B. Dalton’s, at 8th Street and Sixth Avenue, is the setting for a book signing that shifts from Warhol’s apprehension to a two-and-a-half-hour encounter with readers. The diary records the shop through the people who gathered there, the books sold and signed, and Warhol’s mixed pleasure in seeing his popularity confirmed.

The Approach

Warhol was nervous about going to the signing after what had happened to Keith Haring on the preceding Saturday. The diary gives no further detail about that incident, but its mention makes the trip to B. Dalton’s feel apprehensive before the crowd is even described. The anxiety is specific to the occasion: he went to the office first, then took a cab to the bookstore.

The Signing

The event proved orderly rather than unruly. A long line, compared in the diary to spaghetti, lasted for two and a half hours, and 150 books were sold. The account’s emphasis on the line’s length and patience answers Warhol’s initial nervousness with evidence of a well-attended, controlled public appearance. One girl bought six copies, and Warhol signed lengthy personal messages in them, including, “Dear Harry, I hope you have a good season in the Adirondacks….” The book cost $16.95 and was sold at a 10 percent discount, details that place the encounter amid the ordinary transactions of a bookstore as well as the spectacle of a signing.

Popularity and Self-Commentary

Craig Nelson of Harper & Row, described as acting like a star, became part of the scene around the event. Chris Makos stopped by and was impressed by Warhol’s popularity. Christopher Makos, looking through the America book, pointed out that many of its photographs had been taken in Europe: “Oh God, half these pictures were taken in Europe!” Warhol acknowledged that the criticism was right and enjoyed hearing Christopher put down Craig. The episode joins commercial success to self-deprecation: the crowd and the 150 sales register the appeal of the book, while the exchange about its photographs punctures the idea that its title straightforwardly describes its contents.