Soho in the Eighties

Christopher Howse's memoir, Soho in the Fifties, offers a fascinating glimpse into 1980s Soho, a decade of tragic comedy in pubs and drinking clubs. The cast included well-known figures like Jeffrey Bernard, Francis Bacon, Tom Baker, and John Hurt, as well as character actors like the Village Postmistress, the Red Baron, and Granny Smith. The underlying tragedy of lost spouses, jobs, pennilessness, homelessness, and death added bite to the story. Howse captures the lost Soho he once knew, with its cellar cafés and butchers shops, villains, and generosity. He never laughed so much as he did in Soho in the Eighties.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2018
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Christopher Howse, a renowned journalist and writer, offers a captivating glimpse into the vibrant world of 1980s Soho in his memoir titled "Soho in the Fifties." This book serves as a sequel to his earlier work, "Soho in the Eighties," which captured the daily tragi-comedy of the 1980s in pubs like the Coach and Horses and drinking clubs like the Colony Room. These establishments were hubs of constant conversation and frequent arguments fueled by alcohol, with an eclectic cast of characters that included well-known figures such as Jeffrey Bernard, Francis Bacon, Tom Baker, and John Hurt, as well as lesser-known character actors who added depth to the narrative. What set Soho apart was the underlying tragedy that permeated its streets, with lost spouses, lost jobs, pennilessness, homelessness, and death being common themes. Howse's memoir beautifully captures the essence of Soho during this period, with its cellar cafés and butcher shops, its villains, and its generosity. The author vividly describes the time spent in these smoky rooms, which always seemed to be half past ten, not long before closing time. He recounts how he never laughed as much as he did in Soho in the Eighties, highlighting the unique charm and appeal of the area during that time. Overall, "Soho in the Fifties" is a captivating read that transports readers back to a bygone era, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who called Soho home and the unique culture that flourished there.

Weight: 622g
Dimension: 238 x 180 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472914804