Shelf Life : Modern Packaging Design 1920-1945

Library Journal

The bland title of this book leads one to fear a dry dissertation on package design. Happily, it's nothing of the sort. Instead, the author presents an affectionate illustrated tribute to product packaging's golden age, when innovative, eye-catching designs enticed shoppers to buy such lowly items as hair oil, laxatives, condoms, or coffee. Tins, boxes, bottles, and labels are included and organized by product type. Care and thought has been given to displaying and photographing the objects to highlight each item's unique design. This colorful book, a good companion volume to Douglas Congdon-Martin's America for Sale ( LJ 2/1/92), will please collectors and should inspire the previously indifferent to ransack their attics, basements, or garages in search of these overlooked treasures. Highly recommended.-- Stephen Rees, Bucks Cty. Free Lib., Levittown, Pa.