The Mechanics’ Institute is pleased to have as its newest tenant The Dada Bar! In anticipation of its grand opening, this round of Staff Picks will feature books about bars, drinks, and lushes, or written by lushes.
Soused authors suggested by Taryn include:
Dorothy Parker – famous for her wit, wisecracks, and blistering satire, Parker was also a noted drinker, claiming that, “ I like to have a martini, two at the most, after three I’m under the table, after four I’m under my host”.
John Cheever, brilliant chronicler of American suburbia, was a champion drinker. He took to the bottle to salve pain caused by self-loathing and doubt over his sexuality.
Edgar Allen Poe - Poe fans are obsessed with his use of alcohol and opium. Were they his twin muses? Did they contribute to his death? The jury is out!
Erik suggests graphic novels that do not give you a happy buzz such as:
Saint Cole by Noah Van Sciver, and
The Fade Out. Act One by Ed Brubaker and Sean Philips
Kristin's book of choice is Ripe Was the Drowsy Hour by J.E. Chamberlin in which the author explores the culture and society of Oscar Wilde‘s time. “The fascination with the perverse and paradoxical and with the complex interrelationships between sorrow and joy, pleasure and pain, and beauty and truth are Chamberlin’s subjects in this engrossing work.”
You can also pick up one the lesser known pieces of works by these famous hard working/drinking authors, such as:
William Faulkner’s Knight's Gambit - six mysteries set in Yoknapatawpha county Mississippi.
Truman Capote’s Other Voices Other Rooms - Capote’s own semi-autobiographical coming of age novel.
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Tales of the Jazz Age - a collection of short stories taking place in the early 1920s.
The Stephen King Companion. “A book by book look at King’s books. These write ups tell the story behind the story.“ Complete with illustrations.
And here are a few drinks of choice by select authors:
Edgar Allen Poe - Eggnog. Poe’s eggnog was a family specialty passed down through generations.
Raymond Chandler - Gin Gimlet
Ian Fleming – Gin Martini
William Faulkner – Mint Julep
F. Scott Fitzgerald - Gin Rickey
Stephen King - Beer!
Hunter S. Thompson - Wild Turkey, and on occasion with Ginger Beer.
Truman Capote - Large Vodka and orange, referred to as his orange drink.
Oscar Wilde - Iced Champagne
Enjoy your reading and hope to see you soon at The Dada Bar!