TITLE: Absinthe and Flamethrowers
SUBTITLE: Projects and Ruminations on the Art of Living Dangerously
AUTHOR: William Gurstelle
PUBLISHER: Chicago Review Press (www.chicagoreviewpress.com)
TYPE: Reference/Guidance (No Really!)
COST: $16.95 US
REVIEWED BY: Chris Carlsson, SpiritsReview.com

 This is a book on how to engage in and enjoy a number of vices , behaviors, substances , and projects while maximizing enjoyment, safety and style. Although some people may not see it this way, it could be considered a Self Help or Life Style book along with the obvious Do It Yourself classification. As society moves to a more bland, risk aversive culture and more laws promulgated for a Nanny State , we have lost many of our skills and even ideological or rational framework on subjects such as these.

The book starts with a little personal history and the the fundamentals of risk taking then Mr. Gurstelle also provides some sound advice and philosophy for those who wish to pursue it in a very cognizant and rational manner, followed by lots of very well detailed instructions.

How many men and women were never taught how to properly manipulate a zippo lighter, smoke, drink, drive fast, make explosives, eat dangerous food or play with sharp objects?

All this and more is covered in this book. While I had learned all these skills years ago from my father and sundry other individuals, it is good to see a compendium like this come out for people who missed these lessons or need refresher courses.

This is a really outstanding book for anyone who wants to add some spice and texture to their life without losing it, or at least some fingers in the process.

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