admin
22 December 2023
Someone once said that during times of great oppression the most creative and amazing art happens. It was either Marilyn Manson or Brutus \"The Barber\" Beefcake. Can\'t remember which. Regardless, I really believe that to be entirely true. And The Future Dictionary Of America (McSweeney\'s Books/Barsuk Records) is proof positive of it.
Let me start by explaining the concept. Essentially, take over 200 of America\'s best writers, artists, and musicians, and create a fictional dictionary from the future. Hence, the dictionary is in its \"...sixth edition since 2016.\" The idea was conceived in Spring of 2004, and by June 1st, just three months after the initial talks, the book was completed. You\'ve got to admit, frustration and dissatisfaction are extremely good motivators. And so it came to be that the likes of people like David Eggers, Jeffrey Eugenides, Daniel Handler, Aimee Bender, Judy Budnitz, and many, many more creatives came together to produce this unique book.
Want a taste? Check out a few entries:
Dubya-Emdee [dub\'-yuh-em-dee] n. an imaginary threat, upon which is based an extreme action.
condoleese [kan-doh-leez\'] n. a dialect of American English characterized by extremely precise enunciation, a highly specialized vocabulary, and the intention to deceive or obfuscate. We had hoped to glean some meaning from the Secretary\'s testimony, but it came out pure condoleese.
Cheney, Dick [chay-nee, dik] U.S. Vice President, 2000-2004; husband of Duke Ramirez; First Lady of Fresh Hell, 2010-2014.
You get the idea. In addition to all of the smart, witty entries are dictionary-esque illustrations. And the center of the book has full-color illustration work from Chris Ware, Ann Decker, Michael Kupperman, and more.
And did I even mention the CD yet? I didn\'t?!? Well, hell! The musical companion to the book, courtesy of Barsuk Records, is a collection of 22 songs from artists R.E.M., Mike Doughty, Ben Kweller, The Flaming Lips, and Tom Waits, to name just a few.
And truly the best part of this project is that not one person-- not one musician, writer, visual artist, or staff member-- was paid for their work. Because of that, all proceeds from the sales of The Future Dictionary Of America will go toward progressive causes in the 2004 elections, including The Sierra Club and Common Assets.
You know what that means? That means your money will go toward change. But change, my friend, is only the product of action. So get out there, pick up a copy of the book, and spread the word.
Let me start by explaining the concept. Essentially, take over 200 of America\'s best writers, artists, and musicians, and create a fictional dictionary from the future. Hence, the dictionary is in its \"...sixth edition since 2016.\" The idea was conceived in Spring of 2004, and by June 1st, just three months after the initial talks, the book was completed. You\'ve got to admit, frustration and dissatisfaction are extremely good motivators. And so it came to be that the likes of people like David Eggers, Jeffrey Eugenides, Daniel Handler, Aimee Bender, Judy Budnitz, and many, many more creatives came together to produce this unique book.
Want a taste? Check out a few entries:
Dubya-Emdee [dub\'-yuh-em-dee] n. an imaginary threat, upon which is based an extreme action.
condoleese [kan-doh-leez\'] n. a dialect of American English characterized by extremely precise enunciation, a highly specialized vocabulary, and the intention to deceive or obfuscate. We had hoped to glean some meaning from the Secretary\'s testimony, but it came out pure condoleese.
Cheney, Dick [chay-nee, dik] U.S. Vice President, 2000-2004; husband of Duke Ramirez; First Lady of Fresh Hell, 2010-2014.
You get the idea. In addition to all of the smart, witty entries are dictionary-esque illustrations. And the center of the book has full-color illustration work from Chris Ware, Ann Decker, Michael Kupperman, and more.
And did I even mention the CD yet? I didn\'t?!? Well, hell! The musical companion to the book, courtesy of Barsuk Records, is a collection of 22 songs from artists R.E.M., Mike Doughty, Ben Kweller, The Flaming Lips, and Tom Waits, to name just a few.
And truly the best part of this project is that not one person-- not one musician, writer, visual artist, or staff member-- was paid for their work. Because of that, all proceeds from the sales of The Future Dictionary Of America will go toward progressive causes in the 2004 elections, including The Sierra Club and Common Assets.
You know what that means? That means your money will go toward change. But change, my friend, is only the product of action. So get out there, pick up a copy of the book, and spread the word.
artid
2654
Old Image
7_1_futuredictionary.jpg
issue
vol 7 - issue 01 (sep 2004)
section
entertainmental