Quintessence: The Quality of Having It - 4612

$325.31

The perfect coffee table book for those who appreciate the finer elements of ordinary things, this beautifully photographed volume displays with the design flair of a museum show the ultimate iconic items. The thoughtful, intellectual--often irreverent--commentary on these commonplace things alongside the artistic photographs of each--over 75 in total--entertains with the search for soul in products that we know and probably use or have used. Whether they agree or disagree with the authors--and this is part of the fun--readers will delight in the homage to these things that we appreciate but rarely take the time to venerate. The martini, the peanut butter and jelly sandwich or a Mont Blanc pen--these things are not just drinks, foods or writing utensils, "they exhibit a rare and mysterious capacity to be just exactly what they ought to be," as the authors write. We get excited about them, not because they are the "best" but because they have an elusive combination of style, class and utility. The collection is astonishingly eclectic, yet with a flip through the pages readers instinctively understand the connection.
ASIN: 1579121500
VSKU: DBV.1579121500.G
Condition: Good
Author/Artist:Cornfeld, Betty|Edwards, Owen|Cornfeld, Betty
Binding: Hardcover
Note on Condition

Most of the items in our store are used. The item's condition grade is indicated near the bottom of the product description. If you have any questions regarding specific details of an item, please contact us. We use the following rating scale:

Books:

  • Used - Very Good: Item may have minor cosmetic defects (marks, wears, cuts, bends, crushes) on the cover, spine, pages or dust cover. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may contain remainder marks on outside edges, which should be noted in listing comments. Item may be missing bundled media. 
  • Used - Good: All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. Gently used ex-library books with library stickers and markings may be classified as good. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may be missing bundled media. 
  • Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.

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  • Used - Good: Case may be damaged or come repackaged. Disc may have up to 1.5cm marking but is in great working condition. 
  • Used - Acceptable: A product with extensive external signs of wear, but is in great working condition. The case may be damaged. The cover art, liner, notes, or other inclusion may be marked, or one or all of these items may be missing.
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