"... the products put together here are all stunning examples of how emotion and finesse can be combined with spectacular aesthetic purity." Perhaps, but I also see some magnificent engineering put to purposes that border on fine art.
The first section of this beautifully printed volume addresses, as you might expect, cars. They are, after all, the first possession a young man might truly long for. Speed matters, and that comes from engines up to 12 cylinders and displacements past 6.5 liters. These photos emphasize the interiors, though, and the body curves - the artistry rather than the machine's technical achievement. Boats (with displacements to millions of kg) and planes also fit into the "Mobility" chapter, but seem to appeal to narrower audiences.
The "Home" section revels in music of course, with an Audi grand piano and Gramophone speakers. An espresso machine that evokes chrome-plated steampunk falls into the category (but don't let the Pope know I said so), and knives. What could be more manly than knives? Again, the editors emphasize their style without mentioning the remarkable metallurgy resembling Damascus steel. Of course, the listing includes million-dollar watches, helicopter skiing, space flight, and other examples of advanced research and development in conspicuous consumption.
I was interested to see that both of this book's editors are women - clearly not the intended audience of these luxury toys. I couldn't help but wonder why it would take women to document men's indulgences. Were they fascinated and baffled by the phenomenon to the point that they had to research it? Or, but being outsiders in the manhood issue, did they bring an outsider's objectivity to the study? My wife suggested that, since men with budgets like these would dangle their toys as bait in the mating game, it's only natural for the targeted women to develop a fine eye for appraisal. Whatever the reason, the book combines bold style with fine execution, as if inspired by the toys it documents.
-- wiredweird