The Night Club Era

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Written in the aftermath of Prohibition, this lively and idiosyncratic account explores the vibrant nightlife of New York City during the era of "the great American madness." It introduces a cast of colorful characters, including murderers, millionaires, gangsters, bartenders, and celebrities who frequented the city's diverse nightclubs, from El Fey to the Cotton Club. The narrative captures the "night of incredulous sadness" when the Volstead Act took effect and delves into the world of speakeasies, detailing the owner's intricate dealings with law enforcement and bootleggers. It also highlights the brutal swindles of clip joints and the tactics of crime organizations, illustrating what it means to be "taken for a ride." Among the larger-than-life figures are Owney Madden, the elder statesman of the rackets; Walter Winchell, the influential columnist and "brash historian of our life and times"; Mayor James J. Walker, who embodied the city's flamboyance and charm; and Texas Guinan, the beloved entertainer known for her signature greeting, "Hello, sucker!" This vivid narrative offers a unique, serious—yet never sober—history of New York City during Prohibition.