"The tree of life represents the roots of man. The branches are the different directions a man can take, live or exist. When you're dead, those that you leave behind will put you in a part of that tree. It represents what was, what is and what will be. It's eternal." -- John Holmes. Most people might, understandably, predict that the world's first porn star was a woman, but they would be wrong. John Curtis Holmes was just a simple country boy from Ohio when he moved to California in 1964. It was the infancy of hardcore, so in Holmes' wildest dreams, he could not have predicted the turbulent ride on which he had embarked by publicizing his private parts. With the fame he achieved by playing his most famous character - a gun toting detective named Johnny Wadd - came money. Holmes was pleased to spend it on his wife and mistresses, but soon was in over his head after he became addicted to cocaine. Unfortunately for Holmes, in the years that followed, his addiction led him into several desperate choices - including setting up a robbery at the home of Ed Nash, a powerful L.A. nightclub owner. The robbery resulted in one of the most gruesome, unsolved, multiple-murders in Hollywood history. Amazingly, before his untimely death in 1988, Holmes regained his momentum, remarried and rebuilt his life and career. However, the grave consequences of his addiction, his association with the Wonderland murders, and his AIDS-related death made him an infamous figure in pop culture. Digging past the stigmas, John Holmes: A Life Measured in Inches - the first biography about John C. Holmes - unearths the human being behind the penis and proves that there was more to him than could be measured in inches. This biography includes material from the authors' new interviews with: Laurie Holmes, Bill Amerson, Bob Chinn, Julia St. Vincent, Detective Tom Lange, Detective Frank Tomlinson, Paul Thomas, Ron Jeremy, Seka, Marilyn Chambers, Candida Royalle, Rhonda Jo Petty, Dr. Sharon Mitchell, Bill Margold, and many others! Also included is additional source material containing extensive interviews with: Sharon Holmes, Dawn Schiller, Dr. Vonda Pelto, Ph.D., and L.A. Times film critic, Kenneth Turan. With 114 reviews of John's most notable feature films, 86 loops synopses, 3 photos sections including rare nudes, and a comprehensive 21 page filmography.
JOHN HOLMES: A LIFE MEASURED IN INCHES (NEW 2nd EDITION)
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Authors Jennifer Sugar and Jill C. Nelson separate legend from fact and piece together Holmes' strange and often tragic story. The result is an emotionally exhausting yet truly compelling real-life adventure." --Phil Hall, Film Threat
"Whether or not, you were a fan of Mr. Wadd, you won't be able to put down this fascinating biography by Jennifer Sugar and Jill C. Nelson." (March 2009 - Book of the Month) --Keith Valcourt, HUSTLER Magazine
"In addition, to some of the most detailed looks at more than 200 Holmes' video and loops, the two have written a remarkable piece of film history using oral histories of the participants to carry the narrative." --Bill Castanier, Lansing News
"Holmes' life is truly laid bare for the reader, with no details withheld about his marriages, his lovers, his movies, his involvement with the horrific so-called Wonderland Murders, his 1986 AIDS diagnosis and his death." --Marq, XX Factor
"Indeed Sugar and Nelson have taken a subject inherently problematic - the history and scholarship of the adult film - and rendered it lucidly accessible to all, whether fans of adult material or not and whether male or female." --Robert Cettl, widerscreenings.com
"Whether or not, you were a fan of Mr. Wadd, you won't be able to put down this fascinating biography by Jennifer Sugar and Jill C. Nelson." (March 2009 - Book of the Month) --Keith Valcourt, HUSTLER Magazine
"In addition, to some of the most detailed looks at more than 200 Holmes' video and loops, the two have written a remarkable piece of film history using oral histories of the participants to carry the narrative." --Bill Castanier, Lansing News
"Holmes' life is truly laid bare for the reader, with no details withheld about his marriages, his lovers, his movies, his involvement with the horrific so-called Wonderland Murders, his 1986 AIDS diagnosis and his death." --Marq, XX Factor
"Indeed Sugar and Nelson have taken a subject inherently problematic - the history and scholarship of the adult film - and rendered it lucidly accessible to all, whether fans of adult material or not and whether male or female." --Robert Cettl, widerscreenings.com
From the Author
The second expanded edition of this biography was published on October 31, 2011. It contains updated information and over 25 new photos, some never-before-seen. For those of you who are new to the book, we encourage you to journey through the life and times of the world's most legendary icon in the history of erotic cinema: John Curtis Holmes -- Jennifer Sugar & Jill C. Nelson - October 31, 2011
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 30 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Well, I finished reading "Inches" yesterday and want to say that this is a VERY good, in depth,well researched biography of John Holmes that takes the reader from Holmes's child hood in Pataskala Ohio to his death from AIDS in California 43 years later .
The amount of detail in the stories told by various people who knew him over the course of his life was very extensive with a lot more additional information on Holmes in front of the camera and also his private life, than any of the video documentaries on his life that I have seen over the past few years.
My own main thrust of interest about Holmes since I was a young 18 year old in Southern California when the WONDERLAND killings happened in 1981, has been this crime and also the double life that Holmes had led in the years previous to this. I have read just about everything pertaining to the WONDERLAND murders, and seen every documentary made, but there were many things in "Inches" that have never been included in previous projects on his life....MANY things.
One of the things that really does stand out in the book in my own opinion are the stories that Sean Amerson told. This guy really loved John a lot growing up and I think that while everyone missed him when he passed,Sean may have been the one who missed him most of all.
Great book Jennifer and Jill! If this could have been any better, I don't know how.
The amount of detail in the stories told by various people who knew him over the course of his life was very extensive with a lot more additional information on Holmes in front of the camera and also his private life, than any of the video documentaries on his life that I have seen over the past few years.
My own main thrust of interest about Holmes since I was a young 18 year old in Southern California when the WONDERLAND killings happened in 1981, has been this crime and also the double life that Holmes had led in the years previous to this. I have read just about everything pertaining to the WONDERLAND murders, and seen every documentary made, but there were many things in "Inches" that have never been included in previous projects on his life....MANY things.
One of the things that really does stand out in the book in my own opinion are the stories that Sean Amerson told. This guy really loved John a lot growing up and I think that while everyone missed him when he passed,Sean may have been the one who missed him most of all.
Great book Jennifer and Jill! If this could have been any better, I don't know how.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
After having watched Boogie Nights and Wonderland I really wanted to read a biography about John Holmes and was disappointed that there wasn't one available. Then low and behold one appears on Amazon.com! I immediately picked it up and was extremely impressed.
It is written as an oral history so the authors weaved John's life story around long quotes from the people who actually knew John. I prefer that over those biographers who just make up all kinds of stuff about their subject and never say where they got the information from.
This book gives you John's complete story starting with his childhood and ending with his death of AIDS. It presents John in a fair light never descending into tabloid territory with its coverage of his many negative deeds but also not shying away from talking about them. After reading this bio I got the impression that John was a deeply flawed man but also had a very big heart. It gave me a much better idea of who John was than either movie.
The book also includes lots of rare photos of John along with some of the essential classics. It also has a very in-depth movie review section in case you feel like checking out some of his work after you read the book.
This book is perfect for any Holmes fan as it includes lots of new stories and is also the perfect (and only) place to start if you are just getting into the Holmes scene and want to find out the true story of The King.
It is written as an oral history so the authors weaved John's life story around long quotes from the people who actually knew John. I prefer that over those biographers who just make up all kinds of stuff about their subject and never say where they got the information from.
This book gives you John's complete story starting with his childhood and ending with his death of AIDS. It presents John in a fair light never descending into tabloid territory with its coverage of his many negative deeds but also not shying away from talking about them. After reading this bio I got the impression that John was a deeply flawed man but also had a very big heart. It gave me a much better idea of who John was than either movie.
The book also includes lots of rare photos of John along with some of the essential classics. It also has a very in-depth movie review section in case you feel like checking out some of his work after you read the book.
This book is perfect for any Holmes fan as it includes lots of new stories and is also the perfect (and only) place to start if you are just getting into the Holmes scene and want to find out the true story of The King.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
John Holmes, the face of 1970s hardcore movies, is the subject of this incredible in depth biography which examines not only the man's career but his personal life before, during, and after his life was tragically cut short due to HIV.
Compiling new and old interviews with his family, friends, co-stars, and directors, John Holmes - A Life Measured in Inches is the crucial work for anyone interested in either Holmes or the American sex industry in the 1970s.
Authors Jill Nelson and Jennifer Sugar never over-editorialize their subject and instead allow all of their interviewees to speak freely. What's more is that the book neither serves as a complimentary piece or a condemnation of Holmes, his career, or his personal life but rather tries to make all sides of every issue heard allowing the reader to interpret Holmes life on their own.
Written almost as a back and forth dialogue between the various interview subjects and the authors own comments, the book is a compelling read which draws its audience in.
What's more is the authors have included a full filmography and partial looporgaphy as well as over 50 detailed reviews of features Holmes appeared in. Additionally, there are two photo sets.
Anyone with even the slightest interest in 70s hardcore or Holmes, the man must check this out.
Compiling new and old interviews with his family, friends, co-stars, and directors, John Holmes - A Life Measured in Inches is the crucial work for anyone interested in either Holmes or the American sex industry in the 1970s.
Authors Jill Nelson and Jennifer Sugar never over-editorialize their subject and instead allow all of their interviewees to speak freely. What's more is that the book neither serves as a complimentary piece or a condemnation of Holmes, his career, or his personal life but rather tries to make all sides of every issue heard allowing the reader to interpret Holmes life on their own.
Written almost as a back and forth dialogue between the various interview subjects and the authors own comments, the book is a compelling read which draws its audience in.
What's more is the authors have included a full filmography and partial looporgaphy as well as over 50 detailed reviews of features Holmes appeared in. Additionally, there are two photo sets.
Anyone with even the slightest interest in 70s hardcore or Holmes, the man must check this out.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Great Biography! Kindle version is perfect!
After sending sample chapters of this biography to my kindle, I purchased this book at the recommendation of a friend. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Zooey
Amazing Portrait Of A Lowlife Dirtbag
Almost everything that's ever been written or said about John Holmes has been a lie and this book does a great job of showing him for exactly what he was through the words of his... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Dave-O
jumbled mess
this in printed form would be a great read,however in digital format is totally unreadable
do not purchase this on kindle! Read more
do not purchase this on kindle! Read more
Published 3 months ago by joe
The Compendium of John Holmes
The depth and volume of information is quite hefty; the sources varied and balanced. A warehouse of facts, opinions, accounts, reflections, and fables; pieced together in an... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Christopher
Thoroughly Researched
I have always been fascinated by true life rags to riches stories and this biography definitely fits the bill. Read more
Published 11 months ago by kshinn
Doesn't work well with Kindle
I purchased this book for my Kindle. Unlike the other 35 Kindle books I have purchased through Amazon, it did not adapt to the format. Read more
Published 13 months ago by BillW
Good so far, I just wish the Kindle version had bigger print!
An interesting read so far. BEWARE though, I bought this for my Kindle and the letters are like ant size, and it won't allow you to enlarge the print. Read more
Published 13 months ago by T. L. Crowther
Interesting Read
I really enjoyed this book and I'm so glad I had a chance to read it. It was put together pretty good. I got to learn a little about the man behind the legend. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Alphalover
Kindle Version doesn't have photos
The book itself is pretty good, it's composed mostly of interview snippets interwoven to make a single story. Read more
Published 18 months ago by W. C. Morgan
EASY READ, HOLDS MY INTEREST
Very good book, well written. i do like the way the book is set up. the cast list makes it extremely easy to keep track of who is who. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Charlotte L. Smith
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