In the original manuscript of The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill there was a chapter on the history of the unique little world of gardens and cottages where I was living (and live now) and the people who’d made it possible. (Judy and I own their house.) When I submitted the manuscript, my editor suggested that I delete it, and, being a first-time author, I didn’t argue. She even encouraged me to defend its inclusion. But I didn’t. A few days ago I decided to post it on my website. Here’s the link for anyone interested in reading it. It goes between the chapters “Dogen” and “Everything Changes.”
August 31, 2011 at 9:04 pm |
What an incredible treat to read a lost chapter!!! It contains so much evocative history…truly inspiring about how people lived their lives within a bohemian ethic in the 30′s, 40′s, 50′s. Thank you!!!
September 1, 2011 at 10:52 am |
After reading that and watching “The parrots of Telegraph hill” I have to find the book. I hadn’t seen “Parrots” until 4 months ago. I haven’t been to a book store really in all that time. Used book stores, yes, but not the only remaining new book stores. That was a lovely chapter and the editor was wrong, it should not have been left out, it was a tidbit of history that was more important than she thought. I loved the area where the film takes place, my husband and I have always wanted to live somewhere near San Fransisco and that area was beautiful. I’ve always envied the bohemian lifestyle.
September 2, 2011 at 8:12 am |
It’s a fascinating footnote. I thought it would have made a great Appendix.
September 2, 2011 at 9:26 am |
I love that chapter, especially the part about the parties. I grew up in Mill Valley in the 1950′s going to parties like those — really interesting people and great fun, even for a kid!
Why leave this chapter out? Was it the reference to the IWW? I suppose some editors get nervous at any mention of the Wobblies.
September 2, 2011 at 9:35 am
I think she wanted the book to focus on the parrots.
September 4, 2011 at 1:09 am |
Thank you for publishing that chapter Mark. Although I’ve now left the Filbert Steps and am back in England it is still a treat to read more of the fascinating history of the area.
September 16, 2011 at 12:07 am |
I think a creative re-write may be in order.
“[Picasso's] left arm is draped around [Sophie], who, lithe and small, leans against him, her back against his ribs. Her head is turned to one side, and she’s looking up at [the big lug] with an open-mouthed, admiring smile.”
I could swear I’ve seen those two lovebirds in that exact pose but I can’t, for the life of me, remember where…
All silliness aside, thank you sharing this!
Linda (no relation to the preceding poster)
October 13, 2011 at 11:21 am |
thank you Mark for posting this chapter. It is a remarkable love story, just as your book is, and I really enjoyed reading it. As a native San Franciscan, I’ve always enamored of any history of my city. This must be published too. I am going to read this to my 84 yr old mother, also a native, who will no doubt enjoy it as well.
Glad to see you are still posting about the parrots and the city. Best regards,
Sandra