Who Would Buy This?: The Archie McPhee Story

by Mark Pahlow, Gibson Holub, David Wahl

From the hilarious to the bizarre, Archie McPhee has been supplying the world with insane toys and novelties for over 25 years. This book traces the history of Archie McPhee through a look at its... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0978664973
• ISBN13: 9780978664978
• Release Date: November 2008
• Publisher: Accoutrements Publishing Co.
• Length: 184 Pages
• Weight: 1.95 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Hope Beyond Humor

These are dark times for commerce. Some are even saying that capitalism is dead. Yet here is a book that flies in the face of the gloom and doomers. This inspiring chronicle of the heroic-- yes, heroic -- efforts of the good folks at Archie McPhee offers more than humor. It offers hope. Showing that there is an enduring place in the market for creativity, intelligence and hard work -- combined with a special gift for irony, of course! -- this book has it all: The hits, the flops, the trials and tribulations... A rare, true "behind the scenes" look at one of the best niche companies in the world. Every page is a gem, but the introduction alone is worth the price of the whole book. Who would buy this? Anyone who wants to laugh out loud, cheer for the underdog or be reassured that there is hope for the future.

I would buy this! (and did!)

Archie Mcphee has played a huge role in my life, from how I decorate my home to my car. It's unique and bizzare items that they sell have to be seen to be believed. And this book is an excellent introduction to the wonderful world of Mcphee. Packed with great stories ranging from how classic Mcphee items came into exsistence to stories about how certain items almost got Mcphee arrested (hint: selling used torpedos.) This book is funny as all get out, and will leave you wanting more. If anything, it will leave you saying "I would have bought that!" I agree with living doll, Seth. Buy early and often!

Who Wouldn't Buy This?

Archie McPhee, the kitsch capital of the Universe, invites us on a voyage into the weird and wonderful world of the novelty product. A well-crafted introduction provides background information on the store's humble beginnings, and on the namesake himself (yes, Archie's real - and he played a significant role in bringing jazz music to the Far East in the 1920's). From bacon-flavored dental products to yodeling pickles, avenging mythical beasts to ninja wallets, Archie McPhee is the Mecca for all things awesome. This book offers a look at some of the most successful products and their history, along with a special category for the particularly bizarre. With its stunning photos, hilarious product write-ups, and more useless novelty trivia than anyone should ever know, "Who Would Buy This?" is the perfect coffee table accessory for the holiday season. Or any season. And the knowledge gained from reading this book will probably come in handy when playing along with television game shows at home. Impress your friends with your wealth of information about the fine craftsmanship of the pivotal gag gift - the Rubber Chicken (capitalized out of respect for its greatness). Did you know if was first invented in Spain? That could be a Daily Double question. Booyah. So: Who would buy this? Everyone who likes things that are great. Who should buy this? Everyone ever. Buy it now; thank me later when you win huge on Jeopardy.

The savior of all that is good in the world

Okay, so perhaps we're not talking about the Flying Spaghetti Monster, but Archie McPhee is a very close second to his noodly appendage. It is not only important that you buy this book, it's URGENT. Not just one copy but many. Use all your money (except save enough to buy one of my books, please.) This is irony incarnate. This is funny. This is what spare change is for, what free time was invented for. It is impossible to give someone a gift from Archie without spreading joy. I'm a fan. This is a great book about a great phenomenon. It's real and authentic and joyful and funny. Pirates! Bacon! (no, not bacon! please no bacon!). We're talking about boomerhood stood upside down. As you can guess, I'm a little excited and practically tongue tied. Buy it here, buy it at Archie McPhee, but buy it now. And often. You won't regret it. I promise.