posters, pamphlets, and manifestos to amplify their claims.

And though recent strides in medicine mean that most people avoid quacks, and efforts have been made to rid society of patent-medicine makers, the quack survives to the present day, promising to make us all thinner, better-looking, healthier, or more sexually potent. This catalogue--and the 2002 New York City Grolier Club exhibition it originally accompanied--are fascinating reminders of how long such promises have been with us, and in how many unique and scintillating ways they've been made.

Customer Reviews:

A pleasant surprise.......2006-12-17

The subject of patent medicines and quack medical cures has always been a facinating one for me. I was hesitant at first to order this book, considering it had no reviews and I couldn't find much information about what exactly was in it online. Once I got the book, I was pleased to find that it is full of advertising for quack doctors and medications ranging from the 17th century to the early 20th century.

While most of the prints are black and white, there are a few color ones scattered through the pages. Each print is accompanied by write up explaining its origin, and a bit of additional information about the medication or doctor being advertised. Also included is information about the print, such as the title, year it was published, artist or author, and other details.

Many of the advertisers used very small print for things like testimonials. All of the images in the book are very large, and it is possible to see the detail of elaborate lithographs and read all but the very smallest text (though you may need a magnifying glass for some of it).

There is a lengthy introduction on the history of quackery and its relationship to legitimate medicine (at one time, they were one and the same after all), and how the methods of these patent cure-alls are still with us today.

The chapters are arranged loosely according to the type of service being offered, though in some cases certain especially influential products/quacks have their own chapters. Everything from medical museums that were little better than carnival freak shows to electric belts to vibrating chairs to colored glass windows to cures for opium or alcohol addiction laced with stronger dosages of cocaine or morphine. Sprinkled throughout these chapters are contemporary commentary and criticism on specific products by sceptical (and often humorous) journalists.

The final chapter is devoted entirely to political cartoons and images from articles against the evils of quackery in general, everything from how the advertisments were distributed to comparisons in the amount of alcohol in patent medicines to hard liqour.

The only major beef I have with this book is that a few of the images are marked as 'color lithograph' but are not actually printed in color in the book. I think that the author may not have had access to the color originals in these cases, considering that there are images that are printed in color.

If, like me, you find the history of medicine and its dark side to be a subject of interest, I wholeheartedly endorse this book. It's well worth the price of admission.

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All About Action Photography
David Hodgson
Manufacturer: Transatlantic Arts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0720708885

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All about the right moment in action photography (The New photo guide)
Alexander Strasser
Manufacturer: The Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007J5DME

Book Description

Richard Smith's wildly popular books have made America laugh about everything from wedding-night jitters to weight loss. Now he turns his comic talent to a subject he's about to experience himself: climbing the half-century hill.

Over the next 15 years, 45 million baby boomers will celebrate their 50th birthdays. With Smith as their guide, the Boomers will know exactly what lies ahead. Not only does turning 50 mean you survived your 40s, but you get to join the AARP, answer your front door in bedroom slippers, and spend your kid's inheritance on liposuction. You also know you're 50 when...

Your main form of aerobic exercise is getting up to change the channelAn obscene phone call makes you chuckleYou think a mosh pit is something found at the center of an exotic fruitYou wonder who'll die first--you or your moneyYou wish the "ol' ticker" had a quartz movement"Performance anxiety" refers to your golf game

With 200 of these cleverly illustrated clues and quips as well as comparison charts, entertaining graphs, and hilarious lists, You Know You're 50 When... will be the must-have, must-give birthday present for every soon-to-be-50 American.

Customer Reviews:

Very funny and cute 50th birthday book . . . ........2007-03-10

Which I've sent to a friend or two for their 50th birthdays.

I loved it, but still haven't gotten a "true review" from the recipients. Has lovely Miss Manners absolved gift recipients these days from having to say "thank you?" I certainly hope not, because I'd love objective reviews of what I send to them and consider funny.

Time's a wastin' on those thank-yous, good friends. Hope you loved the book as much as I did and will let me (and other potential readers) know it.

I highly recommend this as a funny little gift on its own or as part of a larger 50th birthday package!

Boy, I'm Over 50 and fit right in with this book.......2006-08-20

There are many very funny jokes and riddles. Nicely illustrated. Fun to have along in the car for the passenger to entertain the driver. It's well written.

A Little Humor to Go with the AARP Card!.......2000-07-18

With an epidemic of people turning 50 ahead of us, what should we do but laugh!

Seriously, every week I am regaled with at least 12 stories of what 50th birthday parties were like. I'm not sure I can take 20 more years of this. I am always trying to find humor to help me get through these stories, as well as humor I can give as gifts to people.

This Special Large Print Edition is perfect for my purposes.

Here are some of my favorite jokes from the book:

You know you're 50 when --

on your second honeymoon, you tip the bellhop to carry her across the threshold.

you wonder how Mick Jagger stays so thin.

you drop off your dry cleaning at the post office.

'performance anxiety' refers to golf.

your children earn salaries, not allowances.

you're still able to recall where you left your keys, but not what they unlock.

you now read Playboy for the fashion tips.

at last it's okay to sleep late, but you can't.

you carefully trip the fat from cookies.

staying power refers to remaining awake through Cats.

Florida starts looking good.

Be sure to read this book and find your own favorite jokes to keep you amused by your 50+ old friends. Use it to overcome the misconception stall that humor ends with 50.

Good gag gift for aging friends.......1999-12-03

I like to give books like this (ie, "Getting Old Sucks"; Dave Barry Turns 50) to all my friends when they hit the "Big 5-oh"! It makes getting older a little less painful when you laugh...`

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YOU KNOW YOU'RE OVER FIFTY WHEN....

Manufacturer: Ivory Tower Pub. Co, US
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0880320931

Book Description

You love movies. Who Doesn't? In Finding God in the Movies Catherine Barsotti and Robert Johnston show you how to combine your love of movies with your desire for God. Introducing thirty-three films of faith--ranging from Tender Mercies to X-Men--the authors identify and explore key biblical themes like forgiveness, faith, and repentance. An enthusiastic guide for the individual movie lover or small group, this resource contains production notes and film synopses, relevant Scripture texts, theological reflection, recommended video clips, discussion questions, and more. It will deepen your fervor for film and for God.

Customer Reviews:

Good book.......2007-08-26

The book really helped me with me class that I used it for. Even though we weren't required to read it.

A book for finding God's grace in the secular world.......2004-11-03

Catherine Barsotti and Robert Johnston --- husband and wife --- give thoughtful Christians a book full of tools to help them view select movies (33 in all; the oldest released in 1982) through a theological or philosophical lens.

FINDING GOD IN THE MOVIES starts with an informative introduction that discusses the film genre and theological approaches to film. What makes a good film? "Head, gut, and heart. The best movies will engage the whole person." How does a viewer find God in the movies? "Unpack the story.... What is more primary in the way the story is shaped? (1) Is it the plot...? (2) Is it the characters...? (3) Is it the point of view, where a story is given value by the perspective of the narrator(s)...? Or (4) is it the atmosphere...?...Concentrate your critical attention on where the filmmakers have centered their attention. By doing this, you will prove a more receptive viewer of the story and perhaps the Story."

Each of the 33 movie-chapters starts with a two- or three-page "synopsis and theological reflection" --- a review. This is followed by "dialogue texts" (relevant biblical passages), "discussion questions," "clip conversations" (more discussion questions but about specific scenes), and several pages of "bonus material," which includes interesting behind-the-scenes information about the making and makers of the film. Movies also are clearly linked to two helpful appendices: one listing (Genesis to Revelation) relevant biblical references; one listing (A to Z) topics covered in or themes of the movies (for example, Abuse; Affirming the Human Spirit; Anger; Arguing with God; Balance in Life).

The movie-chapters are presented in 13 categories, the more blatantly religious ("Living Our Faith"; "Images of the Savior"; "Renewing the Church") placed toward the end of the book. You might want to start your exploration in these later categories or simply bounce around. The second of the 13 categories, "Beauty, Imagination, and Creativity," discusses two Pacific Rim movies, Spirited Away and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, that celebrate imagination and creativity but may be hard for the neophyte to discuss theologically.

This is a book for Christians who have an understanding of common grace, "the wider work of God's Spirit throughout and within all creatures and creation," and for those who are open to dialogue with the secular world. What are some of the films discussed? Life Is Beautiful. Ulee's Gold. The Hurricane. Simon Birch. Chocolat. We Were Soldiers.

By using this guide you might get the hang of facilitating a movie-discussion group and then move on to films you wish the authors had included. We'd all have our own list. Mine? The Trip to Bountiful. Cinema Paradiso. Babette's Feast. The Quarrel. Smoke. Maybe I should check out Johnston's earlier book REEL SPIRITUALITY: Theology and Film in Dialogue (Baker, 2000).

--- Reviewed by Evelyn Bence

Help me open my eyes wide!.......2004-07-24

Can we find God in the movies? Yes! In this outstanding cultural book, Johnston leads us to find God in the popculture. He mentions the movie as a story teller in which people communicate their values and worldviews. He, also, teaches us what the christian movies are and how christians can watch the films; the christian movies are what deal with the real human stories and what show the reality afresh. And, when we watch the movies, we, as chrsitians, have to see the christian values such as humanity, friendship, forgiveness, reconciliation, etc. In addition to these strengths, the most wonderful character of this book is the excellent complete film study guide. I enthusiastically recommend this book for all people who are interested in popculture and its application to their real lives.

Average customer rating:

Engaging

Finding Faith at the Movies
Barbara Mraz
Manufacturer: Morehouse Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 081921955X

Book Description

Using movies to explore faith and spirituality issues is in vogue today, but it's difficult to find the time to show and discuss a full-length film in most adult or youth classes or groups. Barbara Mraz, a deacon in the Episcopal Church and a high school teacher, found a solution.

This practical, hands-on book will help Christian educators, youth leaders, and anyone wishing to use films as teaching tools to explore and discuss a film within the usual 40-50 minutes available. Mraz provides an introduction, related Scripture passages, carefully selected film segments (with VCR counter numbers and DVD settings), and thought-provoking discussion questions for twelve movies that explore topics such as temptation, duty, forgiveness, redemption, gratitude, and other important Christian values. This proven technique - one Mraz has been using for years - requires a minimum of preparation and generates the maximum in participation. Industry film ratings are provided so leaders can pick appropriate films.

Customer Reviews:

Engaging.......2005-06-17

Barbara Mraz's book, 'Finding Faith at the Movies', is a practical guide for ministry with an important and influential aspect of the media. Movies have strong impact on the psyche of people in today's society - some films have enough influence to change public policy, change popular perception, or even create cultural change on a significant scale. How can this medium be used in service of the faith concerns of the community?

Mraz has written this book for both group leaders and those looking for individual insight and guidance. She addresses the concerns of many groups, which is that it is often too much of a time (and stamina) commitment to watch a 2-hour film and then have substantial discussion about it. She proposes concentrating on selected pieces or storylines, which can be shown in brief, and members of the group can (individually or severally) watch the film before or after the discussions.

Mraz provides guiding questions for conversation, suggested themes for consideration, background material on the films, relevant scriptural passages, as well as suggestions for further reflection. She includes DVD and VCR counter numbers to facilitate the scene-sequence process (and discusses the legal issues involved in showing films to groups and/or copying sequences of scenes onto other tapes).

Mraz has selected twelve films (for those who might want a monthly movie group, this would provide a year's worth of material). This centre around themes such as sacrifice, envy, forgiveness, repentance, temptation, disappointment, gratitude, and more. The films included in this series are the following:

Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Contact (1997)
A River Runs Through It (1992)
Quiz Show (1994)
The Music Box (1990)
Amadeus (1984)
Shadowlands (1993)
Smoke Signals (1998)
American Beauty (1999)
Dead Man Walking (1995)
The Prince of Tides (1991)
To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

Many of these films are known well enough by many people that a good discussion can be held by people remembering the films and having refreshed insights based on the suggested film clips. Mraz' synopses and background information pieces are well written (not done as film reviews as much as essays written toward the spiritual focus of the book's purpose).

This is a very useful book. For those who like movies, this can give insight in a new way of viewing. For those who seek meaningful activities for youth and adults, this book gives good suggestions and practical guidelines.

A very worthwhile text.

Book Description

Now in an easy-to-handle format, this new edition of The Book of Rock is fully updated with fantastic new, varied and talented acts from across the musical spectrum. In the most comprehensive encyclopedia of rock and roll to date, guitar heroes rub shoulders with tortured geniuses, and the flamboyant masters of showmanship receive the same treatment as reclusive poets. Showcasing a gallery of 500 saints, sinners, and martyrs of rock history, The Book of Rock provides a fresh, provocative guide to the world’s most influential singers and musicians. Each artist is given equal deference—500 pages, 500 defining photographs, 500 defining quotes, with text that highlights their achievements and their influence, along with essential biographical information, critical comments from the artists themselves or fellow musicians, and a selected discography. The Book of Rock pays tribute to the artists that imposed an indelible mark on the half-century of musical extravaganza we call rock and roll. Selections include Aerosmith, Eric Clapton, Dead Kennedys, Eurythmics, Fleetwood Mac, Peter Gabriel, Buddy Holly, INXS, Nirvana, Queen, Ramones, U2, The Verve, The Who, X, ZZ Top, Eminem, The Strokes, The White Stripes, The Streets, The Dandy Warhols, Shakira, Anastasia, Shania Twain, OutKast and Coldplay.

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State of the Art 2064 (Shadowrun)
Fanpro
Manufacturer: FanPro
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
General | Role Playing & Fantasy | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
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Mr. Johnson's Little Black Book (Shadowrun)

Shadowrun, Fourth Edition

Shadowrun: Street Magic (FPR26004) (Shadowrun)

Shadowrun: Runner Havens (FPR26005) (Shadowrun)

Shadowrun System Failure

ASIN: 1932564438
Release Date: 2004-10-01

Product Description

The Shadows Never Stop New toys hit the street every week, omae. Wiz new tech to exploit security holes, flashy new guns to drill your opponents, wicked new adept fu to kick some major hoop. To keep up with the Johnsons, ya gotta scan what s coming down the pipe, otherwise you ll end up as the unfortunate example in a field-test report. State of the Art: 2064 examines the latest groundbreaking developments in five aspects of the Shadowrun world. It explores the current state of police technology, tactics and prisons and details the murky world of spycraft and political espionage. It also delves deeper into both adept characters, discussing new path, powers and metamagic, and European-specific magical traditions such as street witches. Finally, it provides briefs on the latest trends in mainstream culture, sports and entertainment, with an eye towards shadowrunning opportunities. These sections include a selection of new gear, techniques and rules for both players and gamemasters. For use with Shadowrun, Third Edition.

Book Description

Are you tough enough to endure the type of training a soldier goes through? Find out all about the human body and how it is able to withstand so much physical exertion. This title is filled with facts to show you what it takes to be tough enough.

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Are You Tough Enough?
Anne Burford , and John Greenya
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Federal Jurisdiction | Administrative Law | Law | Subjects | Books

General | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 007008940X

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Are You Tough Enough
Burford Anne m
Manufacturer: McGraw Hill Book Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LB7CTA

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Are You Tough Enough for the Eighties
James Bertolino
Manufacturer: New Rivers Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Bahasa Malay (Malaysian) | More Languages | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
ASIN: 9991702105

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Are You Tough Enough For the Eighties?
JAMES. BERTOLINO
Manufacturer: St. Paul, MN:New Rivers Press,
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000U8QW1S

Are You Tough Enough?(Brief Article): An article from: Chief Executive (U.S.)

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Are You Tough Enough?(Brief Article): An article from: Chief Executive (U.S.)

Manufacturer: Chief Executive Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Chief Executive (U.S.), published by Chief Executive Publishing on March 1, 2000. The length of the article is 691 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Are You Tough Enough?(Brief Article)
Publication: Chief Executive (U.S.) (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 1, 2000
Publisher: Chief Executive Publishing
Page: 6

Article Type: Brief Article

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Tough and ready: Yar-Craft's 2197CC is tough enough to take you almost anywhere--and back.(BWB TESTED): An article from: Bass & Walleye Boats

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Tough and ready: Yar-Craft's 2197CC is tough enough to take you almost anywhere--and back.(BWB TESTED): An article from: Bass & Walleye Boats
Dan Armitage
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Sports | Subjects | e-Docs | Formats | Books

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from Bass & Walleye Boats, published by Thomson Gale on May 1, 2007. The length of the article is 1599 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Tough and ready: Yar-Craft's 2197CC is tough enough to take you almost anywhere--and back.(BWB TESTED)
Author: Dan Armitage
Publication: Bass & Walleye Boats (Magazine/Journal)
Date: May 1, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 14 Issue: 5 Page: 24(4)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

How much insulation is enough?: A tough question to answer but now you can answer it yourself : an easy-to-use guide to help Dayton-Area homeowners make ... decisions about insulation with worksheets

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How much insulation is enough?: A tough question to answer but now you can answer it yourself : an easy-to-use guide to help Dayton-Area homeowners make ... decisions about insulation with worksheets
Richard J Pearson
Manufacturer: [s.n.]
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007ALD7M

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