The Battle of the Century: Dempsey, Carpentier, and the Birth of the Modern Promotion
By Jim Waltzer
Praeger, 204 pages
Praeger, 204 pages
Main Line Today contributor Jim Waltzer bangs out an impeccably researched, no-nonsense retelling of the “Battle of the Century,” the 1921 Dempsey-Carpentier heavyweight championship. A veteran newspaper scribe and published novelist, Waltzer crafts a propulsive narrative from an array of sources, taking readers down a twisting path studded with colorful characters—one that leads to an unprecedented mass-entertainment spectacle.
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The Hidden History of Chester County: Lost Tales from the Delaware & Brandywine Valleys
By Mark E. Dixon
The History Press, 128 pages
As it turns out, Chester County was home to more movers, shakers and precedent-makers than you may know—not to mention the occasional oddity. The hills of Westtown doubled as testing grounds for the iconic Flexible Flyer sled; a local 1874 murder case was the first to use photographic evidence; and there’s the unlikely tale of the goat that ate a stick of dynamite. MLT contributor Mark E. Dixon’s third collection of highlights from his popular Retrospect history column covers these curiosities and more. To order a discounted copy, along with the Main Line and Delaware County editions, click here.
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After Hours
Street Greek (Self-released)
The self-described “soulful, folky, pop ’n’ roll, bluesnik stew” of Phoenixville’s Shawn Cephas—better known as Street Greek—is definitely some good food for thought. His recently released nine-track debut, After Hours, lives up to its motley definition—smooth, sultry and the perfect soundtrack for a relaxing Sunday afternoon. Highlights include the mellow, sexy “Burn Me Alive,” plus the upbeat “Soul Singer,” both of which feature a decidedly Motown vibe. Catch Street Greek live at Phoenixville’s Steel City Coffee House Aug. 10, or head to Berwyn’s Shady Dog Records to snag a copy. Visit streetgreekmusic.com.