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About DonHerron.com
In 1977 Don Herron began leading The Dashiell Hammett Tour, now the longest-running literary tour in the nation. On this site you’ll find information on current walks — dates, where to meet, arranging tours by appointment — plus a hard-boiled blog with news, reviews of books and film, and a dash of noir.
The latest and greatest edition to self-guide you up and down the mean streets.
Willeford: The Book
Includes the first “Mr. Hunt” story, “Knives in the Dark.”
Monthly Archives: April 2019
Rediscovered: On a Postcard, Halloween 1944
Brian Leno reports in bright and early from behind the lines, after another raid on his autograph collection: “Was going to send you this image sometime back, but never got around to doing it. “Sorry about the blurry picture — … Continue reading
Posted in Film
Tagged Autographs, Brian Leno, Francis X. Bushman, Halloween, Jay Kirby, Marsha Hunt, Ramon Novarro, Ricardo Cortez, Yakima Canutt
Hammett: Jeopardy! Watch
They haven’t been dropping Hammett clews on Jeopardy! recently, although I did notice another Lovecraft item with a mention of Cthulhu — could old HPL be easing out Hammett as the show’s new go-to pulp-era writer? Nathan Ward has been … Continue reading
Hammett: And Fechheimer
Got a note in from Nathan Ward commenting on the death of P.I. David Fechheimer. “Here is my Hammett-related obit that was picked up in Crimereads. “Just repaying a debt. “Too bad that guy never wrote his book. “I had … Continue reading
Rediscovered: John D. Haefele on the History of Arkham House
Our resident expert in everything Arkham returns to review a new (if repurposed) book on the fabled press. John D. Haefele certainly burst fully-formed on the scene with his A Look Behind the Derleth Mythos, but he’s done a ton … Continue reading
Posted in Lit
Tagged Arkham House, August Derleth, George Vanderburgh, Jim Turner, John D. Haefele, Peter Ruber, Robert Weinberg, S.T. Joshi
Hammett: Fechheimer v. Spade
You know Terry Zobeck, if he notices some ref to Hammett he considers “off,” he’s on it like a dog on a bone. He spotted just such a remark in the obit for David Fechheimer. Here’s Terry: As Don deduced, … Continue reading
Hammett: The Passing of Fechheimer
Just heard from Terry Zobeck, who heard it from Larry Block, who must read the New York Times, that David Fechheimer died April 2 at the age of 76 — reportedly from complications after open heart surgery. Once again, ouch. … Continue reading
Posted in Dash, Frisco, Tour
Tagged David Fechheimer, Hal Lipset, Ken Nordine, Lawrence Block, Mechanics' Library, Nathan Ward, New York Times, Terry Zobeck
Rediscovered: Arcane Arkham Arch-Collectors Corner No. 2
I don’t know how many obscure tidbits of Arkham House collecting lore Paul Dobish is privy to, but I’ll bet it’s more than you or me or the average joe walking down the street. The average joe might dream of … Continue reading
Posted in Lit
Tagged Arkham House, August Derleth, Clark Ashton Smith, Donald Wandrei, John D. Haefele, Paul Dobish, Richard Jefts, Shorty Dunwichs, Stan McNail
