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After Mark's ring endorsement for Joseph Mitchell, it feels only right to create a thread where we can discuss his work.



Mark wrote: "Here's a strong recommendation from this side of the sea... quite possibly the strongest I can offer, and hopefully one which will be new to you. Up in the Old Hotel by Joseph Mitchell.

Originally a series of articles written for The New Yorker magazine during the late 1930s through the 1950s, he carefully documented the lives and doings of various eccentric people living on the fringes of NYC society. Despite this, his writings read like the best fiction, and this collection should wholly appeal to any fan of Patrick Hamilton. Don't be daunted by the high page count... it can be read in fits and starts, without sacrificing any enjoyment at all."

I picked up Up in the Old Hotel by Joseph Mitchell from my local library yesterday - I suspect I will only be able to dip into it for now, as I have so many other books to read in the next few weeks. I'll report back on my toe dip. Thanks again Mark. Your recommendations have always been bang on the money.

Peter wrote: "I bought a copy of Up in the Old Hotel a few weeks ago - so am delighted, Mark, at having a further recommendation. Maybe it will make it to the top of my tottering piles of books to read...

I forget quite what made me buy it in the first place. Possibly I came across it after reading Richard Yates' Revolutionary Road - a finely written slice of suburban life from the 1950s. "

I totally recommend this, folks... it's glorious. The best non-fiction I have read in many, many moons. Now bought for countless relatives this season. Enjoy!

Thanks Jakey. I know you are a man of taste and discernment so the "best non-fiction I have read in many, many moons" is, to quote the Velvelettes, really saying something. My anticipation, already high after Mark's ringing endorsement, is now reaching fever pitch.

I started Up in the Old Hotel last night, and even in my slightly befuddled, post-pub mood, was impressed by the writing and the details. The story, "McSorley's Wonderful Saloon" made me feel wistful for a place to which I've never been but which I instantly felt at home. Bar, pubs, saloons.. has humanity come up with a better invention?

A complete delight. What can I say Jakey and Mark - it's supremely enjoyable. Thanks to both of you for the big auld nudge to make me seek it out.

I'm now with Mazie at the Venice Cinema. What a woman!

What a book. Loving it. Try this, from Chapter 4 entitled Professor Sea Gull...


Joe Gould, aka Professor Sea Gull, is writing "The Oral History" that is already 11 times the length of the Bible and apparently is a great hodgepodge and kitchen midden of hearsay, a repository of jabber, an omnium-gatherum of bushwa, gab, palaver, hogwash, flapdoodle, and and malarkey, the fruit, according to Gould's estimate of more than twenty thousand conversations.

Wonderful.

Really, really pleased to hear that the book is managing to hit all the right spots... I had a hunch that it would.

'The Oral History' was filmed as 'Joe Gould's Secret' in 2000, starring Ian Holm as Joe Gould and Stanley Tucci as Joseph Mitchell. I've never bothered, so I can't vouch for any sort of cinematic merit.

As it turns out, I need to buy yet another copy of 'Up In the Old Hotel' for myself... it's been decades since I've read it, and I spent much of those years purchasing then giving away copy after copy after copy.

Nigeyb wrote: "I started Up in the Old Hotel last night, and even in my slightly befuddled, post-pub mood, was impressed by the writing and the details. The story, "McSorley's Wonderful Saloon" m..."

You'll be pleased to learn that McSorley's is still standing and very much open for business. Less so, perhaps, to learn that it's been completely hi-jacked by NYU students whose lack of alcohol tolerance is matched only by their lack of historical appreciation.

Additionally, there's a photo of the old Venice Cinema here:

Yes, I saw their website and found a few photos too. I am saddened to learn about the student influx. I shall make sure I visit out of term time.

I've just finished the story about the bearded lady which is another remarkable, and touching, tale. I was amazed to learn she appeared in Todd Browning's "Freaks" - though she later regretted her participation.

I am still thoroughly enjoying these Joseph Mitchell articles. Every one is a magical work of reportage. What a wonderful place New York used to be. Where have all these characters gone now? Do they still exist or is the world just much more homogenic?

Thanks Mark. Thanks Jakey. Tip top recommendation - as always.

I have only finished....



McSorley's Wonderful Saloon by Joseph Mitchell

Up in the Old Hotel is the complete collection of Joseph Mitchell's New Yorker journalism and includes McSorley's Wonderful Saloon, Old Mr. Flood, The Bottom of the Harbour and Joe Gould's Secret.

I had to return Up in the Old Hotel to the library before completing the other books, so - for now - can only review McSorley's Wonderful Saloon.

Each of the articles by Joseph Mitchell contained in this book is wonderful: beautifully written, and chronicling the mavericks, the marginal, the unusual and the idiosyncratic from the New York City of the 1930s and 1940s.

Each story lovingly brings to life some extraordinary characters. I will never forget Joe Gould, aka Professor Sea Gull, who was writing "The Oral History" that was already 11 times the length of the Bible; or Lady Olga the bearded lady who had appeared in "Freaks"; or Commodore Dutch; or the King of the Gypsies; or Mazie P. Gordon who presided for 21 years over the ticket cage of the Venice Theatre. Really, this stuff is solid gold.

Next time I visit New York I shall visit as many of the places detailed in this book as I can, if only to gaze wistfully at the spot with the vivid recollections of Joseph Mitchell's wonderful articles to imbue each location with a special and magical significance.

I will be returning to Up in the Old Hotel to read the rest of these wonderful articles - I recommend you do the same.