Tiki Pop. America imagines its own Polynesian Paradise Hardcover – Download: Adobe Reader, August 17, 2015

I must confess that I am a bit of a Tikiphile and I owe a lot of what I know to Sven's other works (The Book of Tiki and Tiki Modern), much like the reviewer above I was a little hesitant about Tiki Pop. I wondered what Kirsten could possible bring to light after his previous books, but being such a fan of the genre I purchased the book anyway. I have to say that not only has Kirsten expanded on the knowledge he dropped in his other books, he has created something that can stand on it's own as well and perhaps the best "art" book of his trilogy. The sheer amount of content is overwhelming and could take a very long to time to truly digest and appreciate. Something that I've personally been enjoying is the section devoted to the pre-tiki period as well as the one devoted to the magic of film sets and how that crossed over into restaurant and bar decorating. All of these are elements that Kirsten has touched upon in his other books, but here he gives new and more detailed insight into how all of these elements stood on their own and then helped to create the wonderfully American Polynesian Pop culture known as Tiki. Of course (like all of Kirstens books) every page is filled with amazing photographs and vintage artwork detailing the development of the style and culture, which brings me to the physical beauty of this book. Taschen always does a wonderful job, but Tiki Pop is truly a masterpiece. From the color saturation of the images to the paper itself everything about this book says quality. It's not just an art book, but a work of art in itself that can be handed down for generations. Whether you are already interested/involved in Tiki/Polynesian pop culture, new to the subject or just looking for an orgy for your eyes Tiki Pop will not disappoint.

A "must have" book, not just for the followers of the Polynesian Pop/Tiki movement in America but for all American History and American nostalgia buffs as well. Thought provoking on the Polynesian influence in America, not just during the mid-century post WWII era but also the pre WWII Polynesian influence and history on the North American continent. The book covers the "South Seas" cinema genre as well. If anyone doubted this Pacific Island influence on American, Kristen and his collaborators have drawn more than enough evidence to prove otherwise. Between all three of his books, including "The Book of Tiki" and "Tiki Modern", also by Taschen, this influence is fascinating. A look into the subconscious of America, questioning the American dream of having a family, owning a home a getting a well-paid job OR escaping from it! These faux Polynesian temples of bars, restaurants, theme parks, motel resorts or bowling alleys were the perfect escape and it is making a comeback thanks to books like Tiki Pop. The photos within, like many Taschen books are eye-candy for the mind and soul. Five Stars!

It is truely a weighty book, on substance contained within, and sheer poundage, HEAVY! BEAUTIFUL! and LARGE! This book is one third larger than the book of tiki, an imch and a half thick and your coffee table would be proud to showcase this book that lives-up to that term, which this book exceeds in spades. I like the curated, museum aspect of this book, the larger format allows your eyes to really enjoy it, at a whole new level. I did notice that there were some sprinkles of some pictures used in the other books, but this was a good thing, shown much larger, as full-page in some cases. This is a historical account of tiki, where it came from and where it's been. Thoroughly entertaining, interesting and a delight to anyone, whether you are into tiki nr not. I personally like the book of tiki and tiki pop equally, but all three books stand on their own.

Excellent book, Tiki pop revisits TIKI CULTURE in a new and exciting way. His previous books capitalize on the imagery and Phenomenon of Tiki, that which most people think of when thinking of Tiki. Sadly, the Phenomenon is today, often understood as just a kitchie faux pax ofAmerican Culture. Sven's book does a great job of showing this in his newest book.He examines many other areas of Tiki, which are previously underexplored or all to often, forgotten.Tiki inspired music, Tiki inspired Art, Tiki inspired architecture,Tiki inspired drinks, all of which are important parts of the phenomena. While many considered it a Fad, it is gaining adherents today. This book highlights some of the reasons we are seeing a resurgance/

Sven Kirsten has outdone himself.This book is huge...it's oversized and chock full of photos. While the multilingual text is minimal, the book delivers on the major selling point...the imagery. It traces the American Polynesian craze through the last century from its authentic origins to its campy offspring. Full of vintage photos, ads, menus, etc., it conveys the breadth of tiki culture with both context and conclusions. I held off buying the book until I'd seen it in person and was sold before I'd turned 3 pages. A great companion to The Book of Tiki and its slightly less attractive sibling, Tiki Modern, Tiki Pop emerges as the premier tome of the trilogy. I think this will be the definitive book from here on out.

I'm a tiki buff, and I've got a library full of books on the subject, including Sven's other master work, The Book of Tiki. I was concerned that there wasn't going to be much new in here, since he already did such a thorough coverage of the subject. I had nothing to worry about. Every page of this book has some ephemera, photo, or detail that I hadn't seen before. It's a masterpiece! This book easily outshines many $100+ art books in terms of both quality and quantity. It's beeyewteeful!If you can only have one book in your tiki library, this is, without a doubt, the one to get. If you can have two, pick up Book of Tiki (if you can find it for less than $200!).

Great book,a combination of history,American pop culture and the current interpretation of the addictive world of Tiki.......

Sven Kirsten hat wieder einmal eine großartige Leistung vollbracht, in dem er uns dieses Buch "geschenkt" hat. Leider habe ich es persönlich nicht zur Ausstellung nach Frankreich geschafft und bin daher umso dankbarer, dass es dieses wundervolle Buch gibt.

A great book, having been lucky to visit Tahiti, this book brings it all back...Tiki Pop rules...!!! A great buy.

Un livre très complet et passionnant sur la vague Tiki. Beaucoup d'illustrations et de commentaires avec souvent une touche d'humour. Le livre est très grand format (je ne m'y attendais pas) et en papier glacé, bref un très bel ouvrage. Si ce sujet vous intéresse, vous trouverez votre bonheur dans ce livre.

Para cualquier amante del tiki pop o personas que se quieran acercar a esta manifestacion artistica, es un libro imprescindible relaizado por el mayor conocedor del tema