If ever there was a more creative re-use of discarded books than Berkeley artist Jim Rosenau's book shelves and cases, we've not seen it.

Rosenau's stock and trade is the visual pun. His raw materials? Old, hardbound books and their bizarre, decontextualized titles, which become fodder for witty and functional assemblages such as For the man who knows everything, made from a hammer and a bunch of (mostly) how-to books, or Pandemonium, constructed from cookbooks and kitchen gear.

Rosenau's pieces are all beautifully crafted and composed, with great attention paid not just to meaning but to color, shape, and texture.

At Rosenau's 8th Street studio, This Into That, the artist works with found and recycled objects, producing unique and "Second Edition" book shelves and cases, miniature chairs and hanging sculptures.

Ronsenau will create a custom shelf or case on any theme, based on a book or idea provided by the client, and prices range from $240 to $700. His web site includes an order form.

Interestingly, publishing was the Rosenau family trade for two generations. In his own way, Jim Rosenau has carried on the tradition.