CLASSIC PLASTIC RADIOS OF THE 1930s AND 1940s <i> By John Sideli (E. P. Dutton: $19.95) </i>

A celebration of radios made of Catalin, a plastic similar to Bakelite that produces deeper, more attractive colors. As is so often the case with Art Deco chatchkis, these radios have strong architectonic elements. The consummately elegant 1933 “Air King” looks like a miniature celadon skyscraper. The designs for the pleasingly streamlined 1940 Fada “Bullet” and 1940 Addison also incorporate architectural elements, with similarly graceful results. Unfortunately, John Sideli allows his enthusiasm for his subject to carry him away: He describes every radio as wonderful, charming, handsome, etc. when some of them are not. Required reading for connoisseurs of camp Americana.