A Sanskrit word, yoni translates as “womb,” “origin,” “source” and, more specifically, “vulva.” Female genitals are seen as a sacred symbol of the great Goddess, a symbol of the universal womb, the matrix of generation and the source of all. Rewriting history, male leaders established themselves as rulers and as actually able to give birth. Tracking examples of yoni symbology through cave art to modern day, this book includes yoni topography in graphic detail, including tantric practices, Near Eastern myths, and Tibetan visualization techniques linked to yoni reverence. Illustrations show some of the world’s finest, oldest and most diverse examples of yoni artwork up through contemporary works by such artists as Georgia O’Keeffe and Judy Chicago. CF

Publisher: Inner Traditions
Paperback: 144 pages
Illustrated

The accidental theory of history: History occurs by accident, for no apparent reason. Governmental rulers are powerless to prevent events from happening. Versus the conspiratorial view of history: Historical events occur by design, for reasons that are not made known to the people. Epperson presents his controversial material in a clear and easily understood manner. The conspiracy that Mr. Epperson examines in this volume, he contends, has been in place for years. How can this be so? One explanation from George Orwell: “The party is not concerned with perpetuating its blood but with perpetuating itself.” Often who wields power is not important provided the hierarchical structure remains always the same. The method by which the conspiracy recruits new members to replace those who retire or die is to watch especially capable (in terms of the aims of said group) careers of certain candidates, then quietly invite them into the inner circle. “The possession of power transformed into a tyrant even the most devoted friend of liberty” (the Russian anarchist Bakunin). The conspirators are successful because the moral citizen cannot accept the conclusion that other individuals would actually wish to create incredibly destructive acts against their fellow citizens.
The ultimate purpose of this conspiracy is power. There are some who desire this more than material goods, although the two frequently go hand in hand. So those involved do not become rich and/or illustrious and join the conspiracy; they become rich and illustrious because they are members of the conspiracy. “Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely.” The moral mind of the individual who does not desire power over others or the desire for such powers cannot fathom why power seekers would want to create human misery through wars, depressions and revolutions. It is the hope of the author that those who read this book will discover that the conspiratorial view of history is the one best supported by the evidence. CF

Publisher: Publius
Paperback: 488 pages
Illustrated

American slaves were punished severely for fighting among themselves. To relieve tension and keep wits sharp, they created a mental exercise, based on trading insults, called Dozens, referring to groups of substandard slaves who were sold in lots of twelve. Given that sons were often separated from their mothers and sold off to other plantations, memories of Mama were considered to be precious. Mamas became the subjects of the ultimate insults, creating the most impact. Once mentioned, there was no going back. All jibes were going to include “Yo’ Mama” from then on.
The Dozens has survived by being passed down from generation to generation as a social ritual. Today the Dozens is considered mainstream among African-Americans and other populations, and has been popularized in the media. It is a means of settling conflicts without violence, releasing tension and establishing a pecking order. It is known today by many names including ranking, sapping, busting, capping and slamming. Rules vary from ‘hood to ‘hood. CF

Publisher: Berkley
Paperback: 128 pages

The last part of Yo Mama asked for quotes from readers and personal slams, and included an original authorship-and-release form to be used for upcoming books for which the contributors would receive credit. Most of this book consists of the authors’ own busts on mothers commenting on their appearance (“Yo’ mama’s so fat she influences the tides”) and intelligence (“Yo’ mama’s so dumb she has to take off her blouse to count to two”), as well as their personalities, behavior, hygiene, sexuality, social status and body parts. Finally, the last 13 ranks are the winners of the send-in-your-own, and are some of the best. CF

Publisher: Berkley
Paperback: 120 pages

Includes a very brief history of Bettie Page, featuring Irving Klaw, the man responsible for the beginning of her bondage and spanking photos, short films and comics. Anyone not familiar with the classic, clean, sweet, good-looking charm of Bettie Page has certainly missed out, but now has a chance to catch up. Full-page photos by Bunny Yeager include whips, suspender belts, lace undies and her trademark extra-high heels. Also includes photos from Robert Harrison’s girlie magazines Beauty Parade, Eyeful, Wink and Titter, covering the market for the bare (or at least scantily clad). Bettie mugged for the camera with consistent integrity throughout her nine-year career.
Lush, curvaceous breasts, black bra, stockings and full panties (some crotchless) are constant; her trademark six-inch heels are included in every shot. From 1948 through 1957, the risqué themes of her work included all-girl wrestling, bondage and insinuated discipline, along with really cool costumes, such as metal bras, early latex and vinyl. Fold-out beds, footstools, coffee tables and many other around-the-house items are some of many props used. Her 1950s naughty-but-oh-so-nice image translates well for the ‘90s, and beyond, because underneath it all, if we’re going to get corrupted, it’s best to be corrupted with style. CF

Publisher: Taschen
Paperback: 80 pages
Illustrated

“I want to grasp things with the mind, the way the penis is grasped by the vagina.” Duchamp channeled the hot air of dada into the lungs of surrealism. Originator of the ready-made as art object, Duchamp experimented with the effects of motion on perception, created art in response to science and technology and generally got busy, messing with the artists and critics of his day. Surrounding himself with suggestions of androgyny and a wall of silence, he presented art historians, critics and patrons with an IQ test, poetry, word play and an element of humor. The book is large, glossy and includes chronology, notes and many fine plates. Provocative, aggravating, confusing, but too strange to be meaningless. CF

Publisher: Taschen
Paperback: 94 pages
Illustrated

Waters, charming and elegant, obviously deranged, but harmless, was labeled by William Burroughs “the Pope of Trash.” Obsessed with taboos and the ultimate extremes in behavior, Waters has had a lifelong fascination with criminals, criminology, cult leaders and followers, and criminal trials. He takes everything to its utmost edge and is the American Pop incarnation of Buñuel, Godard, and Fellini. Here he discusses perversity, religion, sex, sexual deviance, his favorite cultural icons and the lewd, disgusting, high-camp satire of his own upbringing and background. Probing questions are posed by an obviously avid admirer, with whom Waters was very comfortable, full of weird references even Waters has to think about! Includes exclusive stills and posters; an in-depth interview; production notes and set design sketches for Hairspray; storyboards for Cry Baby; flyers for his early films such as Mondo Trasho and Female Trouble; a copy of a search-and-seizure notice for the confiscation of Pink Flamingos in adherence with Arizona obscenity laws; a copy of an autobiography Waters wrote at the age of 10; and a complete filmography. CF

Publisher: Thunder's Mouth
Paperback: 176 pages
Illustrated

Contains three of Waters’ scripts. Pink Flamingos, the original midnight movie, is the story of the filthiest people alive who strive for infamy and succeed when the outrageous Divine devours dog poop! Desperate Living tells the twisted fairy tale (even without Divine) of Mortville as ruled by Queen Carlotta (Edith Massey), her daughter Princess Coo-Coo (Mary Vivian Pearce) and Dreamlanders Mink Stole and Susan Lowe—mental anguish, lesbianism and political corruption. Flamingos Forever, the unmade sequel to Pink Flamingos, has Divine’s character and clan return to Baltimore to a horde of followers. Here she is confronted by her new rivals, Vera and Wilbur Venninger, owners of a funeral home who abduct children and force them to smoke, drink and shoot heroin. John Waters spent seven long years trying unsuccessfully to get funding for this script. In the meantime, sadly, the actors Divine and Edith Massey passed away. John Waters recommends readers to “Act it out alone or with friends—endless fun!” Includes great, never-before-published stills and the actors’ current whereabouts. CF

Publisher: Thunder's Mouth
Paperback: 259 pages
Illustrated

Chronicles the documentary filming of Harrold Blank’s cross-country trip in his elaborately adorned car named “Oh My God!”, and presents other art cars Blank found along the way. Features more than 40 cars, and interviews with their owners, who are as eccentric and bizarre as their vehicles, from the famous “grass car” used in the Talking Heads movie to the “light mobile,” a Volkswagen Beetle strung with 1,400 computer-programmed lights that flash messages. Provides fab color photos including quirky vehicles such as “5:04 P.M.,“which marks the exact time this art car was created. CF

Publisher: Unknown
Paperback: 95 pages
Illustrated