The Von Hoffmann Bros.' Big Damn Book of Sheer Manliness

This lavishly illustrated paean to all things testicular is a perfect gift for the he-man in your life. Sports, tools, gals, cars, movies, clothes--this book leaves no stone unturned, no pants "unpantsed" in its pursuit of the eternal masculine. The Von Hoffmann brothers' culinary interests, for example, range all the way from "Colon Cleaner Chili" to a greasy Philly cheese steak; the rule of thumb seems to be, if it makes you wince, it's good eating. The primary virtue of The Big Damn Book of Sheer Manliness is its willingness to go over the top, and far there's an extended exegesis of Kubrick's Spartacus, "the manliest movie ever made"; photos of not only the B-17 bomber, but also "the three-tailed devil" (the P-38 Lightning); Zippo lighters; John Ford Westerns; pocket knives; and WD-40. Some might say that the Von Hoffmanns are stuck in adolescence, and they may be right--but where else can you find out who painted that picture of dogs playing poker? (Cassius Marcellus Coolidge). Read more