John Drake's newly released memoir captures over two decades of global travel and film industry experiences, offering readers a vivid portrait of life from the 1970s through the September 11 attacks. The book, compiled from decades of personal diaries and travel logs, provides an intimate look at a period when the world appeared more hospitable and adventurous according to the author.
Drake's narrative begins in 1976 New York during the Bi-Centennial celebrations, documenting the disappearing remnants of Bob Dylan's era and the Beat Generation that once defined downtown Manhattan. His career trajectory within the film industry forms a significant portion of the memoir, detailing his progression from electrician to gaffer, then cinematographer, and eventually director of commercials. The work offers insider perspectives on film production during this transformative period.
The memoir extends beyond New York to document Drake's extensive global travels, including journeys to India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Bali. These adventures, undertaken both for work and personal exploration, reflect the author's commitment to maintaining the freewheeling spirit of the 1960s and 1970s. The book incorporates photographs and original poetry to enhance the atmospheric quality of these recollections.
Drake explained his motivation for compiling the memoir, stating that the book essentially wrote itself through decades of accumulated notebooks and travel logs. He described the process as one of reflection and introspection, resulting in what he characterizes as a history book of his life and an appreciation of life itself. The memoir serves as a continuation of his earlier work, 'The Laughing Man,' picking up the narrative thread from 1976 onward.
Early reviews have praised the book's ability to transport readers through time and geography. One reviewer noted how the work moves from mundane suburban Britain to the vibrant energy of 1970s and 1980s New York, filled with personal charm, wit, and poignant poetry. The reviewer observed that the extensive experiences documented raise questions about contemporary life's comparative emptiness and missed adventures.
The book is available in multiple formats through various retailers, including e-book and print versions at Amazon. Additional information about the author and his work can be found at his official website John Drake Gallery.
This memoir holds significance as both personal history and cultural documentation, preserving aspects of New York's downtown life and international travel experiences that have largely disappeared. It provides valuable insights into the film industry's evolution during the late 20th century while offering reflections on how global events, particularly the September 11 attacks, marked the end of an era. The work serves as a time capsule of artistic and adventurous living during decades of significant social and cultural change.
