Long a hub for literary bohemians, countercultural musicians, and
readers interested in a good browse, Kepler’s Books and Magazines is
one of the most influential independent bookstores in American
history. When owner Roy Kepler opened the San Francisco Bay Area store
in 1955, he led the way as a pioneer in the "paperback revolution." He
popularized the once radical idea of selling affordable books in an
intellectually bracing coffeehouse atmosphere.
Paperback selling was not the only revolution Kepler supported,
however. In _Radical Chapters,_ Doyle sheds light on Kepler’s
remarkable contributions to pacifism and social change. He highlights
Kepler’s achievements in advocating radical pacifism during World
War II, antinuclear activism during the Cold War era, and antiwar
activism during the Vietnam War. During those decades, Kepler played
an integral role, creating a community and a space to exchange ideas
for such notable figures as Jerry Garcia, Joan Baez, and Stewart
Brand. Doyle’s fascinating chronicle captures the man who inspired
that community and offers a moving tribute to his legacy.
In a new foreword for this revised edition, Doyle updates Kepler’s
story and assesses how the bookstore and the community it serves have
remained socially engaged and commercially viable amid the tumult of
the twenty-first century.
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Pacifist Bookseller Roy Kepler and the Paperback Revolution, Revised Edition
Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9780815657293
Publisert
2024
Utgiver
Syracuse University Press
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter