The First Men's Guide to Ironing: How You Can Survive the Decline and Virtual Dismemberment of Everything You Used to Depend on

Today's male has it rough: he must respond with sensitivity to loved ones, attend wilderness retreats to get in touch with his emotions and--worst of all--launder and iron his own clothes. Williams, a first-time author writing under a pseudonym, helps Iron John become Ironing John in this humorous 96-page guide cleverly illustrated with turn-of-the-century-style clip art. Williams mirthfully, patiently warns readers away from wrinkly 100% cotton and venerates cotton blend; reassures those whose masculinity is threatened by ironing that an iron is a tool, akin to ``a power drill or a vise grip''; tells how to choose a manly iron and ironing board; and recommends ``shpritzing'' garments with water before ironing because ``You want the shirt to sizzle when you kiss it with steel.'' Accomplished domestic engineers will question Williams's recommended use of the blunt rather than the tapered end of the ironing board and women may wince at his macho remarks, but he is to be commended for so colorfully filling a neglected niche. (Apr.)