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Literature & Fiction |
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Up in the Old Hotel
written by Joseph Mitchell
Studio : Vintage
by Vintage
Release Date : 1993-06-01
Publisher : Vintage
Released : 1993-06-01
Availability : Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Number of Items : 1
EAN : 9780679746317
Avg. Customer Rating: (based on 34 reviews)
List Price : $16.95
Our Price : $6.51
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Product Description |
Saloon-keepers and street preachers, gypsies and steel-walking Mohawks, a bearded lady and a 93-year-old “seafoodetarian” who believes his specialized diet will keep him alive for another two decades. These are among the people that Joseph Mitchell immortalized in his reportage for The New Yorker and in four books—McSorley's Wonderful Saloon, Old Mr. Flood, The Bottom of the Harbor, and Joe Gould's Secret—that are still renowned for their precise, respectful observation, their graveyard humor, and their offhand perfection of style.
These masterpieces (along with several previously uncollected stories) are available in one volume, which presents an indelible collective portrait of an unsuspected New York and its odder citizens—as depicted by one of the great writers of this or any other time. |
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Americancivilwar.com Review |
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Journalist Joseph Mitchell, whose death in in May 1996 at the age of 87 merited a half-page obituary in the New York Times, pioneered a style of journalism while crafting brilliant magazine pieces for the New Yorker from the 1930s to the early 1960s. Up in the Old Hotel, a collection of his best reporting, is a 700-page joy to read. Mitchell lovingly chronicled the lives of odd New York characters. In the pages of Up In the Old Hotel, the reader passes through places such as McSorley's Old Ale House or the Fulton Fish Market that many observers might have found ordinary. But when experienced through Mitchell's gifted eye, the reader will see that these haunts of old New York possess poetry, beauty, and meaning. |
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An American Classic |
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I have been known to complain that five star reviews are given out way too freely. In this case, however, five stars may not be enough. In fact, I am surprised that some reviewers ONLY gave this book four stars, but to each his own. Other reviews have already very eloquently praised this book, so I will not repeat them, except to confirm they are on target. The book is 716 pages, and I only wish it were longer. If you enjoy great writing, great storytelling, great (and real!) characters I could not imagine a better choice than Up In The Old Hotel. It also transports us to a different time and place in America, one that existed before I grew up, but one that this book almost makes you long for. If you do not read this book, all I can say is, it is your loss. |
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An observer of people |
Mitchell, a well-known reporter, has filled a role in history that will always be remembered and loved by those who lived the life he wrote about.
The people in his stories are unique and have qualities some would find interesting. His writing is very descriptive and he captures countless details not understood or seen by the casual passerby. You can easily place yourself as a fly on the wall soaking in your surroundings.
If you read Up in the Old Hotel with literary merit in mind, then you will be in for a good dose of excellent writing by a standard of yesteryear. If you are looking for people who fit outside the box, you will surely find them. If you are looking for a glimpse of the past, then be prepared to journey back with a fine guide who didn't miss a thing.
There will be many of the older generation that will remember, with clarity, when Mitchell's writings first appeared and the impact they made. It is to this group that I recommend Up in the Old Hotel.
Though a brilliant writer, I was not drawn to his stories. For me they lacked the "snap, crackle, and pop" of today's aggressive writing style. If New York had been my home over the years, then I would have found a deeper appreciation and understanding for those who made up Mitchell's fine work.
Armchair Interviews says: From a man who knew how to observe and then put it down on paper. |
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Up In The Old Hotel by Joseph Mitchell |
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Joseph Mitchell, a fine writer for The New Yorker magazine, put together a wonderful grouping of short stories during his many years of searching out the people and interesting places in New York City which was his beat for many years. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a good story about ordinary people, or one of an interesting landmark s such as McSorley's Bar and the people who frquented it during the 1920's and 1930's. It has been at the same location since 1854 and is still there today. My favorites are the first story, The Old House At Home (about Mcsorley's) and Mr. Hunter's Grave, towards the end of the book. Many others are excellent and bring out the heart of the city and its people. To me it brought back New York as it was then with kids "roasting mickies" as I did as a child in New York. G. H. Owens |
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Great reading! |
A book that covers the nooks and crannies of lower Manhattan. Oddball characters are brought to full
bloom under the author's pen. He knew how to listen! Towards the back some great essays on
growing up along the Carolina coast. |
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The Essential New York Book |
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Are you going to visit "the City"? Have you been to NYC (and loved it)? Up in the Old Hotel was written before most of us were born but still delivers the savory secrets of this great metropolis. Characters abound who could only exist in NY. Meet them before you go. And be sure to eat a slice of Ray's pizza on Sixth Ave. and 11th Street! |
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