In the Hamptons: My Fifty Years with Farmers, Fishermen, Artists, Billionaires, and Celebrities

by Dan Rattiner

Long before the Hamptons became famous for its posh parties, paparazzi, and glitterati, it was a sleepy backwater of fishing villages and potato farms, literary luminaries and local eccentrics. As the editor and publisher of the area’s popular free newspaper, Dan’s Papers, Dan Rattiner, has been covering the daily triumphs, community intrigues, and larger-than-life personalities for nearly fifty years. A colorful insider’s account of life, love, scandal, and celebrity, In the Hamptons is an intimate portrait of a place and the people who formed and transformed it, from former residents like Andy Warhol and Willem de Kooning, colorful locals like bar owner Bobby Van and shark fisherman Frank Mundus (who the character Quinn from Jaws was based on), and literary figures like John Steinbeck and Truman Capote, to present-day stars like Bianca Jagger and Billy Joel. An insider who lived there—as well as a Jewish outsider amid the WASP contingent—Rattiner both revels in and is rattled by all he witnesses and records in one of the world’s most famous places. With dry wit and genuine affection, he shares a story of the Hamptons that few know, one defined by the artists, painters, fishermen, farmers, dreamers, hangers-on, celebrities, and billionaires who live and play there.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, New York, Biography

370 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[SundayAtDusk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good, light summer read, and you don't even have to know anything about the Hamptons to enjoy it. The most interesting thing to me about the book is how times have changed since the 1960s, and most who live in any coastal area in the United States can commiserate with Dan Rattiner about that matter. It was also interesting to be reminded how much more work went into getting a newspaper printed 50 years ago than it is today.

Although none of the included stories Mr. Rattiner tells are hilarious, there are some amusing enough to remember. Moreover, the ones on the rich and famous provide some additional insight about the lives of those individuals; while the ones on the average Joe/Jane individuals, keep everything real and, once again, pointedly reminds the reader how times have changed since the 1960s.

[Elaine Donadio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who has spent the day in the Hamptons could not possibly avoid encountering Dan's Papers, the free local newspaper published by the eponymous Dan Rattiner. I have spent a lot of time in the Hamptons recently, came across this book published in 2008, and became intrigued by the personal accounts of the artists, writers, and personalities who inhabited this region of eastern Long Island, once the milieu of those who wished an invisible life, now teeming with those who want to see and be seen.

Dan Rattiner was sixteen when his parents left Millburn, New Jersey headed for Montauk with its white sandy beaches and fish-filled Atlantic Ocean punctuated by the quaint eastern-most towns of Suffolk County. Dan's father had enough of the grind associated with his job as a cosmetics salesman and, capitalizing on his degree in pharmacy, realized his dream of owning a small drug store by day, and fishing by night. Dan worked for his father and started his own free local newspaper geared to tourists during the busy summer months. He solicited ads to finance the cost of printing and distribution, and wrote all the stories himself—just as he does now.

Dan Rattiner tells us about his interactions with pretty girls, arrogant artists, hard-drinking writers and entertainers, kind forward thinking bankers, colorful local fisherman, generous wealthy benefactors, stingy unreliable moguls, and the close-knit community of the inhabitants of the east end or "The End" as Montauk is called.

Dan Rattiner spread his influence from Montauk west to the Hamptons until he conquered those towns one by one with an inspiring combination of determination and smarts.

If you love the idea of the old Hamptons—as you might feel about the old Hollywood with its now extinct rules of conduct and black and white films showcasing actors with clipped British accents—take a look at this book. You'll learn so much about the celebrities who helped shape this once obscure part of the world into the wonder it has become.

This story should have been awe-inspiring and exciting. Instead, the tone of voice is almost a bedtime story that lulls the reader into complacency. With fifty years of experiences with so many movers and shakers and creators of American culture, a flat delivery defeats the purpose. The author seems bored by the whole thing. Could it be possible?

[Sammi Goldstein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this book laying around the house and decided to give it a try - you don’t have to read the chapters in order - lots of quick short stories within

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Long Islander familiar with the free newspaper “Dan’s Papers” I found the story of how he founded the newspaper at 20 years of age fascinating. It was interesting to hear stories from the earlier days of Montauk and the Hamptons and the changes over the years.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something about Rattiner's book really grabbed me. Maybe it's because my fiancee and I have spent some time out there and I've been fascinated by its history and the stars, maybe it's because I proposed to her at the very same lighthouse that Mr. Rattiner himself saved, but I could not put this book down.

It's a collection of essays without a narrative bent about Rattiner's time out in "the Hamptons" beginning when he moved to Montauk at 16 to his present-day presence in the famed east end of Long Island. He's written a follow-up to this book which I will definitely be purchasing. If I'm lucky, I'll buy it from BookHampton.

[Cheryl Wieser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

This was a ineresting book. It was fun to read about all the famous people who lived it East. Now a days it's not unusual to see celebrity out there. But I think all that were out there when Dan was young are more interesting.

[Irene Cassata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Montauk and Hampton history!

[Susann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mildly Diverting

I would say I felt more irritation at this book than enjoyment which is not being helped now by the fact that my first review just disappeared into the ethers. It was difficult finishing it which I forced myself to do after putting it down for long periods numerous times. Overall my impression was that the author had used his best material in prior books and these were the scraping leftover. While some stories were touching or humerous such as saving the lighthouse and various fake stories that created unexpected consequences for his newspapers, there was a lot of meh content and trivia. Maybe that was meant to be folksy and atmospheric of the Olde Hamptons. Maybe I missed the point here but I felt there were a lot of near misses such his almost date with a rich girl and almost having an interview with someone who knew a famous painter. If you are wanting to read this for celebrity gossip, it is a bit thin and boring. Perhaps you need to know the area better than i do for full appreciation.

[Patsy Carter · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointed

Thought it would be about more modern day people that had lived there in the last thirty years or less

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dan Rattiner is a first rate essayist and his collection is essential reading about the Hamptons. Incredible slices of life in one of the few remaining sites of the old Long Island. A great read.

[Laurie Deery · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting short stories about life on Long Island , mainly Montauk, but the author ends the stories abruptly in many cases, leaving you scratching your head.

[Christopher London · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dan Rattiner gets this neck of the woods the way few do. He is visionary, artful, humorous and historically accurate and instructive all at the same time. If you go to the Hamptons or spend any meaningful time on the East End of Long Island then you ought to read Dan Rattiner. The glossy magazines come and go and while a great deal of folks may focus on the social scene picture pages among the seen and to be seen, the cognoscenti pick up Dan's Papers before they do anything else. Rattiner is in touch with the subtle undercurrents and the direction of the air, water and the footprints left in the sand. He paints a realistic and compelling portrait of a unique period in American history and New York Social history among the have a great deal, have a little less and barely have enough to vacation in the Hamptons. Dan's stories in Dan's Papers for too many years now has been the first thing I grabbed when I got out to the East End of Long Island. As long as there is printed page, Dan Rattiner's words add value to that page, a value that is worth it to readers interested in gaining an understanding of the character of a community, its inhabitants and visitor's. It is hard to otherwise summarize a man and his body of work who is not a caricature of anyone else who preceded him. Dan Rattiner is always a "Good Read", whether its his scribbled notes, his Hamptons journal or the books he pens.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

A totally delightful Hamptons beach read. Sitting in Montauk, high above the sea, on a beautiful late summer morning, poring through Dan Rattiner's delicious tales of adventures in local living - well, it's as refreshing as a perfect gin and tonic.


Dan, editor of Dan's Papers, the local news-bible, knows everyone who is anyone, as well as the less celebrated locals. He's invited to interview Nixon in his decline, an opportunity he declines. Why? Because he thinks the owner of Guernsey's Inn is just fishing for free coverage. He meets Babette Tweed, descendant of Boss Tweed, whose parents live in scrupulous inconspicuous dignity in or of Montauk's premier mansions. The loudly under-dressed ladies who run the no-tell motel. Patrician Robert David Lion Gardiner, descendant from one of America's oldest land-grant families. Famously reclusive John Steinbeck. And so many other colorful folks, all rendered with an insider's keen eye, and a lightly humorous touch.

The chapters are pithy and enjoyable. A perfect summer dip- pick it up and put it down at your will. Take a swim and peruse more later. Read out of order. But you do keep coming back for more, like John's ice cream in the village. It's almost as tasty, and less fattening. What could be better? Well, maybe a little more ice cream. The stuff is addictive, sweet and not too wicked an indulgence. Just like this charming collection of profiles and essays.

[Naturegirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, loved the stories, loved the history, loved Dan Rattiner's perspective as someone who is a local. I never realized that Dan moved to the Hamptons at 16, started his paper at 20, and created an incredibly successful business that is very well respected today. The stories about, artists, writers, hotel owners, pilots, the local salt of the place were so endearing and show a small hometown side to the showy mansions of the Hamptons. He talked about meeting Bill Clinton at a ball game, his friendship with Billy Joel, and all the writers he met at Bobby Van's in Bridgehampton. These stories give me such an appreciation for the Hamptons and I really wish someone would write a book like this about the North Fork. Can't wait to read the followup books!

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd give this book 3.5 stars. I think if I was a regular Hamptonite, I might have appreciated this book even more ... even my dermatologist back in Manhattan knows about Dan Rattiner of Dan's Papers!

This book was a quick and easy read, and was pretty entertaining. I started it while I was in the Hamptons one weekend (my first time in the Hamptons, actually), and it was fun to read about places I was discovering there. It was also interesting to read about how undeveloped the Hamptons once were, and the gradual rise of the McMansions which have all but erased several of the sleepy fishing towns.

[Shani · Rating 2 out of 5]

I learned some more things about Montauk and its history, along with some infusion of the famous people who have lived on the island. I thought that the book would include more of a story thread, but instead felt a bit like a string of articles published as a collection. Because of this I thought it ended rather abruptly. I hope Dan will continue to tell his stories!

[Peg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting account of history of eastern Long Island - from the era of native Americans, fishermen, and potato farmers to today's enclave of the rich and famous. Book is presented with most chapters focusing on one hamptonite: Billy Joel, Jim Jenkins, Jackson Pollock, John Steinbeck, William de Kooning, and George Plimpton.

[Bill Saltarelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book had me filling in the past on what I knew about the Hamptons. The author, Dan Rattiner explains how he got his free newspaper started in the 60s. Reading his paper my entire life, I grew accustom to his wit and wry sense of humor. Knowing what I know now about the East Hampton ladies, Jim Jensen and Bobby Vans makes me smile. Great read, I couldn't put the book down

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fun to learn about the interesting people who have lived there. It's more interesting if you've spent time there. It's written by the guy who writes the local free newspaper for the last few decades, and he's lived there most of his life.

[Hardeep · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess you have to live in the area to "get" much of this book... Lots of name dropping...

[Peggy Missett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good easy read! Interesting and enjoyable! Good summer book!

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storytelling. Don't need to know the Hamptons to enjoy the stories, but makes it that much more entertaining if you do.

[Janet Dawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful stories of the history of Long Island! A great read!

[Michele Feiner]

Interesting characters with some added history!