What do you think?
Rate this book
Up All Night: A History of Going Out
There is a specific energy to it. Cafes and shops close their shutters. Darkness descends. 'The air begins to tingle', wrote John Dos Passos of twenties New York. 'It's tonight if you drink enough, talk enough, walk far enough, that the train of magical events will begin.'
Barely four centuries ago, music, fashion, sex, architecture, art and booze first fused to create what we now call nightlife. It happened, strangely enough, in 17th-century Japan, in a remote marshland outside the shogun's capital. This den of hedonism and iniquity became a breeding ground for new ideas - and while the venues have changed, nightlife has been at the frontier of cultural innovation ever since.
Up All Night is the story of the good times and the great ones. Who invented jazz? What did 18th century Londoners do for entertainment? Why was Detroit the birthplace of techno? Who built Las Vegas? And what, in our increasingly online lives, are we missing when we pass up the chance of a big night out?
Join party historian Imogen Willetts for a guided tour of history's wildest nights out - piecing together tantalising ephemera and foggy reminiscences from shogunate Japan to noughties Hollywood, and every iconic scene in between.
Barely four centuries ago, music, fashion, sex, architecture, art and booze first fused to create what we now call nightlife. It happened, strangely enough, in 17th-century Japan, in a remote marshland outside the shogun's capital. This den of hedonism and iniquity became a breeding ground for new ideas - and while the venues have changed, nightlife has been at the frontier of cultural innovation ever since.
Up All Night is the story of the good times and the great ones. Who invented jazz? What did 18th century Londoners do for entertainment? Why was Detroit the birthplace of techno? Who built Las Vegas? And what, in our increasingly online lives, are we missing when we pass up the chance of a big night out?
Join party historian Imogen Willetts for a guided tour of history's wildest nights out - piecing together tantalising ephemera and foggy reminiscences from shogunate Japan to noughties Hollywood, and every iconic scene in between.
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 29, 2026
Received a free advance copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
I picked up Up All Night expecting to learn a little about nightlife, but I ended up completely hooked. Imogen Willetts has a way of making history feel fun, accessible, and surprisingly relatable. Every chapter introduced something new, and I found myself constantly sharing random facts with whoever happened to be nearby. I highly recommend!
I picked up Up All Night expecting to learn a little about nightlife, but I ended up completely hooked. Imogen Willetts has a way of making history feel fun, accessible, and surprisingly relatable. Every chapter introduced something new, and I found myself constantly sharing random facts with whoever happened to be nearby. I highly recommend!
August 10, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up. An interesting look at the history of night life, how it’s evolved and what its future could be. Well written and detailed, maybe a little bit too detailed for my liking as so many names and clubs and statistics were mentioned, that I found it hard to keep track.
If you want a well researched factual account of nightlife, then this is it
If you want a well researched factual account of nightlife, then this is it
August 5, 2026
Another entry to the list of books that handed me so many facts I will undoubtedly be completely insufferable about. The thesis of the book is, of course, the looming death of nightlife that barely had time to blossom in the history of humans. When I turned 18, my town had several nightclubs, now there are none. The shift is something everyone who loves the night has noticed. Something everyone who likes dancing has felt. Something that gets me honestly heated if I think about it for too long. There are parts of this book where what felt to me like important moments got kind of glossed over in a few sentences, and parts where what felt to me less pivotal, was spent more time on but I think this is also just a matter of taste and preference, and maybe even impactful facts and information we have on all of that. Very enjoyable regardless.
Unrelatedly, I listened to this audiobook through Spotify and had an absolutely miserable time with Spotify customer support as their audiobook time tracker broke on me. What a nightmare. I gotta find some alternative.
Unrelatedly, I listened to this audiobook through Spotify and had an absolutely miserable time with Spotify customer support as their audiobook time tracker broke on me. What a nightmare. I gotta find some alternative.
July 14, 2026
It was a good book. Particularly enjoyed the early roots of nightlife in Tokyo and Edo - I had never really considered the idea before that the concept of nightlife hasn't always existed. There was a very good point made in the book that at one point, most cities in the world after a certain hour were dark and therefore dangerous. Only when cities were lit up did nightlife flourish.
I thought the book lacked a bit of detail in certain areas I thought were pivotal, like the innovation of DJs spinning multiple records on decks instead of just one. This felt kinda glossed over when surely it was transformational. I also thought there was too much focus on the nightlife of celebrities/elites, when in reality they've never influenced nightlife in the same way as 'normal' people. This culminated in the last chapter on LA in the noughties which didn't really work and felt forced.
But overall, a very enjoyable and informative read!
I thought the book lacked a bit of detail in certain areas I thought were pivotal, like the innovation of DJs spinning multiple records on decks instead of just one. This felt kinda glossed over when surely it was transformational. I also thought there was too much focus on the nightlife of celebrities/elites, when in reality they've never influenced nightlife in the same way as 'normal' people. This culminated in the last chapter on LA in the noughties which didn't really work and felt forced.
But overall, a very enjoyable and informative read!
August 24, 2026
I definitely enjoyed this but the sociologist in me wanted more analysis. I think more could be said about how nights out reflected society at large which I only really got in the chapters on post war Germany onwards. Earlier chapters seemed to focus more on specific figures while I wanted more on what it all meant.
Still, I didn’t finish this feeling disappointed by any means; I do love me some niche micro history. My issues were definitely just a me problem.
Still, I didn’t finish this feeling disappointed by any means; I do love me some niche micro history. My issues were definitely just a me problem.
August 10, 2026
3.5 stars. This was entertaining but my interest waned the closer we got to the present.
July 17, 2026
Solid Social History. If you're looking for a technological based history about the various innovations that made and shaped nightlife over the centuries... yeah, this isn't that. Including more recent developments like specific DJ tech and world famous party locations.
But if you're looking for a more social-based history about how nightlife evolved through various areas all over the world... this is exactly that kind of history. Covering several centuries via focusing on certain locations from Japan to Paris to New Orleans and several others, this text does a seemingly solid job of showing how nightlife as Willetts chooses to define it has evolved over time... and the challenges it has faced over the last century as more and more tech comes to bear that serves to give people ever more reasons to stay home.
Indeed, the only real fault here is the sheer lack of documentation, clocking in at roughly half of the minimum I normally expect (15%) at roughly 8% of the text, at least in the Advance Review Copy of the book I read. Which is where the star deduction comes to bear.
Still, for how informational it is and the solid balance of tone between academic and conversational, this will be an utterly fascinating book for many where many more will learn quite a bit that may in fact stick with them for quite some time, particularly the oft-mentioned in the other (scant) reviews that exist late in release week as I write this of Willett's discussion of the origins of Japanese night life.
Very much recommended.
But if you're looking for a more social-based history about how nightlife evolved through various areas all over the world... this is exactly that kind of history. Covering several centuries via focusing on certain locations from Japan to Paris to New Orleans and several others, this text does a seemingly solid job of showing how nightlife as Willetts chooses to define it has evolved over time... and the challenges it has faced over the last century as more and more tech comes to bear that serves to give people ever more reasons to stay home.
Indeed, the only real fault here is the sheer lack of documentation, clocking in at roughly half of the minimum I normally expect (15%) at roughly 8% of the text, at least in the Advance Review Copy of the book I read. Which is where the star deduction comes to bear.
Still, for how informational it is and the solid balance of tone between academic and conversational, this will be an utterly fascinating book for many where many more will learn quite a bit that may in fact stick with them for quite some time, particularly the oft-mentioned in the other (scant) reviews that exist late in release week as I write this of Willett's discussion of the origins of Japanese night life.
Very much recommended.
July 27, 2026
I’m not much for participating in nightlife culture, but I find it fascinating in the academic sense. This is a fantastic history what humans have been getting up to after dark over the last few centuries.
Each chapter of this focuses on a different era and area, moving chronologically from the days of the Ukiyo and Vauxhall Gardens all the way to turn-of-the-century nightclub and tabloid culture (shoutout Bimbo Summit!)
There’s a lot of variety in culture and location with these topics and all of those in between. If you have some casual familiarity with the subject, there is unlikely to be an era or location mentioned here that will be entirely alien to you, but even as someone who had varying degrees of familiarity with all of the featured subjects, I still learned something new about all of them, and also really enjoyed Willett’s observations and cultural dissections.
This is really a good piece of nonfiction if you like something that reads very easily but doesn’t stint on taking a more scholarly perspective.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Each chapter of this focuses on a different era and area, moving chronologically from the days of the Ukiyo and Vauxhall Gardens all the way to turn-of-the-century nightclub and tabloid culture (shoutout Bimbo Summit!)
There’s a lot of variety in culture and location with these topics and all of those in between. If you have some casual familiarity with the subject, there is unlikely to be an era or location mentioned here that will be entirely alien to you, but even as someone who had varying degrees of familiarity with all of the featured subjects, I still learned something new about all of them, and also really enjoyed Willett’s observations and cultural dissections.
This is really a good piece of nonfiction if you like something that reads very easily but doesn’t stint on taking a more scholarly perspective.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
August 17, 2026
Up All Night is a fascinating and lively exploration of how nightlife has evolved and influenced societies across centuries. Imogen Willetts takes readers on an engaging journey through some of history's most memorable after-dark worlds, from pleasure quarters and cabarets to jazz clubs, speakeasies, discos, raves, and legendary nightclubs.
What makes the book particularly compelling is its recognition that nightlife is about much more than entertainment. It has shaped music, fashion, art, social movements, cities, and forms of self-expression. The connections between seemingly different eras and places make the history feel surprisingly relevant to modern life.
Willetts' approach makes historical research feel accessible and entertaining without losing the richness of the subject. The stories behind iconic scenes and lesser-known venues add plenty of character and make the book feel like an invitation to step behind the velvet rope of history.
A wonderful choice for readers interested in social history, popular culture, music, cities, and the fascinating ways people have gathered, celebrated, rebelled, and expressed themselves after dark.
What makes the book particularly compelling is its recognition that nightlife is about much more than entertainment. It has shaped music, fashion, art, social movements, cities, and forms of self-expression. The connections between seemingly different eras and places make the history feel surprisingly relevant to modern life.
Willetts' approach makes historical research feel accessible and entertaining without losing the richness of the subject. The stories behind iconic scenes and lesser-known venues add plenty of character and make the book feel like an invitation to step behind the velvet rope of history.
A wonderful choice for readers interested in social history, popular culture, music, cities, and the fascinating ways people have gathered, celebrated, rebelled, and expressed themselves after dark.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my review.
I saw this book was being released in an Instagram post while visiting family after coming off an almost month-long European summer vacation - where one full week was spent partying almost every night in Ibiza. I immediately requested it; it seemed like it was meant to be.
Willetts has done her research, and it shows. Every chapter was an absolutely fascinating read. My sister is actively working in the EDM scene, so I've learned a lot about it through osmosis, but as a history lover, I found the early chapters utterly fascinating. Her descriptions let you imagine these locations, and you can't help but want to time-travel and experience them in person.
I actually wanted more out of it. I think one more chapter of the more recent club scene could have been included. I was actually shocked that Ibiza was barely mentioned, especially after visiting in person. Overall, I think this is a great introduction to the nightlife world, and you can go in without any background information.
I saw this book was being released in an Instagram post while visiting family after coming off an almost month-long European summer vacation - where one full week was spent partying almost every night in Ibiza. I immediately requested it; it seemed like it was meant to be.
Willetts has done her research, and it shows. Every chapter was an absolutely fascinating read. My sister is actively working in the EDM scene, so I've learned a lot about it through osmosis, but as a history lover, I found the early chapters utterly fascinating. Her descriptions let you imagine these locations, and you can't help but want to time-travel and experience them in person.
I actually wanted more out of it. I think one more chapter of the more recent club scene could have been included. I was actually shocked that Ibiza was barely mentioned, especially after visiting in person. Overall, I think this is a great introduction to the nightlife world, and you can go in without any background information.
July 19, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley.
In an age of social media, this book is an ode to nightlife through time. The goal of this book is made clear in the introduction: "To reconstruct the ways we've gone out since the seventeenth century and get to the crux of what nightlife is all about, in all it's messy, ever-changing glory." In this mission, I think the book is successful - each chapter paints the nightlife scene of a varying parts of the world around a place or era (i.e. the techno chapter encompasses Detroit, Berlin, and Belgrade). Some stand out chapters for me were Edo in the 1600s, New Orleans Jazz age, and Weimar Berlin in the 1920s. This was an enjoyable read for a niche topic, and each chapter in itself was cohesive and interesting. However, it did feel like they merely scratched the surface and if you're looking for a deep thematic core connecting the ages and eras of nightlife, that's not part of this book's mission.
In an age of social media, this book is an ode to nightlife through time. The goal of this book is made clear in the introduction: "To reconstruct the ways we've gone out since the seventeenth century and get to the crux of what nightlife is all about, in all it's messy, ever-changing glory." In this mission, I think the book is successful - each chapter paints the nightlife scene of a varying parts of the world around a place or era (i.e. the techno chapter encompasses Detroit, Berlin, and Belgrade). Some stand out chapters for me were Edo in the 1600s, New Orleans Jazz age, and Weimar Berlin in the 1920s. This was an enjoyable read for a niche topic, and each chapter in itself was cohesive and interesting. However, it did feel like they merely scratched the surface and if you're looking for a deep thematic core connecting the ages and eras of nightlife, that's not part of this book's mission.
July 28, 2026
Up All Night: A World History of Nightlife by Imogen Willetts is an entertaining and well-researched journey through the history of how people have spent their nights across different cultures and time periods. From ancient celebrations to modern clubs and nightlife scenes, the book reveals how evening entertainment has reflected social change, creativity, and human connection. Willetts writes in a lively and accessible style, making historical facts feel engaging rather than overwhelming. The book is full of fascinating stories and surprising details that keep readers interested from beginning to end. It is a great read for anyone curious about history, culture, and the evolution of nightlife.
August 17, 2026
This book was one of the books available to read as part of the Goodreads Challenge 2026 Summer Encore, I chose it because I wanted to read something that wasn’t fiction and because in the 90s I loved clubbing. I felt the book dived so much deeper than I was expecting whether it was politics, race or everything in between. It did take me a while to get through it, and I did feel that the history was much better flushed out than clubbing in the 90s and 2000s was,nI felt that section (the last section of the book) was a little rushed, but I appreciate that that’s probably the part I was most looking forward to. Overall it was well researched, I learned a lot, the pacing was just a little slow for me at times.
August 17, 2026
Such a fascinating look into night life through time. It was so interesting the learn that similar types of establishments popped up in multiple places around the world, though each with their own twists.
I was torn between being pissed off that these places and nights out don’t exist anymore, yearning to experience these venues in their heydays, but also feeling inspired to seek any last dregs of these types of nights out. I certainly have had good nights out at various stages of my early adulthood despite the overarching societal collapse in this area. It’s all in the people and an aligned desire to have a good time and it is possible! Having been to and seen free parties/squat raves in the UK gives me SOME hope for the youth 😂
I was torn between being pissed off that these places and nights out don’t exist anymore, yearning to experience these venues in their heydays, but also feeling inspired to seek any last dregs of these types of nights out. I certainly have had good nights out at various stages of my early adulthood despite the overarching societal collapse in this area. It’s all in the people and an aligned desire to have a good time and it is possible! Having been to and seen free parties/squat raves in the UK gives me SOME hope for the youth 😂
July 25, 2026
Up All Night was an interesting read.
As someone who doesn’t party, this book taught me a lot about how nightlife shaped cultural inventions, art movements, and art forms. It's well-written with an informative and casual tone. I loved that it focused on different eras and even included pictures.
Overall, this is a great book on the importance of nightlife. I recommend this book since you’ll learn a lot.
Thank you NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the ARC(advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review.
As someone who doesn’t party, this book taught me a lot about how nightlife shaped cultural inventions, art movements, and art forms. It's well-written with an informative and casual tone. I loved that it focused on different eras and even included pictures.
Overall, this is a great book on the importance of nightlife. I recommend this book since you’ll learn a lot.
Thank you NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the ARC(advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review.
July 21, 2026
Very fascinating and well structured glance through history through the lens of the great night out. The scope is obviously gigantic, so at points it felt a little fleeting, but I loved the concept and learnt a lot!
August 3, 2026
Loved the concept of this book. Sometimes it felt more like a history lesson and I got lost. Not to sound like a boomer but the author’s arguments about how phones are ruining nightlife made a lot of sense to me. Also, I got fomo from eras I wasn’t even born in.
Read
February 12, 2026review text for 1400
August 21, 2026
Very good book and well documented, I've learned loads!
August 23, 2026
I really liked this book, although I did find the more historic chapters better - particularly the chapter about Vauxhall, which I hadn't known about at all.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews