cover image The Speakeasies of 1932: Over 400 Drawings, Paintings and Photos

The Speakeasies of 1932: Over 400 Drawings, Paintings and Photos

Al Hirschfeld, Gordon Kahn. Applause Theatre & Cinema Book Publishers, $32.95 (96pp) ISBN 978-1-55783-518-5

Brought back into print, this redesigned volume of Hirschfeld's pen-and-ink drawings from 1932 offers a window onto the Jazz Age. His trademark illustrations capture the feeling of bartenders, both straight-faced and dour, as well as of the patrons, some dressed for dance, others longing to bend an ear. Set on the facing page of each drawing is a short essay on the drinking establishment (written by Gordon Kahn and Al Hirschfeld), followed by the recipe for that place's signature drink. For example, in Mike's bar in Harlem, the author's write,""Caucasian patronage is tolerated but not solicited,"" and the Pink Lady Cocktail is made with grenadine, brandy, gin and egg white. Hirschfeld depicts the bartender Ralph, serving a sophisticated, blase black couple, sitting at the same table as a derelict-looking white man. The publication of this book marks the launch of Applause's new imprint, Glenn Young Books.