Josh Karp

Josh Karp is an American journalist, author, and film producer known for writing critically acclaimed non-fiction books and contributing to major publications. His book "A Futile and Stupid Gesture" won multiple awards for biography and was adapted into a Netflix film in 2018 starring Will Forte. His literary works include "Straight Down the Middle: Shivas Irons, Bagger Vance and How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love My Golf Swing" and "Orson Welles's Last Movie: The Making of The Other Side of the Wind." Karp's journalism has appeared in prestigious publications including Vanity Fair, The Los Angeles Times, and Newsweek. Beyond writing, Karp has ventured into film production, serving as a producer on the Morgan Neville documentary "They'll Love Me When I'm Dead," which premiered at the Venice Film Festival. He has also participated in film festivals as a moderator, including leading a panel discussion on "The Other Side of the Wind" at the Sedona International Film Festival. Based in suburban Chicago, Karp continues to contribute to various publications while pursuing book and film projects. His work often focuses on biographical subjects and cultural history, particularly in the realms of entertainment and media.

Readers appreciate Karp's investigative depth and ability to uncover lesser-known details about his subjects. His book "A Futile and Stupid Gesture" earned praise for capturing the chaos and creativity of National Lampoon's early days. One reader noted: "Karp brings the whole crazy scene to life without sensationalizing." Readers value his balanced treatment of complex figures like Orson Welles in "Orson Welles's Last Movie," with several highlighting his careful research and engaging narrative style. Common criticisms include occasional pacing issues and, in "Straight Down the Middle," what some readers describe as too many personal anecdotes that distract from the main subject matter. Ratings across platforms: - "A Futile and Stupid Gesture": 4.1/5 on Goodreads (2,000+ ratings), 4.5/5 on Amazon (150+ reviews) - "Orson Welles's Last Movie": 3.9/5 on Goodreads (300+ ratings), 4.3/5 on Amazon (50+ reviews) - "Straight Down the Middle": 3.7/5 on Goodreads (100+ ratings), 4.0/5 on Amazon (30+ reviews)

A Futile and Stupid Gesture: How Doug Kenney and National Lampoon Changed Comedy Forever (2006) A biographical account of Doug Kenney's life and his role in founding National Lampoon magazine, transforming American comedy in the 1970s.

Straight Down the Middle: Shivas Irons, Bagger Vance and How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love My Golf Swing (2010) An exploration of golf's spiritual and philosophical aspects through the lens of mystical golf novels and the author's personal journey.

Orson Welles's Last Movie: The Making of The Other Side of the Wind (2015) A detailed chronicle of Orson Welles's final, unfinished film project and the complex circumstances surrounding its troubled production.

Peter Biskind writes extensively about Hollywood and film history through deep reporting and insider accounts. His books "Easy Riders, Raging Bulls" and "Down and Dirty Pictures" chronicle specific eras in American cinema through character-driven narratives.

Sam Wasson produces cultural histories and biographies focused on entertainment figures and watershed moments in film. His works "Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M." and "The Big Goodbye" examine singular productions that changed entertainment.

Mark Harris specializes in narrative non-fiction about American cinema and cultural touchstones. His books "Pictures at a Revolution" and "Five Came Back" analyze pivotal moments in film history through meticulous research and historical context.

Neal Gabler writes biographical and cultural histories centered on entertainment industry figures and movements. His works include comprehensive studies of Walt Disney and the early movie industry that combine historical research with cultural analysis.

David Thomson produces biographical works and critical histories about cinema and its key figures. His books about Orson Welles and the history of Hollywood demonstrate deep knowledge of film combined with historical perspective.