Long a hub for literary bohemians, countercultural musicians, and readers interested in a good browse, Kepler's Books and Magazines is one of the most well-known independent bookstores in American history. When owner Roy Kepler opened the store in 1955 he changed the book industry forever as a pioneer in the "paperback revolution." The notion of selling texts in inexpensive paperbound volumes was revolutionary in the publishing trade and Kepler's focus on stocking these inexpensive books put him at the forefront of the ...
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Long a hub for literary bohemians, countercultural musicians, and readers interested in a good browse, Kepler's Books and Magazines is one of the most well-known independent bookstores in American history. When owner Roy Kepler opened the store in 1955 he changed the book industry forever as a pioneer in the "paperback revolution." The notion of selling texts in inexpensive paperbound volumes was revolutionary in the publishing trade and Kepler's focus on stocking these inexpensive books put him at the forefront of the movement. Paperback-selling was not the only revolution Kepler supported, however. In Radical Chapters, Doyle sheds light on Kepler's remarkable contributions not only to the book industry but also to pacifism. Recalling the tumultuous politics of the last century, he highlights Kepler's achievements in advocating radical pacifism during World War II, anti-nuclear activism during the Cold War era, and the anti-Vietnam War movement. During those decades, Kepler's Books played an integral role, creating a community and space to exchange ideas for such notable figures as Jerry Garica, Joan Baez, and Stewart Brand. Doyle's fascinating chronicle captures the man who inspired that community and offers a moving tribute to his legacy.
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Seller's Description:
PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT SHIP TO DENMARK. New Book. Shipped from UK in 4 to 14 days. Established seller since 2000. Please note we cannot offer an expedited shipping service from the UK.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT SHIP TO DENMARK. New Book. Shipped from UK in 4 to 14 days. Established seller since 2000. Please note we cannot offer an expedited shipping service from the UK.
This is a well-crafted biography of a worthy subject -- Roy Kepler -- and his principled choices through World War II, and the Korean and Vietnam wars. And it is at the same time a look at the bookstore he created in Palo Alto, and how it served as a cross-road for the cultural and political dissenters and inventors who lived in and around Stanford. The influence of the bookstore on Stewart Brand, Jerry Garcia, Steve Jobs and Wozniak, Joan Baez is traced with care by the author, Michael Doyle, who constructs a social history one person at a time. This makes the book a pleasure to read. For me, it was a ride in a time machine. I bought my first books at Kepler's, accompanied by my father. The book's depiction of the bookstore scene was true to my recollection. As a teen looking for trouble, I hung out at Kepler's and found plenty of it. Antiwar connections were easy to make, and I found my way to the Palo Alto Draft Resistance caravan that traveled the Central Valley the summer of 1966. I took a bite of the apple at Kepler's, and it was good.
