[ book tip by Erskine Fox ] Are you stuck in a rut and in need of a bit of perspective on life? Bogged down by your own troubles? Then why not pick up The Hedonism Handbook and gain a reminder on how to appreciate life and the small things. It might just be the wake up call you needed.  

Author of the best-selling The Metrosexual Guide to Style, Flocker campaigns for the idea of living by your own rules. In order to cement his argument, Flocker points out that Picasso lived to 91, and he was 'A compulsive smoker, drinker and an incorrigible womanizer…'

This handbook is sectioned into ten neat little chapters. Flocker begins by briefly telling us about the history of hedonism. He includes 'a brief tour of historic excesses', 'history’s most celebrated hedonists', and 'a timeline of intoxication'. He concludes with the chapter entitled 'Nirvana – take it or leave it'. This includes a beautiful bit on the muumuu years; where he champions us all ageing disgracefully as a collective in muumuus and floppy sun hats, who traipse around the globe and stay in each others' country homes. Each of the ten chapters opens with a quote by a famous person from history, including philosophers, politicians, writers and actors alike.  

Flocker's tone of voice is humorous and clever. Clearly a very valued member of his school debating team, he writes like he is trying to prove a point. Flocker is originally American, and the book was published in 2004, hence some of his references may seem less relevant or outdated. But don’t let that put you off; there is certainly a universal and timeless appeal here.

This book will be enjoyable for both hedonists who need confirmation, or novices in need of encouragement. Either way, when I finished reading it I had an uncontrollable urge to rush out and buy a copy for everyone I knew, and I didn’t resist.

[ Favourite quote ] TEN FUN THINGS YOU NEVER DO ANYMORE

1. DANCE LIKE AN IDIOT.
2. PLAY ON THE SWINGS.
3. FLASH PEOPLE.
4. SWIM DIRECTLY AFTER EATING.
5. GET HIGH IN YOUR BEDROOM.
6. DATE NINETEEN-YEAR-OLDS.
7. WEAR SEE-THROUGH TOPS.
8. MAKE OUT WITH STRANGERS.
9. GO OUT WITH NO UNDERWEAR.
10. FLIRT SHAMELESSLY.

[ book info ] Flocker, Michael: The Hedonism Handbook. Mastering the Lost Arts of Leisure and Pleasure. (Book language: English ) Da Capo, Cambridge, MA, 2004 (2004). ISBN: 0306814145.