A History of Reading

Six thousand years of the written word as explored by a great essayist

In 1996, essayist and editor Alberto Manguel produced a 22-chapter literary adventure solely exploring the act of reading. His passion for turning the pages was met with clever anecdotes and well-researched information, all uniting to form “A History of Reading,” a beloved book on the power of words. This non-fiction work traipses through time and space—from Greek carvings and Egyptian scrolls to our modern-day computer …

The Handpoker by Death at Sea

The Brooklyn studio's 3D-printed design adds a modern touch to the ancient art of tattooing

Brooklyn studio Death at Sea turns to a time-honored craft for its latest 3D-printed offering, with the Handpoker—a tool for stick-and-poke tattoos. Death at Sea designer Matt Cavanaugh created the one-piece construction in stainless steel so it can be fully functional. Sporting tattoos himself, Cavanaugh tells CH, “I was trying to find a place where I can contribute to tattoo culture, not being a tattoo …

Chicago’s Glass House Shirtmakers

Top quality shirting crafted stateside from sustainable materials

As recently discussed, the role of the collared shirt within a wardrobe changes considerably with each generation. While they still carry a dressier cache and remain an essential component for most suits, collared shirts are also everyday wear for many, and lend a refined touch to a casual look. Chicago’s Glass House Shirtmakers understands this. Their American-made, small-batch offerings play between formal and casual. And …