Book review: Ben Greenberger, Where Typewriters Took Me
PS: I found an address for Mr. Greenberger and his wife in Portland, Oregon (where they moved after his retirement), but my letter was returned as undeliverable.
Finally received this book yesterday, excellent hardcover & jacket for print on demand. Lulu did a really good job on this one. I am about half way through it and was immediately taken in by the stories and anecdotes. I could not help but feel like I was sitting with the author and just listening to him speak of days gone by. I learned a great deal about the business of typewriters and how cut throat it could be. More importantly I learned a good deal about character, reputation, and the kind of morality rarely seen anymore. It's fascinating to see how he grew as a mechanic and as a businessman. Perhaps, "adjusted" would be a better word. Thank you for putting this on our radar Richard, keep em coming.
Thanks for this Richard. I met Ben Greenberger in the late 1980s, after he retired from his typewriter business. He was very personable and always kept in touch with me. Last I heard, he was in Florida, but that was a long time ago. I did not know he wrote this book. Will have to get a copy. I also saw his collection where it was stored at his home on Long Island, in the 1980s. I may have his list of typewriters buried away. We all traded lists of our collections back then. I haven't heard his name mentioned in at least twenty years.
Thanks for the great book report.
ReplyDeleteI need to make my second order for Lulu purchase of the day. The first was Nice Chapters on Typewriter Repair.
Interesting snapshot of time. People, not machines, really are most interesting.
ReplyDeleteI downloaded the pdf version and that guy has got me hooked already. What a voice!
ReplyDeleteMy thanks for this outstanding review. I've just placed my order for a hard copy, and can't wait to dive right in.
ReplyDeleteFinally received this book yesterday, excellent hardcover & jacket for print on demand. Lulu did a really good job on this one. I am about half way through it and was immediately taken in by the stories and anecdotes. I could not help but feel like I was sitting with the author and just listening to him speak of days gone by. I learned a great deal about the business of typewriters and how cut throat it could be. More importantly I learned a good deal about character, reputation, and the kind of morality rarely seen anymore. It's fascinating to see how he grew as a mechanic and as a businessman. Perhaps, "adjusted" would be a better word. Thank you for putting this on our radar Richard, keep em coming.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you're enjoying it! And I'm also glad that (whether he knows it or not) Mr. Greenberger's book is reaching the right audience.
DeleteThanks for this Richard. I met Ben Greenberger in the late 1980s, after he retired from his typewriter business. He was very personable and always kept in touch with me. Last I heard, he was in Florida, but that was a long time ago. I did not know he wrote this book. Will have to get a copy. I also saw his collection where it was stored at his home on Long Island, in the 1980s. I may have his list of typewriters buried away. We all traded lists of our collections back then. I haven't heard his name mentioned in at least twenty years.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to have made a connection to someone who knew him personally. I am sure you'll enjoy the book.
Delete