Thirsty

Before tech companies ruled the world, retail was king. And as an early pioneer of “big box” marketing in Britain, Mervyn Fogel was there to experience it all—including breakout commercial success at an early age, and all the excitement of the “high life” in London during the ’60s and ’70s. The drinks and drugs were bottomless, the parties never-ending, and the fun highly egotistical. This unique autobiography provides a hilarious and insightful first-hand view of the perils that came with fast success in swinging London. Thirsty isn’t your average work of “fratire,” however—through its compulsively readable tales of debauchery, it also holds a powerful message about addiction and recovery, told as a result of Fogel’s own battles (including a four-year bender) with alcohol, antidepressants, and cocaine. From his earliest memories during the height of the 1940s bombings in London, to his integral role in Britain’s “big box” movement, readers will find no shortage of memorable tales in this distinctive and often controversial work. It is told with a scandalous sense of humor that solidifies Fogel’s place as his generation’s answer to Tucker Max.