Bookworks Presents Shelf Awareness for Readers: Eclectic Lists

Recently, Chronicle Books published Lists of Note: An Eclectic Collection Deserving of a Wider Audience, compiled by Shaun Usher. Usher's 125 lists, with facsimiles or illustrations, will intrigue and amuse, and sometimes surprise: Einstein, as his first marriage deteriorated, imposed conditions on his wife if they were to stay together, including "I will receive three meals regularly in my room.... You will stop talking to me if I request it." Predictably, she left him soon after. In 1951, then-starlet Marilyn Monroe came up with 17 "dream lovers" she'd like to bed if there were no strings attached. Albert Einstein made the cut. She must not have known about his predilection for control.

The 1940 Wartime Golf Rules of England's Richmond Golf Club include "In Competitions, during gunfire or while bombs are falling, players may take cover without penalty for ceasing play." Satchel Paige's advice to not ever look back ("somethin' might be gainin' ") is familiar; his Rules for the Good Life also include "Go very light on vices such as carryin' on in society. The social ramble just ain't restful." Theodore Roosevelt compiled a list of 93 birds seen in Washington, D.C., during his presidency. Filmmaker Preston Sturges drew up a list of 11 Rules for Box Office Appeal, ending with "9. A baby is better than a kitten. 10. A kiss is better than a baby. 11. A pratfall is better than anything."

F. Scott Fitzgerald's conjugation of the verb "to cocktail"; Francis Ford Coppola's potential cast forThe Godfather; Michelangelo's grocery list; H.P. Lovecraft's weird ideas; reasons for admission into the West Virginia Hospital for the Insane, 1864-1889 (decoyed into the army; seduction and disappointment); advice from Thelonious Monk; a 1250 B.C. limestone ostracon listing reasons for workmen's absences ("drinking with Khonsu"); 1895's advice for woman bicyclists (don't scream if you meet a cow.)--what an enjoyable book! You can't stop with just one list. --Marilyn Dahl, editor,Shelf Awareness for Readers

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