Palm Springs Tiki: Polynesia in the Desert by Sven Kirsten & Peter Moruzzi

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 Pe