Monthly Archives: July 2012

Hammett: “Vamping Samson”

For me a writer’s life is traditional biography superimposed over strict bibliography. I want to know what was written, when, why, and then follow the writings into print, especially print that occurred in the writer’s own lifetime, when it meant … Continue reading

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Hammett: And Lovecraft

Whoa. Friday the 13th. Time to get a little eldritch and unspeakable for Biography Month. . . . And unspeaking of H. P. Lovecraft, I admit I’m just as interested in the Could Have Beens of a writer’s life as the Plain … Continue reading

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Rediscovered: More Life of Floyd

Got a note from Matthew Asprey that he’s got another publishing deal gone down — the magazine Contrappasso. Haven’t seen it yet, but a star feature for Up and Down These Mean Streets types would be a new autobiographical piece … Continue reading

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Hammett: Thoughts on “House Burglary”

Wrapped in its art deco cover, the lost interview with Hammett from 1929 that Terry Zobeck located — “House Burglary Poor Trade” — is the author at a peak. Still writing for Black Mask. Not yet Hollywood. Charming, and willing to answer … Continue reading

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Rediscovered: Tully Dies, The Ring Records

Just finished the new bio of Jim Tully last night — review and miscellaneous thoughts to follow. And even as I was punching my way toward the final bell, Brian Leno — resident Up and Down These Mean Streets expert on … Continue reading

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Hammett: The Lost Interview

For Biography Month, what could Terry Zobeck dig up, with which to startle and amaze? How about a forgotten interview with Hammett, filled with a wealth of biographical detail? Here’s Terry:   Hammett didn’t do many major interviews, other than … Continue reading

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Rediscovered: Red Tully and More Hobo Jungle Sapping History

How about Biography Month here in Up and Down These Mean Streets? I’ve got some bios I’ve been intending to mention piled up on a shelf behind me, and I’m a third of the way through the recent bio of Jim … Continue reading

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