Alf Taylor's "The Other Side of the Road"

lfigueroa

lfigueroa

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Wow. What a read.

From an opening scene right out of a Quentin Tarantino movie, to road stories that paint gritty, vibrant images of the famous and not so famous hustlers, backers, and tush hogs -- it is a telling and raucous first-person account of one man’s life on the road as a pool hustler. Jersey Red, Fats, U.J., Don Watson, Eddie Taylor, Grady, and even Willie Mosconi make appearances. From pool halls and bars, and Johnston City to the Derby City Classic -- it’s all there, and it is probably one of the best written collection of pool stories I have ever read.

I also have to mention that it was a pleasure to read a book of pool stories that has actually been in the hands of an editor who obviously knew what she was doing. Not only are the stories engrossing but the pages are free of all the spelling, grammar and syntax errors that typically plague most player’s books on the game.

Our own Bill Porter is listed as a contributing author and it is just over 200 pages with plenty of photos, many of which I doubt have been published before. "The Other Side of the Road: A Hustler's Tale" is a must read for any fan of the game.

Lou Figueroa
 
Alfie...

Hey Lou,

I mentioned in your last post, that I knew and played with Alfie (the name I remember him by).
Do you have any contact info on getting the book? I would love to read a copy.
Alfie used to tell some great stories when I played him back in the late 80's. I'm sure there are plenty more that he did not tell me. Any info is appreciated.....
 
If that's the book Bill was handing out at DCC, he told me on the phone that it should be available to the general public in a month or so.
 
I believe the general release of the book will be in about a month or two. Don't miss it.

Lou Figueroa
 
Lou, thanks for that terrific review in the OP. We should have had you write the back cover blurb for the book.

And yes, this is the book that I delivered to the 16 people on AZ who asked for a copy when I posted on here just before Derby City. I hope a few more of them will post their reviews of the book when they get a chance to read it.

And yes, Alf is having a sizable run of his book printed some time this month and will, at some point, have a Website where the book will be for sale.

If any of you want to contact the author directly, his email address is alftaylor1@yahoo.com.
 
I used

to play Alfie Taylor all the time down in Houston when I lived there between
'70 and '73. He was the 9 ball Champion of Texas at the time, and he used to give me the 7 or the 8. We played in the Village down there.

I sure would like a copy of his book, I might even be in it for all I know ... lol
 
To Lou Figueroa

This is the first message I have ever posted. I must begin by saying "thank you so much" Mr. Figueroa for your kind words about my new book, The Other Side Of The Road. Writing it took me back to a more adventuresome time in my life.
I hit the road at a young age, during pool hustling's most colorful years and was blessed to travel with Eddie Taylor and hang with Minnesota Fats, among other greats, when they were in their prime. It gives me pleasure to offer a peek into the way it really was during those times.
It also would give me pleasure to answer any questions you might have about this era or the characters that made it so very interesting.
The new printing of my book should be out in a few weeks. You can contact me through alftaylor1@yahoo.com if you're interested in a signed copy.
Again..Thank you Lou. My hat's off.

Keep it nice. Alfie "Bicycle Willie" Taylor
 
Alf Taylor said:
This is the first message I have ever posted. I must begin by saying "thank you so much" Mr. Figueroa for your kind words about my new book, The Other Side Of The Road. Writing it took me back to a more adventuresome time in my life.
I hit the road at a young age, during pool hustling's most colorful years and was blessed to travel with Eddie Taylor and hang with Minnesota Fats, among other greats, when they were in their prime. It gives me pleasure to offer a peek into the way it really was during those times.
It also would give me pleasure to answer any questions you might have about this era or the characters that made it so very interesting.
The new printing of my book should be out in a few weeks. You can contact me through alftaylor1@yahoo.com if you're interested in a signed copy.
Again..Thank you Lou. My hat's off.

Keep it nice. Alfie "Bicycle Willie" Taylor
Click to expand...


My pleasure Alfie -- with your book you've made a great contribution to the pool canon. I think it'll become a classic.

Lou Figueroa
 
Email sent with regards to signed copy.
I am looking forward to what is expected to be a great read!

Any plans to make this available on Kindle as well?

Thanks, Ron
 
Yes

Everything in the book is true. Alfie was nice enough to send me a copy when I was in the hospital.
 
Grady clear you pms and then shoot me one :) need to talk.

Alfie congrats on the book and I'm in for a signed copy.
 
Get your signin' hand ready, Sir.

I am in too, as shall be a lotta of others, once you say the word!
 
Sent you an email Alf. I can tell by the your first post here that the book will be an easy and good read.

One more book to read. Its great that these road stories can be preserved for those of us who didn't experience them.
Once these stories are gone, they're gone so its nice that these recollects can be read by future generations.
 
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To Scott "Snapshot" Frasier.
While I'm flattered to be referred to as a Texas Nine-Ball champion, I'll not let old memories and new technology bless me with a lable I don't deserve. U.J. Puckett, Jack Terry, Billy Sroud, Jerry Trig. Those guys deserve a title as prestigeous as you offer. I was just a pretty good shortstop Texas player. After I left there to hit the road, I improved a little but still couldn't mess with those guys.
Thanks for the contact. I'm looking forward to hearing you thoughts on my book.
Keep it nice. Alfie

To Grady; God bless you, brother. You'll always be a Taylor as well as a Matthews.
You are in my prayers.
With love. Alfie
 
If Billy Stroud is out there, please excuse me for accidentally leaving a letter out of your last name on my last post.
Remember when we crashed in your Corvette?
BTW, are you still an incredible player? My guess is "definitely"
Keep it nice. Alfie
 
Billiard Academy

I met Alf at the Billiard Academy in Tucson in 1968. He, Phil Rasp and a guy named Touch were always there. We lived in Sierra Vista, a small army town south of Tucson. My brother and I could both play but we wilted under the fire of these guys. We took a soldier who was a good player up to play at the Academy. To tell you how good he was, he played Weldon Rogers even 9 ball for 2 hours. They quit and the soldier started looking for another game. Up steps Alf. He will play the guy some 1 pocket if the only fouls he can make are scratches in a pocket. This is a huge spot but the soldier is ready to play. He loses everything, cash, jewelry, totally busted. Those were the days.
 
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