John Holden Books

"Nothing epitomized the glamour and excitement of Chicago's jazz age and war years like the fabled Edgewater Beach Hotel. Much more than a hotel, the Edgewater Beach was a world unto itself--the only urban resort of its kind in the nation. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan on Chicago's North Side, it offered swimming, golf, tennis, dancing, theater, fine dining, exclusive shopping, fabulous floor shows, unique watering holes, and, of course, some of the best jazz and swing music of its era. It even had its own pioneering radio station, which broadcasted across the nation and burnished its fame. Many of the legends of the big band era played its stages, and many of Hollywood's leading stars crossed its footlights. It was a stomping ground for both the rich and famous as well as ordinary people who wanted a small taste of the high life. The Edgewater Beach Hotel was world renowned. But the social upheaval of the 1960s, the ascendance of automobile culture, and rapid urban change led to its demise."--Provided by publisher.

The first biography of Ralph Dutton, one of the leading taste-makers of his generation, a crucial figure in our understanding of heritage today.

An entertaining social and cultural history of Peckham, this account challenges perceptions of the area, often seen as a joke or a place to avoid. Celebrated in comedies yet criticized for crime, Peckham is a hub for the arts and creative industries, while grappling with social deprivation and racial tensions. This guide offers a ground-up perspective on an unofficial part of London, inviting readers to explore its streets and the community's modern challenges. Longtime residents and newcomers navigate the complexities of urban regeneration and gentrification, while Caribbean and West African communities enrich the local culture through music, drama, poetry, and film. By focusing on just a few square miles, the narrative raises broader questions about urban policy, planning, culture, and creativity. As London and other cities emerge from the COVID crisis, the experiences of Peckham provide valuable lessons in urban living, affirming the relevance of its story to wider societal issues. The insights from one of Britain's leading cultural critics resonate, suggesting that there is indeed much to learn from the joys and struggles of this vibrant community.