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quantumjam's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.25
i think hands down the strongest and most rewarding part of this collection is the novella Joe Gould’s Secret which is naturally located at the very end.
before I could get there, I read so much more about the saloons and oysters and beefsteak dinners and rats of early 20th century New York than I thought I’d ever want to know. there are some standout stories/profiles, including The Old House at Home, The Mohawks in High Steel, Mr. Hunter’s Grave, Dragger Captain, and Black Clams. there are several stories that were difficult and tedious to get through either due to the subject matter or the long rambling monologues of the subjects themselves.
however! honestly I think it was all worth it to read Joe Gould’s Secret with the full context of the extended cast of characters and settings that Joseph Mitchell so deftly captured, often with equal humor and compassion. a truly excellent end to the book — and one I feel I earned.
before I could get there, I read so much more about the saloons and oysters and beefsteak dinners and rats of early 20th century New York than I thought I’d ever want to know. there are some standout stories/profiles, including The Old House at Home, The Mohawks in High Steel, Mr. Hunter’s Grave, Dragger Captain, and Black Clams. there are several stories that were difficult and tedious to get through either due to the subject matter or the long rambling monologues of the subjects themselves.
however! honestly I think it was all worth it to read Joe Gould’s Secret with the full context of the extended cast of characters and settings that Joseph Mitchell so deftly captured, often with equal humor and compassion. a truly excellent end to the book — and one I feel I earned.
suvata's review against another edition
4.0
#StoryGraph: nonfiction essays short stories reflective slow-paced
716 pages • first pub 1992
"Up in the Old Hotel" is a book by Joseph Mitchell, originally published in 1992. It is a collection of essays and profiles that Mitchell wrote for The New Yorker magazine during the 1930s to the 1960s, chronicling the lives of eccentric characters and capturing the essence of New York City.
The book is divided into four sections: "The Old Hotel," "McSorley's Wonderful Saloon," "Old Mr. Flood," and "The Bottom of the Harbor," each focusing on different aspects of life in New York City. In "The Old Hotel," Mitchell describes the history and inhabitants of the Hotel Theresa, a once-grand hotel in Harlem that had fallen into decline but was still home to a diverse group of colorful characters. In "McSorley's Wonderful Saloon," Mitchell introduces readers to the legendary McSorley's Ale House, one of the oldest bars in New York City, and its colorful patrons and employees. "Old Mr. Flood" tells the story of a reclusive clam digger who lived on Staten Island and became a legendary figure in the local community. Finally, in "The Bottom of the Harbor," Mitchell delves into the lives of those who work on the New York City waterfront, including fishermen, boat builders, and longshoremen, and explores the challenges and changes facing this unique environment.
Throughout the book, Mitchell's rich and evocative prose brings to life the idiosyncrasies of the people he profiles and paints a vivid picture of a bygone era of New York City. His writing captures the essence of the city and its inhabitants, from the ordinary to the extraordinary, with keen observation, empathy, and wit. "Up in the Old Hotel" is a classic work of literary journalism that offers a compelling glimpse into the diverse and vibrant tapestry of New York City's past.
716 pages • first pub 1992
"Up in the Old Hotel" is a book by Joseph Mitchell, originally published in 1992. It is a collection of essays and profiles that Mitchell wrote for The New Yorker magazine during the 1930s to the 1960s, chronicling the lives of eccentric characters and capturing the essence of New York City.
The book is divided into four sections: "The Old Hotel," "McSorley's Wonderful Saloon," "Old Mr. Flood," and "The Bottom of the Harbor," each focusing on different aspects of life in New York City. In "The Old Hotel," Mitchell describes the history and inhabitants of the Hotel Theresa, a once-grand hotel in Harlem that had fallen into decline but was still home to a diverse group of colorful characters. In "McSorley's Wonderful Saloon," Mitchell introduces readers to the legendary McSorley's Ale House, one of the oldest bars in New York City, and its colorful patrons and employees. "Old Mr. Flood" tells the story of a reclusive clam digger who lived on Staten Island and became a legendary figure in the local community. Finally, in "The Bottom of the Harbor," Mitchell delves into the lives of those who work on the New York City waterfront, including fishermen, boat builders, and longshoremen, and explores the challenges and changes facing this unique environment.
Throughout the book, Mitchell's rich and evocative prose brings to life the idiosyncrasies of the people he profiles and paints a vivid picture of a bygone era of New York City. His writing captures the essence of the city and its inhabitants, from the ordinary to the extraordinary, with keen observation, empathy, and wit. "Up in the Old Hotel" is a classic work of literary journalism that offers a compelling glimpse into the diverse and vibrant tapestry of New York City's past.
bookshopgato's review against another edition
3.0
Joseph Mitchell's personal account of experiences with the unique citizens of New York City in the 19th century. There is a wide net of people he interviewed and found it fascinating to hear about their lives. Although, I wished I had skipped Old Mr Flood and The Bottom of the Harbor. Their focus was the New York region seafood industry. Overall, my favorite books were McSorley's Wonderful Saloon and Joe Gould’s Secret. I recommend this book especially if your a seafood enthusiast and enjoy stories about people.
Rating: 3.5 / 5
Rating: 3.5 / 5
rachelgertrude's review against another edition
4.0
This book is such a gem. It's like Charles Dickens for New Yorkers in the 1930s and 40s. Each story tangibly placed me in the stale-smelling old alehouses, the faded movie theaters and the dirty tenements. The best part is knowing the places he writes about are real. Joseph Mitchell has a gift for telling humorous and fascinating stories about extraordinary people, all while maintaining their dignity and true voice.
delimeatz's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
3.75
i quite liked many of the stories in this collection! despite having some very interesting profiles of individuals, some of them felt unnecessarily lengthy and random, like the 8 page history of rats in ny. other than that, pretty solid (i am in love with joe gould)
gagne's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
slow-paced
Content Warnings
Minor: Racial slurs
The terms "negro" and "gypsy" come up a lot.brookebookshelf's review against another edition
3.0
If possible, I probably would have given this book 2.5 stars. The early parts of the book I really loved, but I found myself skipping large sections in the middle. I got bored of the same kind of descriptions over and over again. If I read a story or two at a time over several years I likely would have enjoyed it more, but that's not how I read. I feel like I'm missing something as people love this book so much. So it is.
markfeltskog's review against another edition
From the father of literary nonfiction, an idiosyncratic history of New York City.
amysbrittain's review against another edition
5.0
Oh, Joseph Mitchell is so wonderful. I love these short stories about places and people in old New York. His writing is so gorgeous and simple; he lays it out for you to discover. LOVE this. I go back to it every few years.