“Dictator Style: Lifestyles of the World’s Most Colorful Despots” by Peter York, foreword by Douglas Coupland (Chronicle Books, $25)
Imelda Marcos’ bedroom featured a seemingly tennis court-sized bed and a blinding crystal chandelier. And who knew Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu lived with gold-leafed showers and lavender bathroom sinks? The homes of 16 of the worst despots of modern times are profiled in “Dictator Style,” a book that illustrates what not to do in your own home. In general, these despots’ over-the-top design principles include everything as big and shiny as possible, multiple reproductions of ornate French furniture, and no surface left undecorated. The book is written in glib style with an apropos foreword penned by Douglas Coupland of “Generation X” fame. | Jessie Milligan, McClatchy Newspapers
