“The schemes and numbers did not shock Mary Warner. Few horror stories shocked her anymore. The ever-growing list of casualties tacked on her wall was a tragic reminder that nothing had really changed: over 10,000 dogs missing in Rochester, New York, within six months in 1983; 700 dogs missing in 11 months in Orlando, Florida, in 1985; 985 dogs and cats missing within 11 months in 1987 in Concord, North Carolina; over 1,000 dogs and cats reported missing in Indianapolis in one month in 1989. In 1990, in Columbus, Georgia, 2,500 dogs and cats had been reported missing: 5,000 in two consecutive years.” GR

Publisher: Pharos
Hardback: 258 pages

During the “lost years” between the initial burst of fame of Ed “Big Daddy” Roth and the rediscovery of his work by the world of fine art as “Kustom Kulture,” Roth became a Mormon and worked for 10 years in the sign department at Knott’s Berry Farm. These facts and many other surprises await the reader of this 1992 autobiographical memoir, which isn’t chronological and is written in an idiosyncratic “hep speak” reminiscent of Lord Buckley. Mr. Roth is ultimately a decent fellow. He likes his grunge with a “G” rating. His cartoon mascot Rat Fink is no Fritz the Cat, despite his grooming and other “unsavory” habits. What Big Daddy loves most of all is cars—customizing cars and showing them off. He respects women. He dislikes loud music and air conditioning. He digs computers. He’s a free spirit but a good role model (although he alludes to a past in which this wasn’t always the case). He hasn’t let success go to his head. He’s made business mistakes. He’s quick to acknowledge the contributions of others. Given the somewhat specialized presentation of the information that this book contains, it is probably best enjoyed by the true aficionado. It contains many illustrations and a special fold-out Rat Fink poster. SA

Publisher: Pharos
Paperback: 169 pages
Illustrated

Essential autobiography of the eclectic genius who directed such unspeakably bizarre schlock films as The Tingler and Doctor Sardonicus, produced The Lady From Shanghai and Rosemary’s Baby, invented dozens of truly insane promotional gimmicks, and inspired John Waters to greatness. MG

Publisher: Pharos
Paperback: 264 pages