David Kamp is an author, journalist, lyricist, and humorist whose work often delves into cultural history, examining American idioms and social phenomena. He possesses a keen observational eye and a playful style that explores diverse subjects, from culinary trends to the impact of enlightened children's television. His journalistic career, featuring insightful profiles of various figures, showcases his ability to capture the essence of his subjects.
"David Kamp takes readers behind the scenes to show how ... programs [such as Mister Rogers' Neighboorhood, Sesame Street, and Schoolhouse Rock] made it on air, ... [explaining] how ... like-minded individuals found their way into television, not as fame- or money-hungry would-be auteurs and stars, but as people who wanted to use TV to help children ... [The book] captures a period in children's television where enlightened progressivism prevailed, and shows how this period changed the lives of millions"--
This comprehensive A-to-Z reference guide decodes the obscure terminology used by Rock Snobs, catering to readers eager to understand the intricate details of rock music culture. It covers everything from specific instruments like Rickenbacker guitars to influential figures such as Gram Parsons, making it an essential resource for music enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge and engage in informed discussions about their favorite genre.
A nicely structured, lightly acidic addition to the handy Snob’s Dictionary series, decoding the baffling world of winespeak from A to Z.Wine Snob. The very phrase seems redundant, doesn't it? When faced with this snobbiest of snobberies, the civilian wine enthusiast needs the help of savvy translators like David Kamp and David Lynch. Their Wine Snob’s Dictionary delivers witty explication of both old-school oeno-obsessions (What's claret? Who's Michael Broadbent?) and such new-wave terms as "malolactic fermentation" and "fruit bomb." Among the other things Kamp and Lynch the Snob code-term for "aftertaste." (Robert Parker includes the stopwatch-measured length of a wine's finish in his ratings.) an American wine classification that rhymes with "heritage," and should NEVER be pronounced "meri-TAHJ." that elusive quality of vineyard soil that has sommeliers talking of "gunflint," "leather," and "candied fruits"Featuring ripe, luscious, full-bodied illustrations by Snob's Dictionary stalwart Ross MacDonald, The Wine Snob’s Dictionary is as heady and sparkling as a vintage Taittinger, only much less expensive... and much more giggle-inducing. Cheers!
"The United States of Arugula" explores the transformation of American food culture, highlighting the rise of exotic ingredients, celebrity chefs, and gourmet dining. It chronicles the journey from sushi as a novelty to the widespread appreciation of artisanal foods, revealing the culinary innovations that shaped modern eating habits.
