June 19th is National Marini Day. Everyone knows “A martini, shaken not stirred,” by James Bond in the movie “Goldfinger”. It is ranked number 90 In The American Film Institute’s most notable phrases in movies.
But there is a fantastic movie, made long before 007, with other memorable characters AND martini quotes. Look for “The Thin Man” with Nick and Nora Charles, 1934. They were the best detective team ever!
You first meet Nick behind the bar explaining “Always have a rhythm in your shaking. Now a Manhattan you shake to fox-trot time, a Bronx to two-step time, A dry Martini you always shake to waltz time,” A little later his wife Nora meets up with Nick, as she is handed a martini. She asked how many martinis he has already had. When he replied that “this makes six,” she then tells the bartender “All right. Will you bring me five more martinis, Leo? line them up right here”. (to catch up.) Their interactions (perhaps a little martini induced) is the best. They made five more sequels. I own this movie because of how good it still is.
“The Thin Man” was written by Dashiell Hammet. As well as “The Thin Man” he wrote “The Maltese Falcon” with Sam Spade the detective. I have his complete works printed by The Library of America.
I also own the book “Son of the Martini Cookbook” Baba Erlanger and Daren Pierce, 1967. Famously rare because of the ‘dry’ illustrations by Edward Gorey.
There are some unusual recipes to make, based on how many martinis you have drunk first. Edward Gorey is a distinctive and wonderful illustrater and author, and I collect a lot of his works.
Then I have “The Little Black Book of Martinis” by Nannette Stone, 2004. This is “The Essential Guide to the King of Cocktails” with history, ingredients, apparatus, and of course recipes “Martinis from A to Z”. Not only is this a great book on its own, but it is by the publisher Peter Pauper Press. I absolutely am a fan of Peter Pauper Press books.
This bookcase holds (among a few other great finds in assorted old knick knacks) my collection so far of Peter Pauper Press books. The first one I have was printed in 1928, and they still print books today. The exciting ones (other than my Martini book) were printed by Peter Beilenson and his wife. Until the 1950’s, they printed books with a small press by hand, usually around 1000 copies, and came with a slipcase. Some are wonderfully illustrated; Some were made to be given as gifts. The tougher collectable ones to find are printed before 1962 when he died. His wife continued printing books until she died in 1982. Their son and wife continue with the press. I think I need a bigger bo…okcase for these PPP books.
As well as the books printed by Peter Pauper Press, I have a few unusual books printed about Peter Beilenson. Whenever I go bookhunting, I always have my list of what I still need by Peter Pauper Press.
With movies, books, and drinks…you had me at Martinis.
Thanks for reading.
Librarytomes 