In the previous post we had Unferth, Stoker, and Pollock: the best law firm anyone could ever ask for. Now let’s turn to some recommendations that emphasize affordability (under $20).
It’s tough to imagine a better comic review of the Bush years than David Rees‘s Get Your War On: The Definitive Account of the War on Terror, 2001-2008 (Soft Skull Press; $15.95). Introduction by Matt Taibbi! I hope someone gets this for me. I want it so very much. It is so good, so funny, so addictive, you could even give it to your conservative Bible Belt father-in-law, just to test his mettle.
Next up is The Best 
American Essays 2008, ed. by Adam Gopnik (Houghton; $14.00). I am not crazy about the drab cover this year, but it’s still a great collection. You can give these things away like popcorn. Get some colorful wrapping paper, though, to compensate for that cover.
Next, have you ever thought about giving someone one or more of the many fine literary journals produced here in the states? 
I direct your attention to the Fall 2008 N+1 ($11.95), now on sale. Essays, poems, commentary, reviews. These journals tend to be high in content and low in price, so you get excellent value. Add a subscription to sweeten the deal — the gift keeps on giving. Yesss. There’s a journal for every interest. We carry several.
Finally for this installment of the year-end roundup, a most excellent wall calendar: Edward Gorey: Neglected Murderesses 2009 (Pomegranate; $13.99). Everybody loves Edward Gorey.
OK, next: more faves of 2008 (Pearson, Taibbi, etc.) and a look at Susie Bright’s X: The Erotic Treasury.
Note: we are pleased to announce that Shakespeare & Co. gift certificates may now be purchased online.
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