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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.”
Category Archives: Frisco
Frisco Beat: Mark Coggins on 891 Post and Bill Arney
Just got a note from crime writer Mark Coggins rounding up some stuff about the late Bill Arney on Twitter. One of the links offers Bill reading something by Mark on KQED. I bet there’s a lot of Bill’s voice … Continue reading
Frisco Beat: Up in Spade’s Room
Thomas Burchfield just put up an article on the late great Bill Arney — especially useful because it first appeared in 2009 and contains lots of info on Bill’s movements in San Francisco. I’d almost forgotten the breakup with a … Continue reading
Posted in Dash, Frisco, News, Tour
Tagged 891 Post, Bill Arney, Hammett Cult in San Francisco, House of Fans, Maltese Falcon Society, Thomas Burchfield
Mort: Bill Arney
It’s a sad day in Sam Spade’s San Francisco. Got a note from Mike Humbert last night to inform me that Bill Arney died yesterday morning, September 28 2021. As of now, I don’t know what got him. I’m kicking … Continue reading
Posted in Dash, Frisco, News, Tour
Tagged 891 Post, Bill Arney, Hammett Cult in San Francisco, Mike Humbert
Rediscovered: More Starrett and a Williamson — Plus a Margo
Awhile back I was chatting with Brian Leno about the great Chicago bookman Vincent Starrett, and mentioned that my preferred state for his Books About Books would be to have a copy (in jacket, nice condition, and so on) inscribed … Continue reading
Posted in Frisco, Lit
Tagged Autographs, Book Collecting, Brian Leno, J. N. Williamson, Margo Skinner, Reign of Fear, Stuart Schiff, Vincent Starrett, Whispers
Frisco Beat: The Bacall Hideout
Remember that time Bogie escaped from San Quentin and was on the lam? Made his way into San Francisco and had his face touched-up by a back-alley plastic surgeon? Holed up for awhile with Lauren Bacall in a swank apartment … Continue reading
Rediscovered: The Long Goodbye
Obviously Brian Wallace wants me to pay more attention to Chandler, because he’s been bombarding me recently with links — heavy on The Long Goodbye. Of possible interest to some people would be a “graphic novel” (or fine arts) treatment … Continue reading
Frisco Beat: Kent Harrington in Person in Green Apple
Quick. Before they concoct an excuse to shut everything down again. Get over to Green Apple on Ninth Avenue tomorrow night to see Kent Harrington interviewed by Kevin Hunsanger about his new San Francisco crime novel Last Seen. I’ve already … Continue reading
Posted in DMac, Frisco, Lit, News
Tagged Book Collecting, Green Apple Books, Kent Harrington, Kevin Hunsanger, San Francisco Mysteries
Rediscovered: Songs and Sonnets Atlantean at 50
On this date in 1971 Donald Sidney-Fryer, Last of the Courtly Poets, inscribed the earliest copy of his “Little Booke” Songs & Sonnets Atlantean that I have dug up. Fifty years ago. The last title from Arkham House released under … Continue reading
Posted in Frisco, Lit, News
Tagged Arkham House, August Derleth, Autographs, Book Collecting, Donald Sidney-Fryer, Facsimile Dustjackets LLC, Firsts, Songs & Sonnets Atlantean
Hammett: Fechheimer Wiki’ed
Just got a note from William Denton, of RARA-AVIS fame, who says, “You probably won’t remember, but in February 2008 you very generously took me on a solo Hammett tour, including going up into Bill Arney’s apartment, which made the … Continue reading