Republic of Dreams : Greenwich Village: The American Bohemia, 1910-1960

by Ross Wetzsteon

A thoughtful history of the legendary New York City neighborhood chronicles the Village's role as a bohemian enclave that became the home of and transformed the lives of such individuals as Edna St. Vincent Millay, Emma Goldman, Eugene O'Neill, Margaret Sanger, and Thomas Wolfe, who came to the neighborhood to pursue individual artistic, personal, and political dreams. 25,000 first printing.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, New York, Biography, Art

640 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Jesse · Rating 2 out of 5]

If I'm honest, to say that I "read" this is more than a bit of an overstatement. I fully intended to read more, but after reading several short sections it struck me as pretty flimsy stuff—perhaps it'll serve as a good introduction to many of these people and places, but for anybody at all familiar with them already it feels like little more than a tedious rehashing of information already readily available. Decided my time was better spent elsewhere and immediately abandoned ship.

[Michael Llewellyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who lived in the Village almost twenty years, I was drawn to read Republic of Dreams Greenwich Village: The American Bohemia, 1910-1960. This supremely well researched and colorfully written history may be the best in the genre and makes a fine companion to Terry Miller’s copiously illustrated 1990 book, Greenwich Village and How It Got That Way. There are photos here too, but the focus is on author Ross Wetzsteon’s engaging prose as he organizes the book into helpful eras and fills it to bursting with unforgettable characters. In its heyday, the Village attracted everyone who was anyone with a streak of political, sociological or artistic creativity and a desire to upend the status quo. They’re all here, from Jackson Pollack and Dylan Thomas, to Peggy Guggenheim, e.e. cummings and many, many more. It’s saddening to learn how many came to a bad end, but their legacy leaves a lovely glow indeed. Unfortunately, Wetzsteon died before this tome (615 pages) was published, but in a thoughtful afterword, his daughter Rachel explains that the restlessness that brought so many artists, writers and rebels to the Village drew him, a Montanan, as well. We’re all better for it.

[Lauren Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book of incredible scholarship. Don't expect a history of the Village, though. It has histories of social movements--feminism, socialism--in their relationship with the Village and its people. It has vignettes of a slew of its residents famous, infamous and simply eccentric. The list of people whose lives intersected with the Village is incredible. Emma Goldman. Edmund Wilson. E.E. Cummings. Jackson Pollack. Thomas Wolfe. Eugene O'Neill. Edna St. Vincent Millay. The list just keeps growing as you move through the book. The number of famous magazines and journals that were born there is incredible as well. Be warned that it is a long book although I think one can put it down and pick it up again--especially in the section which is mini-bios of the people who lived there. Some very funny anecdotes--I've pasted my favorites in my notes. 5/09

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I've learned from this book is that one aspect of New York culture today--people moving to the city from all over America, trying make their dreams come true, starting a scene, having that scene co-opted by the bourgouise (sp?, then eminently commercialized and ruined--has been going on since at least 1910! Also, I'm finally getting a good grounding on who the hell so many of those turn-of-the century artists were: Max Eastman, E.E. Cummings, Jackson Pollock, Eugene O'Neill, Margaret Sanger and Alice B Toklas. This author doesn't have the most amazing prose, but his subject matter is fascinating. And it all happened just blocks from my office door!

[lyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the stories of selected individuals, both famous and less well known, who have been a part of the cultural life of Greenwich Village. It is well written and full of interesting anecdotes and trivia. It captures trends in Village life over time. Most interesting are Wetzsteon's observations about the nature of Bohemianism, including its successes and often spectacular failures, as exemplified in the lives of his cast of characters. Apparently he planned a separate chapter on this topic but died before he could complete the book. It nonetheless stands on its own as an interesting set of vivid snapshots of artistic, literary and life-as-art culture.

[Ron Palmer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Full of facts and anecdotes, but not particularly well-written or organized, the author devotes a chapter each to one or two luminaries of the Village, filling page after page with every bit of minutiae he has dug-up, but without an ounce of insight into any of them. There is no cohesion or connective tissue to the stories of these free-thinking, tortured artists, so it becomes a long string of name-dropping and bed-hopping -- by names that have long-receded into history, and that this book fails to resuscitate.

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will probably take a committed reader, or someone who is already connected to the subject matter. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the many iterations of Greenwich Village's counterculture. I loved reading detailed descriptions of events that took place on blocks and around landmarks with which I am familiar. So many hijinks, so many interesting people, so many relationships and important events that were new to me.

[Myla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having lived on Bleecker Street for 5 years, this book illustrates how cool it really was and what a center for Cultural Revolution it WAS. Unfortunately, that time has passed.

[RYD · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable, loving portrait of Greenwich Village and its characters.

[Adam Carrico · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my very favorite non-fiction books. The idea of Greenwich Village is obviously mystical is its own way, but that is because of the amazing cast of characters that have lived there throughout the years. Each chapter reads as its own sort of short story, although there are loose connections throughout the book. There are so many different types of artists, themes, ideologies, and quirks among all of the subjects covered. Knowledge beforehand or an interest in their work is often irrelevant to enjoying the stories, such as the narrative behind the Provincetown Players when I had zero knowledge of Theater. I can't recommend this book enough to someone interested in communities of art that are arguably a relic of the past in the age of internet and globalization. It's definitely romantic in a way, but the author does an excellent job of stripping down the otherworldliness of the characters and showing them in a more blunt fashion. Some chapters are better than others just based upon the lifestyles of those covered, but the short looks at each subject often leave you wanting more (for example, I had to buy an entire Edna St. Vincent Millay biography after reading her chapter). It's a long read, but since each chapter is only loosely connected, you can read it in spurts. Great stuff.

[Frank Ardito · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ross Wetzsteon’s quote, “Greenwich Village is the square mile that has had the greatest impact on American culture”, lays the foundation for understanding the history and lasting mythology associated with this community, a bohemian haven. In the decades following its heyday, the community’s social priorities and accompanying vibe have not changed much in the hearts of its residents. The rich history of its painters, writers, poets, free-thinkers, free-lovers, psychoanalysts, suffragists and suffragettes; political activists, rebels and revolutionaries, et al, made this place a Mecca for action against a society caught up in conventional thought. Much of its spirit remains today. It can be found not just in its residents, but in our contemporaries who question the status quo. This book is not only a wonderful historical source for anyone interested in understanding and appreciating the souls and minds of those who lived there from 1910 to 1960, but offers a window going forward in a world where human imagination is possible.

[Kris Clink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Undiscovered jewel. Sadly the author passed before the pub date and this fascinating story was not widely shared. Complex details of the 1910-1960's sexual and artistic revolution in Greenwich Village.

[Martin Doudoroff · Rating 2 out of 5]

That was a bit of a slog for me. I live near the Village and therefore felt motivated to learn about these (often not all that sympathetic) characters I knew nothing about. Otherwise, I’d have bailed out early on.

[Stephen Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best of NYC Area!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[John]

I've just begun this book, and the introduction and first chapter - regarding Mabel Dodge and her salon - are real grabbers. Wetzsteon's story-telling is absolutely top-notch - but then again he was a contributing editor to the Village Voice for 32 years, and a resident of GV for 40.

[Jeffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the history, and a very thorough history it was, but like all too many non-fiction writers, Mr. Wetzsteon seems to fancy himself an astute psychoanalyst.
Don't forget: these are people who did something- he was someone who watched.

[bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

engaging history of Greenwich Village

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

great detailed account of old Greenwich Village and all its colorful inhabitants

[columbialion · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE authoritative history of Greenwich Village and its monumental impact it's culture and cast of characters has brought to America society, as an emerging country up through present times.