Inconspicuous Consumption

Inconspicuous Consumption

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I Thought I Knew About the Poll Tax, but I Was Wrong
How a bunch of vintage documents gave me a fascinating history lesson.
 • Paul Lukas
A Sample Catalog for Something You Probably Never Thought About
If you’re giving out a diploma, certificate, or other fancy document, it likely needs a decorative border.
 • Paul Lukas
A Visit to the Ephemera Fair
Can you guess which two items I purchased at this fantastic vintage market?
 • Paul Lukas
The Strangest Artifacts I’ve Ever Saved
Some thoughts on the pleasures of vintage price tags.
 • Paul Lukas
Let’s Check Out Some Cool Old Business Letters and Invoices
Each one provides a peek into a distinct little industry-specific world.
 • Paul Lukas
What’s the Deal with “Both Phones”?
A simple but confusing phrase used to be common on promotional materials. Here’s the story behind it.
 • Paul Lukas
The Pleasures of Vintage Billheads
You probably know about letterhead, but do you know about billheads? Let’s take a closer look.
 • Paul Lukas
How a Vintage Library Card Reconnected Me with an Old Friend
An amazing tale of coincidence, happenstance, and incredibly good luck.
 • Paul Lukas
A Very Beautiful Book About ... Math
Even math-phobes will find plenty to like in this 19th-century classic.
 • Paul Lukas
Some Thoughts About Book Spine Design
Including a particularly interesting (and irksome) recent example.
 • Paul Lukas
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