60 and Going Strong
by Daisy Maryles -- Publishers Weekly, 6/30/1997
George Carlin, one of the longest-running standup comedians -- he began his funny business in 1956 while serving in the USAF -- marked his 60th birthday with the publication of his second book, Brain Droppings (back in 1984 he penned Sometimes a Little Brian Damage Can Help). Hyperion launched the book on May 12 with a 115,000 first printing and subsequently has gone back to press six times, taking copies in print to 290,000. Sadly, Carlin's wife died suddenly right before his planned three-week publicity tour, making it necessary to cancel the first two weeks. Carlin did do some media appearances, beginning May 27, including Politically Incorrect, CNN's Showbiz Today, The Late, Late Show with Tom Snyder, Larry King and The Tonight Show. His many fans turned up in force wherever he signed, with the largest crowd (he signed 350 books) coming to Borders in Marlton, N.J.
