Palm Springs Tiki: Polynesia in the Desert book, with cover art by SHAG!

Escape to a bygone era where Polynesian dreams bloomed in the California desert! Palm Springs Tiki takes you on a visual journey through a mid-century tropical oasis, showcasing the unique blend of exotic escapism and desert charm that captivated residents and visitors alike.

From the 1930s to the 1970s, Polynesian-themed restaurants, bars, hotels, and even residential communities sprouted up amidst the arid landscape. Celebrities and everyday folks alike flocked to these enchanting oases, seeking a taste of the South Pacific under the desert sun.

Sven Kirsten, cinematographer, photographer, and author, has written five books about the tiki style and its relationship to midcentury modernism and America’s historic love of Polynesia. He also curates tiki exhibitions, advises on new thematic restaurants, and designs tiki mugs. Originally from Hamburg, Germany, Kirsten now lives in Los Angeles.

Historian and author Peter Moruzzi is a long-time preservationist with a passion for midcentury modern architecture and design. Born in Massachusetts and raised in Hawaii, Moruzzi graduated from the University of California at Berkeley and later attended the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. In 1999, he was the founding president of the Palm Springs Modern Committee. He has authored six pictorial history books by Gibbs Smith covering Havana, Palm Springs, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. Moruzzi lives in Palm Springs.

Product Details:

• Publisher: Gibbs Smith
• Publish Date: October 22, 2024
• Pages: 200
  
• Language: English
• Type: Hardcover