Authors Jennifer Sugar and Jill C. Nelson are pleased to announce that John Holmes: A Life Measured in Inches has been published by BearManor Media as a kindle e-reader book on June 10, 2010.  The kindle version of “Inches” is immediately available at Amazon.com for $11.95.  Please visit this link for purchasing information and free chapter samples:  Inches on Kindle 

Note:  The audio format of John Holmes: A Life Measured in Inches will be available later this year.

Rob Hardy is a book reviewer for The Commercial Dispatch in Columbus, Mississippi, and a practicing psychiatrist for Community Counseling Services in Columbus.  Mr. Hardy is also a top reviewer for Amazon.com, where a condensed version of this bio review can be found.  The following review is for The Dispatch.

Size Matters by Rob Hardy

“John Holmes had an enormous penis. It would be unfair to say that this fact is the only interesting thing about him, but it really was the only remarkable thing. It was also the thing that determined how his life was going to go. It was what got him into pornography and made him a nationally-recognized star, and that in turn got him involved in drugs and crime and AIDS. If there were nothing to his life besides his record-breaking anatomy, Jennifer Sugar and Jill C. Nelson would not have had much to compile in their book _John Holmes: A Life Measured in Inches_ (BearManor Media). They have, however, dug so deeply into what was written about the man during his career and what people remembered afterwards that this surely will be the definitive biography. It is almost 600 pages long, although that includes 150 pages of filmography at the end of the book, a list of all the known loops and films Holmes was in, along with a list of reviews of his more famous movies. The text of the book is not a traditional biography. It consists of quotations from many articles, books, and documentary films, as well as from interviews the authors conducted themselves. These are arranged chronologically, and if there is a lack of analysis in this biography, it is made up by the immediacy of the words from Holmes himself, his costars, directors, business partners, prosecutors, wives, and godchildren.

Well, first things first. The book’s subtitle makes plain that inches were the measurement of the man. How big was it? Well, big. No one who has seen a Holmes film will deny that; even his costar and competitor Ron Jeremy admitted himself to be second best in the size department. The problem with penis measurement is that even the anatomists have not come up with a foolproof, standardized way to measure a penis, and then there are all sorts of variables like temperature and degree of tumescence. There are no films of Holmes close to a ruler, but there are reports that he approached the fourteen inch mark, and such reports will not be incredible to those familiar with his films. In the films, too, it is obvious that Holmes’s erections were different from those of other men, and not just by size. His erection would not point upward; that’s just a matter of gravity. But also, his erection didn’t have the sort of firmness that typifies a tumescent penis of ordinary size. There was a standing joke that Holmes never got a full erection, because it would take so much blood he would lose consciousness. Annette Haven starred with him in several features, and found that Holmes’s erection collapsed down; it was “kind of squishy when erect, so actually it wasn’t that uncomfortable… it was like doing it with a big, soft loofah…” However, Ginger Lynn, who was lowered onto Holmes while hanging from a bar in the film _The Grafenberg Spot_, said that being in labor and having a child was easier than getting Holmes inside her.

Holmes, however, is given accolades for being a gentle lover. One star after another (girlfriends and wives, too) say that he knew he might cause some discomfort, and was always solicitous, saying things like “Is it okay? Do you want to stop?” Unlike many well-endowed men, he realized that there was a great deal more to lovemaking than just presenting a large package, and he is praised in these pages for his skill at different forms of foreplay. (He is also praised for an unusual skill which was useful for the directors he worked with: he was able to have an orgasm on cue. Annette Haven said, “He was a professional; got it up, got it off, and got the hell out of your hair.”) Many people make remarks on how nice a guy he was, consistently affable and helpful at least before the drug years started. A male costar remembers, “He would help carry equipment in from the truck and help set it up. He was almost an extension of the crew. You’d never see that today.” He enjoyed being a star, and was gracious with fans and fellow performers. Costar Richard Pacheco had his picture taken with Holmes and had Holmes sign it; the inscription shows some of Holmes’s graciousness and humor: “To Richard Pacheco, who taught me everything I know.” A surprising source of praise comes from the children of Bill Amerson, an adult talent agent and film producer. Sean and Denise Amerson were made Holmes’s godchildren, and Holmes was caring to both of them even during his bad years. Sean here tells a hilarious story of when he was called to the principal’s office, and since his father was not available, Holmes was called. The principal asked Sean beforehand, “That’s not _The_ John Holmes, is it?” and got confirmation. Holmes was serious about Sean’s infraction, discussed recompense and punishment sensibly, and everyone walked away satisfied. “Incidentally,” says Sean, “I was famous in high school from that day on.”

Holmes had two downfalls. One was cocaine, which he started using in the mid-seventies. He had been a Scotch drinker and casual pot smoker, but cocaine, often freebased, took over. Some of his most famous movies are from this time, before the cocaine began to be a problem, but eventually he was stealing props from his sets and selling them, or stealing from fellow actors, breaking into cars, or ripping off luggage at the airport. It isn’t a unique pattern, but it was grim. He worked for a drug supply gang, and stole drugs and money from them. His involvement led to his presence at the horrific revenge murder of the Wonderland Gang in 1981. Holmes was eventually charged with the four murders, but he was acquitted. He thereupon went relatively straight, and any use of drugs became just a recreation, not an obsession. He was able to make a happy comeback into his industry. He had been married, almost secretly, for nineteen years, when his first wife had had enough and sought divorce in 1983, but he formed a strong and supportive second marriage with his comeback costar “Misty Dawn”, a.k.a. Laurie Holmes. He was doing well until he contracted AIDS, the second downfall. It is not clear how he got it, but the knowledge that he had the disease propelled him back to using drugs. He also had unprotected sex with other performers during his final years, including the Italian actress (and member-to-be of the Italian parliament) Cicciolina in 1986, but there are no indications that he passed the disease to anyone. He made public appearances and autograph stops thereafter, but his physical appearance and abilities deteriorated. He died in 1988, aged 43.

Sugar and Nelson have not just given an account of Holmes’s unique life, although they have done that in astonishing detail. They have not been obsequious in praise of “The King,” nor have they neglected to detail his many flaws without excusing the questionable morality of some of Holmes’s off-screen actions (whatever you think of his on-screen ones). This is a look at a time when pornographic movies were going mainstream, an epoch before straight-to-video movies and before the internet. The time included not only Holmes’s first film (1970) in the famous _Johnny Wadd_ series, filmed in one day for $750; but also films with close-to-mainstream production values like the final in the series, The Return of _Johnny Wadd (1986). It’s the period of time covered by the wonderful Holmes-inspired movie, _Boogie Nights_, and any fan of that movie, of adult films, or of Holmes himself will be impressed by the thoroughness of this volume and its, uh, size.”

The 2010 Exxxstacy Show that was located just outside of downtown Chicago in Rosemont, Illinois, was a tremendous success.  Co-author, Jill C. Nelson was on hand at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Centre for three days chatting with fans of John Holmes’ oeuvre and erotic cinema classics. 

Nelson and ”Inches” originator Jennifer Sugar co-signed several copies of the definitive biography prior to the Chicago show and were pleased to sell out almost everything in stock.  In between visiting with fans at the booth, Nelson was pleased to meet one of Holmes’ favourite co-stars, Ms. Ginger Lynn Allen; Nelson was also an invited guest of host Christy Canyon on Sirius Satellite Playboy Radio, that broadcasted live from the Centre for the duration of the convention.  Filmmaker Valerie Gobos interviewed Nelson for her documentary (in the works) on the life of the late, legendary star, Marilyn Chambers.  Chambers was interviewed by the “Inches” co-authors in July 2007.

Inches e-book/Audiobook – 2010!

John Holmes: A Life Measured in Inches is now available for purchase as an e-book download at this website and also at BearManor Media.  Please click onto “Buy the book now” option for easy access to own your copy of “Inches” via paypal!

Due to strong sales, Jennifer Sugar and Jill C. Nelson are proud to announce that BearManor Media will be expanding its horizons by releasing John Holmes: A Life Measured in Inches in audio format in fall of 2010, to accommodate consumers with sight limitations, commuters and multi-taskers, etc., who have a love for books of integrity and quality. Authors Sugar and Nelson will put forth a creative and engaging audio presentation of their comprehensive biography with extras to enhance the listening pleasure of audiences.  Please look for details for John Holmes: A Life Measured in Inches to be made available as an mp3/download.

Spring 2010 -

New Book Review: 

Top 20 Amazon book critic and non-fiction reviewer, Rob Hardy, recently critiqued A Life Measured in Inches in a review for The Commercial Dispatch publication, located in Columbus, Mississippi.  Please read Size Matters on the home page.

Audiofiles: 

Recently, a segment of a 1986 audio interview with John Holmes was uploaded to our audiofile page.  Please click on Audiofiles to listen to this and also the March 2010 interview with host, Chip Rowe for The Playboy Advisor.

Inches on Kindle:

On June 10th, 2010, John Holmes: A Life Measured in Inches was published as a Kindle e-reader book on Amazon.com.  Please visit this link for purchasing information: Inches on Kindle

Book Events:

Please stay posted for information on any upcoming book events to be announced.

Summer 2010 -

“Inches” co-authors, Jennifer Sugar and Jill C. Nelson are invited exhibitors at this summer’s Exxxstacy Adult Show in Chicago, on July 16th, 17th and 18th.  Please visit this link for a report about the show: Chicago Exxxstacy Show 2010

Correspondence: 

Please visit this new category to read excerpts of letters from visitors to this website.  Special correspondence to the authors will be periodically added here:  Correspondence

Inches co-authors Jennifer Sugar and Jill C. Nelson have been invited to participate in this special Adult Convention Event in Chicago, that will be held at the Donald E. Stevens Convention Centre on July 16th, 17th & 18th, sponsored by Taboo Productions.   (The centre is located just five minutes from O’Hare airport.)  Signed copies of A Life Measured in Inches will be on hand, as well as promotion of the bio on kindle, and upcoming audiobook and mp3/download formats that will be available later this year.  (Sugar and Nelson are recording “Inches” for audio format this summer.)  For members of the media interested in speaking with the authors during the three day engagement, please write to: info@johnholmesinches.com or sugar.and.nelson@gmail.com 

Please also visit the Official Event website for more information and to learn how to purchase tickets:  Exxxstacy Show – entertainment

The two authors of A Life Measured in Inches viewed and reviewed a significant selection of John Holmes’ vast loop and film work that is unrivaled today by any adult star.  In addition to being the definitive biography on the adult film world’s biggest icon, the book’s 21 page filmography has widely been credited as an excellent reference guide.  Holmes is one of the very few actors to have worked over three decades performing in all facets of adult entertainment including: nude modeling, nudist shorts, black and white loops, mail order, simulated sex, softcore and hardcore erotic scenes and feature movies.

He is the first actor to have portrayed a recurring character in an adult series (spanning almost 10 years) as private detective Johnny Wadd.  John Holmes is the very first X-Rated performer to have been inducted in the XRCO (X-Rated Critics Organization) Hall of Fame in 1985, and he is the profession’s first International star. 

Due to continued avid interest in Holmes’ legend and superstar status, a substantial portion of Holmes’ film library has been carefully restored, digitalized and transferred from the masters, making some of his work available for purveyers for the first time. 

The best selection of John Holmes early loops and feature films reviewed by Sugar and Nelson can be immediately accessed and enjoyed through VOD at:  John Holmes.com

Courtesy of Laurie Holmes and John Holmes Enterprises, we have been granted permission to upload a segment of a select audio recording that was taped early in 1986.  John Holmes made tapes following his acquittal for murder charges in 1982, and up until the last year of his life, as he prepared to write his memoir (published posthumously as Porn King in 1998).  In this segment, John provides insight into the production of the 1986 film, The Return of Johnny Wadd (Penguin Productions), and expresses his thoughts about the adult film genre.  Portions of these rare audiotapes were used as resource material for John Holmes: A Life Measured in Inches.  Special thanks to Ms. Laurie Holmes. 

© 2010 John Holmes Enterprises All Rights Under Copyright Reserved Laurie Holmes. 

Update:  Recently John Holmes Enterprises provided a special two-part audioclip excerpt for you tube fans, where John describes the events that led to the Wonderland murders on July 1st, 1981.  JohnHolmesInches.com has added a new page so that the clips can be accessed directly under the ”About” header, marked Wonderland. 

Please also visit www.johnholmes.com  (The Official John Holmes Website) for its cool new style and vintage John Holmes VOD – The Man, The Myth, The Legend.

“Jennifer Sugar and Jill Nelson are the co-authors of John Holmes: A Life Measured in Inches, the definitive biography of the porn legend who was best known for his extra-large penis.  Sugar and Nelson interviewed 35 people who knew and worked with Holmes, then compiled a lengthy filmography of some of the more than 2,500 loops and movies he is thought to have appeared before his death in 1988 of AIDS-related complications.” ~ Chip Rowe 

The full interview is now available in two parts at you tube as a vignette, in addition to the ‘audio only’ version located at this website found under the “Goodies” header.  To view the you tube version click on: Part One and Part Two.  You may also access the videos via our Inches on You Tube page.

The Playboy Advisor and Senior Editor of Playboy Magazine, Chip Rowe, interviewed A Life Measured in Inches co-biographer, Jill C. Nelson, on Wednesday March 24th at 1:00pm Eastern (10:00am PST).  Nelson spoke about the biography’s content, including the Wonderland murders, the book’s filmography section and also, her writing partnership with the book’s originator, Jennifer Sugar.  Please visit our new audiofile page to listen to The Playboy Advisor interview segment in its entirety.  The Playboy Advisor can be located at Sirius/XM Satellite Ch. 99.  (Please also view The Daily Advisor article for more details.)  Chip Rowe will review A Life Measured in Inches for his online column.  

Snowman’s Podcast Interview

In January 2009, co-writers, Jennifer Sugar and Jill C. Nelson attended their first Adult Entertainment Expo in Las Vegas.  The two authors (accompanied by John Holmes’ widow, Ms. Laurie Holmes) participated in several interviews during the four day event, in addition to making a special appearance at the Erotic Heritage Museum for a presentation and book signing.  Adult industry writer, Mike (Snowman @ raincoatreviews.com) from San Francisco, pre-arranged an author interview while at AEE and this past weekend, the thirty minute audio podcast with Jill C. Nelson was posted. 

Snowman inquired about the intricacies of Nelson’s unique collaboration with her writing partner and book originator, Jennifer Sugar, and about the extensive research involved in compiling the definitive biography on Holmes that also contains an authentic filmography with feature film and loops reviews.  Nelson addressed several questions including how Holmes might perceive the adult industry today.  She also explained how director Julia St. Vincent’s acclaimed 1981 documentary on John Holmes (titled “Exhausted”) influenced the evolution of the 1997 award-winning film, “Boogie Nights”, and subsequent projects about the adult film icon. raincoatreviews.com

In the years leading to John Holmes’ death from AIDS-related complications, John began to document various elements of his life on audiotape.  While contemplating the trials and tribulations of living, John expressed his conception that the life of a human being could be judged simply by using the analogy of a tree.   He called his idea “The Monkey Tree” and he imagined that one day it would become the title of his memoir.  It was John’s belief that the strength and endurance of a tree and its relationship to a monkey residing on its branches, is indicative of our own place in the history of the world after we are gone. 

John described a variation of his idea this way:  “Where we are in the trees is where we are in our society.  Form a tree in your mind.  A beautiful, magnificently curved oak.  Think of the lower branches and think of the upper branches as what a person has achieved.  Those that are now dead, that we write about, or we think about, in an aspect, we think about what lifestyle they had.  Without even knowing it, subconsciously, we place them somewhere in that tree.  The further you are out on each limb, the more dangerously you live.”  

It has been said that John lived life hard and fast like rock stars do; passionately and dangerously, and with casualities along the way.  Twenty two years after his death, it causes one to ponder where one might place John Holmes in The Monkey Tree.  More importantly, perhaps, where might we place ourselves? - RIP John