50 Cool Things from Brian Cassidy, Bookseller

For those of you who know Richard Hell only as a musician, he was also a writer. Perhaps the pseudonyms threw you off, and recognition will come once we point out this 1971 book is attributed to “Ernie Stomach.” Perhaps the pseudonymous books should not be a surprise since the name Richard Hell was a obviously a pseudonym too. His “real” name, if there is such a thing, is Richard Meyers. Hell started out writing and publishing, became a pioneer in the punk music field in the 1970's, and returned to a focus on writing in the 1990's as the punk era aged. He performed in several bands, but the best known is still Richard Hell and the Voidoids. Getting back to the books and Ernie Stomach, item 36 is flip-movie dance alphabet peepshow toy enigma boring book, published in 1971. Cassidy notes that this was an early example of Meyers using a persona, describing the book as “a minimal, semi-erotic alphabet book.” We assume it was not meant for the kids. $500.

Item 41 is a flyer for the quintessential punk band, the Ramones. It was for a 1979 concert in Milwaukee. Milwaukee was not exactly the capital of punk rock music, but The Palms, where they played, was noted for featuring many of the top punk bands of the day. The cost was $6.50, and who wouldn't gladly pay that today for a chance to see them play? Sadly, we note the passing of the last original Ramone still living, drummer Tommy, last month. None of them had the chance to live a long life. $250.

Brian Cassidy, Bookseller may be reached at 301-589-0789 or books@briancassidy.net. The website is www.briancassidy.net