The View from Nowhere: The Only Bar Guide You'll Ever Want--Or Need

by Jim Atkinson

Book Overview

First Edition, First Printing, stated and full number run, 1987 Harper Row paperback; near fine cover, mild wear, bright pages, no markings, no remainder. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060960582
• ISBN13: 9780060960582
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.

Customer Reviews

The only bar-guide review you'll ever need

I liked Jim Atkinson's "The View From Nowhere" so much that I bought five copies to lend to friends. Of course, some of them liked it so much that I'm now down to just one copy. I think it's one of the funniest books I've ever read, and it's certainly one of the most original.Let's be plain -- as a guide to bars, the book is out of date, and even when current, the bars it covered were NOT bars for the average person. But none of that really matters because "The View From Nowhere" is much MORE than a guidebook. It's really a way of looking at life. If you've never been in a "bar-bar," this book will either make you want to visit one or make you more determined than ever NEVER to go near a "bar-bar." But if, like me, you're a fan of "bar-bars," you'll identify with "The View From Nowhere" and appreciate Atkinson's insights. Either way, you'll laugh.

The View From Nowhere

I first ran across this book in the Phoenix bar in Cincinnatti...there was a sign reading "this bar mentioned in Atkinson's The View from Nowhere". Deservedly so in the case of the Phoenix, an ultimate bar-bar (dive to some). This book is the bible and I know of no other works by the author. An update was promised but apparently never produced...it is sorely needed

Shamefully Out-Of-Print...Guide to Dives across the USA

Old school newsman Jim Atkinson wrote this book in 1987, and the meticulous research shows in this fine guide to the most serious drinking establishments in the United States. The research consisted of going across the US and spending a morning, afternoon, or an evening in the best "bar bars" in the city. No fern bars or pick up joints allowed. Each reviewed bar is rated using the Atkinson System ( between one and five points in such areas as Yuppie sightings (bad) "A little something to wash down my drink with" (food) and lighting. (bright=bad dark=good). My only gripe is that there are not enough bars reviewed, but hey, it's not MY liver doing the research. Also, the New Orleans section was rather spotty due to the research getting a little too intense. Atkinson explains this away as being due to the fact that "New Orleans--the entire TOWN is a bar bar." Also included along with the bar bar reviews is the Atkinson Field Guide, which includes tips on bar bar etiquette, species notes on bar bar regulars (these include Mr. Knowsitall, The Scoremaster, and Captain 86, who is always just on the edge of getting banned from the establishment. Fascinating reading. This guide is the first thing I pack when I go on the road for business or pleasure. Where have you gone Jim Atkinson? We need an update.