Charles Jencks & Nathan Silver
Softcover | 18.26 x 1.63 x 25.55 cm | 256 pp
MIT Press | 2013 | 9780262518444
The triumphant return of a book that gave us permission to throw out the rulebook, in activities ranging from play to architecture to revolution. When this book first appeared in 1972, it was part of the spirit that would define a new architecture and design era - a new way of thinking ready to move beyond the purist doctrines and formal models of modernism.
Charles Jencks and Nathan Silver's book was a manifesto for a generation that took pleasure in doing things ad hoc, using materials at hand to solve real-world problems. The implications were subversive. Turned-off citizens of the 1970s immediately adopted the book as a DIY guide. The word "adhocism" entered the vocabulary, the concept of adhocism became part of the designer's toolkit, and Adhocism became a cult classic.
Now Adhocism is available again, with new texts by Jencks and Silver reflecting on the past forty years of adhocism and new illustrations demonstrating adhocism's continuing relevance. Adhocism has always been around. (Think Robinson Crusoe, making a raft and then a shelter from the wreck of his ship.) As a design principle, adhocism starts with everyday improvisations: a bottle as a candleholder, a dictionary as a doorstop, a tractor seat on wheels as a dining room chair. But it is also an undeveloped force within the way we approach almost every activity, from play to architecture to city planning to political revolution.
Engagingly written, filled with pictures and examples from areas as diverse as auto mechanics and biology, Adhocism urges us to pay less attention to the rulebook and more to the real principle of how we actually do things. It declares that problems are not necessarily solved in a genius's "eureka!" moment but by trial and error, adjustment and readjustment.
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When Royal Mail delivered my order incorrectly, to a wrong address, I got in contact and was reassured not to worry. I was totally blown away by the customer service. Absolutely fantastic! I will def be ordering again!
My book arrived promptly and well packaged. I have only read the preface and looked at the photo plates included as other demands have priority now. Suffice to say that the book is beautifully produced, based on that preface and some random chapter previews I know I’m in for an inspiring read. I was totally unaware what we have an amazing ‘Queer’ Blues legacy. I look forward to discovering this underground aspect of my culture and hope that it informs my own musicianship!
Guy the owner was incredibly helpful and kind. Book perfectly packaged, really happy.
Totally splashed out as it was my birthday on the two Taschen XXL Amazing Spiderman books. Both are excellent, came in their own ASM printed cardboard boxes that were well packed and shipped in a bigger box. Books About Art kept me informed about the delivery every step of the way.
HUGE and beautiful book, sent in a specially printed Amazing Spiderman box. Excellent service from Books About Art.
A book full of ideas so easily forgottenl or overlooked as a painter. A good reminder of techniques that relate to the use of acrylics. Very straightforward, well illustrated. An excellent buy.
Great book.really nice photos of urban exploration.lovely colour palette of the images.
The book was an excellent purchase at a very good price and I am delighted with it. Thank you very much.
I have bought and will continue to buy this book as often as I can.
As a man much wittier than I said of Les Coleman and his work, "Les is More."
Indeed we all agree that he was.
Such a wonderful collection of title from across the arts and culture spectrum. I absolutely love that you offer books that delve into the niches of the art world, limited run artist led publishing, artists practicing away from the mainstream and so on. The prices are a bonus, and the quick service is outstanding! I for one will keep coming back. Thank you!!!
Such a beautiful book for the price
I've cut the sketchbooks open to give me A3 sheets. Love the colours
Top service
Does exactly what it says on the title.
Was looking for quite a niche book and it was a decent price and came quickly. Can't fault the service
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When Royal Mail delivered my order incorrectly, to a wrong address, I got in contact and was reassured not to worry. I was totally blown away by the customer service. Absolutely fantastic! I will def be ordering again!
My book arrived promptly and well packaged. I have only read the preface and looked at the photo plates included as other demands have priority now. Suffice to say that the book is beautifully produced, based on that preface and some random chapter previews I know I’m in for an inspiring read. I was totally unaware what we have an amazing ‘Queer’ Blues legacy. I look forward to discovering this underground aspect of my culture and hope that it informs my own musicianship!
Guy the owner was incredibly helpful and kind. Book perfectly packaged, really happy.
Totally splashed out as it was my birthday on the two Taschen XXL Amazing Spiderman books. Both are excellent, came in their own ASM printed cardboard boxes that were well packed and shipped in a bigger box. Books About Art kept me informed about the delivery every step of the way.
HUGE and beautiful book, sent in a specially printed Amazing Spiderman box. Excellent service from Books About Art.