This week, we interviewed James Teitelbaum, author of “Tiki Road Trip: A Guide to Tiki Culture in North America.” We asked Teitelbaum to recommend a few tiki-related books (guides, narratives, anything). Here’s what he suggested:
Aku-Aku by Thor Heyerdahl
Teitelbaum says: “That’s really the book that made me want to visit Easter Island. It’s very readable, with suspense, humor. It’s a good all-around read.”
The Book of Tiki by Sven A. Kirsten
Teitelbaum says: “A great historical overview of Tiki. It’s out print, but fortunately, he has a new book coming out called Tiki Modern.”
Oceanic Art by Anthony JP Meyer
Teitelbaum says: “This is a gigantic, encyclopedia-sized tome that covers the real art of Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia—the source of all Tiki iconography. Amazing.”
Beachbum Berry’s Grog Log (and its three sequels) by Jeff Berry
Teitelbaum says: “Berry is the pre-eminent source for tropical drinks, having excavated the classic Donn Beach and Trader Vic recipes.”
