Blooks: Things that look like books, but aren't

The Grolier Club in Manhattan is hosting an exhibition that explores objects that look like books, but aren't, such as book-shaped lighters and lanterns, food containers that are disguised as books, and other household items in book form. The collection comes from the Met preservation librarian Mindell Dubansky, who has been collecting fake books for nearly two decades. Her exhibit, Blooks: The Art of Books That Aren't, is the first of its kind in the United States, and features some 200 sculptural and functional items.

"Blooks embody the same characteristics as books and many take the form of specific titles and book formats. They signify knowledge, education, taste, power, wealth and more. They have been treasured and passed down through the generations, and many thousands reside in private homes, public and private businesses and in museums and libraries around the world. Blooks have been used to celebrate and memorialize important occasions and personal losses and successes. They serve as reminders of memorable visits to important places, as receptacles to hold valuable and practical objects and are the source of great amusement."

[h/t: The New York Times]

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