Book Review: Stork Club by Ralph Blumenthal

Unpacking New York City’s Golden Age

For pure nostalgia, Stork Club (Little, Brown 2000; reviewed Back Bay Books paperback edition, 2001) by Ralph Blumenthal amuses and enthralls. Packed with interesting modern cultural and historical tales, this brisk, captivating book about one of New York City’s iconic establishments offers revealing snapshots of America and New York. Tucked into its short chapters are enticing tidbits about nearly every aspect of popular American culture. An afterword, index, photographs, party tips and cocktailƒ recipes are also included.

Blumenthal begins with a heyday glimpse which he spins into a flashback, gradually grinding the club’s story to a halt. In between, Blumenthal loads Stork Club with essential facts and lets the reader make his own judgment about what it all means. At the outset, Blumenthal provides a backgrounder for the club’s pugnacious owner, Sherman Billingsley, a self-made Okie with Indian blood who was once a boy bootlegger. He later trafficked in illegal booze in the Midwest …