After talking so much about Ralph Rucci and his incredible work over the last few weeks, I decided to purchase one of his books. I decided upon his autobiography thinking that it would have a large collection of his designs and also go into depth about his life. I have never been so disappointed with a book. When it arrived, I tore into the box as though it was Christmas. The book is beautiful and comes in its own hard cover.
Once out of the box, I went from elation to absolute disappointment. Below is a representation of what's in the book. Very little text, very little, and even fewer examples of his work.
Although I purchased a "like new" book, it was still quite expensive. I decided to contact the seller and see if I could possibly return the book. They must have heard the tears in my voice as they gladly accepted the return.
Once I sent this book back, I decided to check and see if the library had "Ralph Rucci, The Art of Weightlessness." They did. It is a lovely book.
The book does contain many pictures of his work. I enjoyed it enough to purchase one for my own library. Although, I would not spend the $65.00 for a brand new book, opt for a used or like new version instead. You can find a used book on Amazon starting at around $10.00.
I decided to share my woes since I have talked so much about Ralph Rucci and his work and I was afraid that someone else may end up purchasing the book and be sorely disappointed. And even worse, not able to return the book as I was able to do.
We all enjoy the work of incredible designers, and some may enjoy pictures of their home and their dog, but I want to see their work.
Have a lovely day.
Rhonda
Thanks for the heads up, Rhonda!
ReplyDeleteI really hate to say anything bad, but I just didn't want anyone else to make the same mistake I made :)
DeleteI have both books but I realized when I purchased the first book that it was about his lifestyle and not his work. You are right if you want a collection of his work the second book is better and I believe based upon the exhibit at FIT...which was awesome.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment Carolyn. You really helped to sum up the autobiography.
DeleteI really appreciate your review and comments. Since so many books of this kind are too expensive for my library to pick up, I feel like they need to be pretty useful to be worth the purchase. I will go seek out the second book, and thanks again.
ReplyDeleteLike I said, I really don't like to say anything bad, but I just didn't want someone else getting the book anticipating a retrospective of his work only to be so very disappointed. See if your local library has the other book. If so, you can take a quick look before you make a purchase.
DeleteI have really liked the work you have shown recently so I have just ordered the second book which is just over £10 delivered. Since a good quality magazine is around £5 now I think that should be money well spent. Thanks for the advice Rhonda.
ReplyDeleteI think the book is well worth 10 euro. Better than a magazine. Let me know what you think once you receive it.
DeleteThanks for the heads up, Rhonda. I will ask our library to see if we can get a copy of the "Weightlessness" book. He is my fave, too.
ReplyDeleteThe Chicago Public Library has it, not that it helps you ;) you can request the book, but you must use it at the library. At least you can take a look and see if it's something you might like to add to your own library before you purchase it. Your library may be a little more lenient.
DeleteAs ever a really interesting post and you have saved me from wasting money on the first book. I will also use your tip and buy a "like new" copy of the second book. It looks so inspiring.
ReplyDeleteAnother suggestion for buying used books is alibris.com. I've bought everything from text books to fiction from the site and always been satisfied. Always check the vendor ratings and customer feedback first though.
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestion. With the first book, the ratings were good, so I think it's a matter of what you are looking for. But all's well that ends well :)
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