Saturday, July 23, 2011

The world of Winick: a book review

Not surprisingly since I work in a segment of the book biz, I'll periodically--say monthly--OK weekly--type "airstream"  into OCLC or Baker & Taylor or Ingram just to see what's what.  Last summer I was both thrilled and scared when I learned about Airstreams: Custom Interiors by David Winick.  Thrilled because Winick is simply "The Man" when you're talking Airstream interiors (well Chris Deam is also "The Man" but I'm digressing).  Scared because the publisher is Schiffer Publishing Ltd.  When Schiffer is good  you get high-end production values, full color illustration, and benchmark, authoritative,  books on niche collecting and military history topics.  You also pay for this.  A lot.
But with Schiffer I've found there can also a be another frustrating side.  Titles such as those on WWI and Vietnam War uniforms & equipment that are less an exhaustive guide to the collecting field than exhaustive guide to the collection of the author and his buddies.  Couple this with a propensity for allowing authors to use flabby re-enactors (or worse themselves..or even worse their kids--yeah you Tiger Stripe Guy) and I start getting a whiff, not so much of vanity-press, but of almost narcissist-press.
One author even goes so far as thanking the folks at his local Target photofinishing department for their work on the slapdash, poorly lit, inconsistent pics in his book.  When you pay 60 clams for this sort of product it bugs you.  A lot.
That said David Winick's book is thankfully the former.  At one level it is an exquisite portfolio of his work on 5 different trailers.  But on another level it is the closest thing yet to an actual How-To manual for restoring a vintage Airstream.  He's loaded it with descriptive text and lots of insightful "process" photos.  I find myself reading it over and over, each time unearthing a different nugget that will help on my Cruisette journey.  Winick also shares his sources, the places he finds the wonderful fabrics, fixtures, lighting, and linoleums that have become his hallmarks.  You come away almost feeling like you've dropped by his shop for a day and gotten way more than the nickel tour.
Each of the five chapters is devoted to a different trailer.  We see the genesis of his trailer genius in his first project a 1968 Caravel.  We get the backstory of his commission from Airstream to design their 75th Anniversary trailer.  We also get the low-down on the '50 Flying Cloud, a 1948 Wee Wind, and a '57 "18 Footer".  I've seen the impeccable Flying Cloud in person and the luscious, moody, atmospheric photos in this book more than do it justice.
My favorite chapter was also the most frustrating.  It follows the refurbishment of a 1948 Wee Wind, the immediate ancestor of our Cruisette.  The end result of the project is a completely custom interior, though one that is very sympathetic to the period in which the trailer was built.  The pics are gorgeous and the choice of fabrics materials and surfaces stunning.  The chapter even has a fascinating and very informative digression on strengthening an early style tube-frame while maintaining the original external appearance.  There's also lots of talk about a custom galley, range and refrigerator and what is very likely a quite dreamy, custom-louvered, exterior fridge access panel.  But I can't be sure.  None of us readers can really be sure that those parts are as luscious as I certainly know they are because there's not a damn picture of any of it.  Zip.  None.  Honestly.  Really. 
So in spite of leaving out THE part of THE trailer that I most wanted to see in 144 pages of the freshest, top-drawer trailer porn you'll find anywhere, This book is essential.  Bravo to David Winick, and kudos to Schiffer.  And no, Target was not involved.

4 comments:

Frank Yensan said...

I think perhaps we got a different run of books. Mine has more than a dozen blurred images. I also found that David was very wise to NOT give away many "how to" details. Everyone has their own perceptions of things. A good book for sure and I was very glad to get a personalized copy, however the quality of the printing was far from the actual cost.

Tim said...

Hi Frank, Thanks for stopping by! I'm sorry to hear that your copy has blurred images. I've never run into that before from Schiffer. My main beef has always been inconsistency at the editorial level. It really helps me professionally to be aware of your experience as I consider their titles for purchase.
I hear what your saying about the "how to" elements, and I agree it's nothing near the step-by-step guide that would help the novice needing to master basic skills while executing a project but I found a number of things in the book really helped me "frame" what I want to do and how to accomplish it. For me Winick's book may not teach you to drive the car, but it lays out a nice map to choose your destination and chart your path.
Again, thanks for stopping by! Its nice to know I'm being read, and you're welcome here any time.

chris said...

Hi Tim,
My name is Chris and i live out in CA. My friend owns a Cruisette and we're checking the serial number again, but i believe it's the oldest known Cruisette around. Hoping to begin restoration but no idea where to find parts, drawings, etc...can you help?! thanks so much...

Tim said...

Chris,
Thanks for stopping by. I would love to hear more about your Cruisette. Parts sources are always a trial, and it really depends on what you are looking for and what you are trying to do. Vintage Trailer Supply is and obvious first stop. They do have some items that might be useful for a Cruisette. The other big source is Ebay. For better or for worse you do need to haunt Ebay if you're looking for vintage or NOS pieces. Drawings or plans are essentially non-existant save for a floor plan. Feel free to contact me with an email address and I can perhaps share more specific info.