Cody's Books: The Life and Times of a Berkeley Bookstore

by Pat Cody, Fred Cody

A collection of letters, essays, and reminiscences captures the excitement of the Berkeley activist bookstore that was at the center of many political and literary tempests of our time, including the anti-war movement and the fight over censorship. Simultaneous.

Genres: History, Biography, Politics, Books About Books, Nonfiction

206 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1992

Reviews

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine account of Cody's Books, centering on the remarkable man behind it. (Yes: Mrs. Cody was just as instrumental to its success, but her modesty is apparent in her tribute to her late husband.) If you were there, as I was, you'll recognize the swing in Berkeley from the quiet, rather conservative, but genteel and intellectual 1950s through the popular rights won with blood and persistence, first during the Free Speech Movement days, then the People's Park demonstrations and riots. Pat Cody tells the story effortlessly through letters, transcribed speeches, and evocative scene-setting. Fred Cody was quiet, principled, humorous, generous, observant, and passionate about books; it's sad to recognize how sorely we need this kind of activism, and how rare it is.

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the chapters on how the store got started, was fascinated with the descriptions of the paper back wars of the 1950s. When we got into the 1960s I found myself skimming more than reading. Guess I am not so into Berkeley and the 1960s and I thought.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly good. Very personal, informative, lots of great details about bookselling and Berkeley in the 50s, 60s, and 70s.