We've all collected or read coffee table books featuring beautiful classic cars. Here's one that takes a fresh approach. "Prestige, Status and Works of Art: Selling the Luxury Car 1888-1942 by Thomas T. Solley" is a presentation of the catalog and advertising art that manufacturers of luxury cars printed to help sell their vehicles. Not surprisingly they called on the best artists, photographers and graphic designers, just as they hired renowned engineers and body designers to build the cars. Catalogs and literature were printed on the finest papers, carefully bound to became art worthy of museum hangings. Solley's book allows us to enjoy the visions that only the wealthy held in their hands during those halcyon years. It will be launched at a presentation and wine reception hosted by Racemaker Press at Automobilia Monterey on August 12-13, at the Embassy Suites in Seaside, California, during the Monterey/Pebble Beach concours week.