Kup a Man, an Era, a City

As informative and readable as ``Kup's Column,'' which has appeared in the Chicago Sun-Times for the past 45 years, this autobiography looks back over that period, for 27 years of which Kupcinet also hosted a TV talk show. Writing with freelancer Neimark, this gossip columnist cast in the ConsidineWinchell mold deals with politics, show biz, sports and the celebrities he has known. There are anecdotes about presidents from Truman to Reagan, entertainers from John Barrymore to Princewith special chapters on Frank Sinatra and Bob Hopeand sports figures from George Halas to Ernie Banks. Many of the stories appeared as scoops in Kupcinet's columnand there are some shockers. Readers who enjoy inside tales of the great and near-great will find this memoir a treasure-trove. Photos not seen by PW. (October)