Exemplars from the Ricky Jay Collection

The full-page color photos alone justify the price, but Steve Martin's contribution was the unexpected gem for me. Even though it's oversized and heavy to hold, the layout by Ricky and Coc makes every page feel like a curated exhibit.

Ricky's own captions are half the fun—witty and dense with history—but the Steve Martin contribution alone is worth the price. The book feels hefty and well-made, like a proper archive you can flip through for hours without getting bored.

The Steve Martin and David Mamet essays are a nice bonus, but Ricky’s own captions have this dry, clever voice that makes you feel like he’s showing you around his living room. I’ve spent hours just flipping through the full-color photos and noticing something new each time.