Book Soup
L.A. Connections…mobsters, jewelry and books!
Photos of the s.w. corner of the Sunset Strip, at Palm Ave/Holloway, circa 1951 (middle and bottom). The photos show that the fabulous BOOK SOUP is situated directly next to what once was the location of L.A. mob boss MICKEY COHEN‘s notorious men’s shop, Michael’s Exclusive Haberdashery. Cohen’s other “businesses,” Courtley’s jewelry store (Johnny Stompanato was a partner), and his tailor shop (Cohen’s personal tailor, Albert Pignola’s name appears on the corner facade) are to the east (left). The later photo (at top) shows the location its incarnation as a head shop and pool hall beginning in the late 60s. A large brick multi-story office building now occupies the site.
Larry Harnisch’s always great DAILY MIRROR blog has even more significance for me today. My book, MICKEY COHEN: The Life and Crimes of L.A. Notorious Mobster is featured.
Angelenos Who Will Be Missed…
Venice-based sculptor, Robert Graham, whose stately, iconic works grace this city & many others, was buried this past Wed.
And the Sunset Strip has lost a prominent figure. Book Soup’s, Glenn Goldman, probably the most nation’s most innovative independent bookseller, passed away last week at age 58. The store is now for sale. I hope it will survive the turbulent times.
I’m Working Very Hard…
on my book. Ohmygod, I have an Aug. deadline.
Went to Book Soup. Picked up Nureyev by Julie Kavanaugh, the Letters of Noel Coward, a book about Warren Zevon, I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead–did you know his father was Stumpy Zevon, a gangland associate of Mickey Cohen’s?–one about fashionistas in the 80s, The Beautiful Fall, Amis’ House of Meetings, and the OUTSTANDING Jim Morrison Scrapbook by James Henke. A must have. I see a photo with Jim. Pam, and myself in it.