Bohemian Manifesto: A Field Guide to Living on the Edge

Bohemian Manifesto: A Field Guide To Living On The Edge is a whimsical, informative work overflowing with intricate language and imagery. Through the study of a thoughtful selection of themes and factors, Stover and Himmelein explore the contrasting personalities and quirks of Bohemians. The Bohemian personality is one known to embrace the unusual, the avant-garde, and the unconventional through assorted facets, demonstrating idiosyncrasies and imagination in the face of standards and the orthodox. Stover and Himmelein probe the distinctive and in some ways comparable Bohemians known as The Nouveau, The Folkloric, The Beat, The Zen, The Dandy, and The Zen Dandy, as well as their subgroups, including The Fairy Folk and The Romantigoth. In addition to outlining the variances between Bohemians, the authors discuss these different types across environments and eras. From Duchamp to Game of Thrones, Bohemians are represented and analyzed over a range of influences. These descriptions are captured in vivid illustrations that showcase elaborate details. Ornate outfits and stunning hats artfully adorn chapters bringing additional vibrancy and splendor to the text. Unfortunately, the array of Bohemians is not entirely rendered in the illustrations. Although the text describes Bohemians from a variety of demographics, the illustrations lack diversity. Despite this shortcoming, the work overall is incredible and will resonate with readers from a variety of backgrounds. Although a fascinating read from beginning to end, readers can easily jump into this book anywhere and appreciate the analysis shared. Each section and subject is engaging, informative, and stunning. From art and music to nudity, dust, and stationary, the authors cover a variety of relevant and insightful areas to study The Bohemian. Because of the extent of the content, readers will find this book a pleasing and constant resource for years to come. Stover and Himmelein’s language is purposeful and complex, which requires a seasoned reader with an extensive vocabulary or curious mind. Those up to the challenge will appreciate the elaborate descriptions exploring each theme. Readers will find themselves serenaded with descriptions such as “The Bohemian is a connoisseur of sensation, so there will be smoke…It swirls the atmosphere with a foggy fever, an Olympian, cloudlike fairy-fire haze, the smoke of the underworld, the residue of unwholesomeness and mind altering acts, the poetic blanket that softens hard edges.” Stover and Himmelein’s work easily earns four stars and a steady position on your favorite’s list. Readers will be thankful they picked up and thoroughly enjoy their copy of Bohemian Manifesto.