Elijah
Elijah was born and raised in Seattle and started seriously working with books while at the Seattle Public Library. When he isn't reading the heaviest tome on political philosophy, 20th century labor history, or mass-media analysis, you can find him doodling and illustrating in a sketchbook with pen and ink. He's also a sucker for newspapers, magazines, academic journals, zines, and any other publication hot off the press. You will never see him without a tie on.
Reviews & Recommendations
A wonderful compilation of letters and essays of some of the greatest Modernist thinkers from the 20th century. What is the purpose of art? What is realism? What role does art play in politics? A must read for philosophers, artists, materialists and everyone in between. If you like long discussions about art and critical theory, I can promise you will not be disappointed.
A brilliant work of science and history, Mann weaves archeology, anthropology, and vivid imagery to showcase pre-Columbian Indigenous societies with all of their various complex structures and environments. Societies and cultures that were in many regards, more advanced than their European counterparts.
Using six case studies to outline a propaganda model of US mass media, Chomsky and Hermann in their revolutionary text show how the media deludes and obscures the truth from the public through a series of "filters." All done in the interest of corporate profit, see how the media uses a variety of tools to brainwash citizens into believing the right of the US to rob and exploit foreign nations in the name of "democracy" and "freedom." Perhaps you might just think twice about what you read and see in the news.
The perfect book for the imagination. Calvino weaves poetry and prose to describe fantastical built environments. The perfect read for architects, artists, and creatives alike. I couldn’t help but doodle in the margins of my copy when I read it the first time. You will be dreaming of cities for days (and nights) on end.
Walter Rodney was one of the leading voices on Black Marxism and Pan Africanism. In this seminal text, Rodney clearly lays out a foundation for understanding the political and economic factors that drove European imperialism and exploitation in Africa. An excellent introduction for all interested in learning more about the material foundations of imperialism, capitalism, and African and European history.
The power of imaginary lines across the earth. The oppressive effects that nations and states create by controlling who and what can go where and when. Activist and writer Harsha Walia shows how migrant crises are direct outcomes of racial capitalism and nationalism. Thoroughly researched and masterfully presented, if you’re looking to have your eyes opened to the oppressive and brutal reality of global capitalism, this book will do just that.
Josef Albers, an original member of the Bauhaus movement in 1920s Germany, outlines what was at the time a revolutionary reimagining of teaching color theory. Using practical examples and full color plates to demonstrate principles of light, hue, value, and perception. Excellent for artists in all walks of life.
This book is what initially got me interested in labor history and political economy and philosophy. While by no means a complete history, this book serves as a great stepping stone to learning more about some of the greatest social and political movements made up by ordinary people (and greatest offenses and crimes committed by the US State), that don't make it into textbooks.
An inspiring read for those in need of hope and solidarity. Davis, per usual, expertly demonstrates how struggles for international human rights and the fight against state violence and oppression are all connected.
When you look at a work of art, what do you see? What makes perspective drawings “objective?” In the age of the internet, NFTs, JPEGs, memes, and smartphones, what is the relationship between subject, object, and medium? If you love museums or hate the very idea of looking at art, this book will certainly challenge you, regardless. It just might be the best and most interesting book on art I’ve ever read. P.S.Once you’ve read it, be sure to check out the three-part BBC series that was first broadcast in 1972.
