The book's cover design.
Encyclopedia of the Exquisite, by Jessica Kerwin Jenkins, and published by Nan A. Talese/Doubleday, takes a cue from the exotic encyclopedias of the 16th century, which brimmed with mysterious artifacts, focusing on the elegant, the rare, the commonplace and the delightful. A compendium of luxury that merges whimsy and practicality, the book traipses through all the fine arts, showcasing every sphere of style: fashion, food, travel, home, garden and beauty.
In the spirit of renewing old sources of beauty, and using an anecdotal approach, each entry proffers an array of engaging stories. Among them: the explosive history of champagne; the art of lounging on a divan; the emergence of “frillies,” the first lacy, racy lingerie; the luxe legend of sweet-smelling saffron; the riot incited by the appearance of London’s first top hat; Julia Child’s tip for cooking the perfect omelet; the polarizing practice of wearing red lipstick during WWII; Louis XIV’s fondness for the luscious Bartlett pear; the Indian origin of badminton; Europe’s 17th century false beauty mark fad; the evolution of the Japanese kimono; the pilgrimage of Central Park’s Egyptian obelisk; and the thrill of dining alfresco.
Encyclopedia of the Exquisite is a lifestyle guide for the Francophile and the Anglomaniac, the gourmet and the style maven, the armchair traveler and the art-lover. It’s an homage to the esoteric world of glamour that doesn’t require much spending, but makes us feel rich.
Check out the New York Times Book Review
Check out Encyclopedia of the Exquisite at Amazon.com
to get in touch: jessica.kerwin.jenkins (at) gmail.com
Oh my! This is everything I dream of in a book. Clever you. Simply CANNOT WAIT to read this. I am v. v. excited. Would be greatly thrilled if you might read my blog – I used to be the features ed at Aussie Vogue. A bientot clever lady after my own heart.
Dear Clare,
Thanks so much for your kind email! I truly hope you’ll like the book. Going to check out your blog now.
All best wishes,
Jessica
Dear Jessica,
I haven’t even shown my husband the (review) of your magnificent book in our paper (Denver Post) today, because I know exactly what he’d say:” It’s you honey, only in book form.” It’s all the aestetics and vagueries of life that should be treasured and learned and discussed (at length!) And they look to be gathered up in one stunning little package!
Although, I guess, I’ll have to take the clipping off my desk and put in on his bedside table if I want to get it as a gift for the holidays. Unless, of course, I can’t wait and just get it for myself sooner!!!
THANKS,
Anita Halpern
Dear Anita,
What a kind note! I am thrilled to know that you are excited about the book, which I hope will brighten your days and meet all of your expectations. Once upon a time, during a long gray winter stretch, the idea of someday receiving a message like yours helped me to press on with my research. Thanks so much for writing!
All best wishes,
Jessica
Just read the WSJ review of this book of “savory obscurities” (December 4-5, 2010) and simply had to order four copies. Three are for gifts and one is for my amusement. Am looking forward to enjoying and sharing.
Dear Patty,
Wow! I hope that you—all of you—enjoy it. Thanks so much for writing.
All best wishes,
Jessica
Dear Ms. Jenkins
One word Exquis
Having read the review in the NY Times…I rushed out two weeks ago to buy your book as a holiday present to myself.
I would love to “subscribe” to your website/blog…what is the best way to do that ?
Happy New Year
Janine Edmée
Dear Janine,
Thanks so much for your email. I’m so pleased that you like the book. While writing it I could have only hoped that it would be the kind of gift that someone might give to herself one day. That really is a huge compliment.
As for subscribing, unfortunately I’m not too technically savvy. I tried just now to install a ‘subscribe via email’ button, but I’m afraid that I made a mess of it. Instead I put up something on the first page for those wanting to subscribe via google reader or yahoo…..but the rest will have to come once I convince a clever friend to take a look at the site.
All best wishes for 2011,
Jessica
Oh, what a way to start off the new year! My lucky day to have read about a kindred spirit who has written the perfect little book!
Surely, this is just what I needed to whisk away these winter doldrums that set in right about now in Oak Park! On my way to purchase it at The Book Table now.
Can’t wait for the second book!
Thanks, Christina! I’m so glad that you like the book. It always pleases me so much to know that it has made it into the *right* hands. And I’m extra-thrilled to know that it’s landed in Oak Park!
It was so nice of you to write.
All best wishes,
Jessica
Jessica just saw a note on your book, can’t wait to have it at hands and dive in the dream world of exquisite. surrounded by continuous vulgarity in TV, on the streets, at the restaurant, it will be my pill of comfort.
thanks,
Francesca
Dear Francesca,
I sincerely hope that you will like the book, and that it will provide both pill and pillow.
Wishing you much happiness,
Jessica
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Thanks!
Hi Jessica,
your blog is awesome, posts idem, book idem. Love the concept and also the overall concept.
here goes a thing: I would have LIKE IT to facebook so you posts would have been shared to my friends…this is an easy to do task in you blog and it helps a lot…also i want to write this as an email but i could not find a email address…
tks very much for your work
André
Dear André,
Thanks so much for your email. I’m so glad that you like the blog and book–and that you thought to share it with your friends! I’m not that technically handy, as you may have guessed, but I will try to add a f/b like button and I’ll try to see if there isn’t a better place to post the email address so that people can find it easily.
I’m busy working on a second book right now, so it may take me a while. But they are good ideas and I appreciate your suggestions.
Sending you every best wish,
Jessica