A24 Publishes Book on Anthony Bourdain's Provincetown Years

A24 released a new hardcover book titled 'Happier, Stupider Times: Anthony Bourdain's Provincetown Years' this week, chronicling the formative experiences of the late chef and author during the 1970s in Provincetown. The book focuses on Bourdain's early years before his rise to fame, detailing his time working as a dishwasher and his immersion into the local culinary and artistic scene. It aims to capture the essence of Provincetown during that era, including its fishermen, culinary traditions, and nightlife, which significantly shaped Bourdain's identity and future career.

The publication includes recipes, maps, menus, artwork, and previously unseen images of Bourdain and his associates, offering a deep dive into the period when he claimed to have learned "every important lesson" of his life. The book traces his journey from a dishwasher to becoming part of what it describes as "the pirate elite," a group of cooks, artists, and partygoers who defined the vibrant summers in Provincetown. This pre-fame period is presented as a crucial, yet often overlooked, chapter in Bourdain's life and mythology.

'Happier, Stupider Times' also serves as a companion piece to A24's biographical documentary on Bourdain, titled 'Tony.' The book features an introduction written by Matt Johnson, the director of 'Tony,' further solidifying its connection to the film. This release aligns with A24's strategy of expanding its cinematic projects into publishing, physical media, and merchandise, creating a broader ecosystem around its content. The book is designed to deepen the portrait of Bourdain presented in the film rather than merely reiterate it, providing new insights into his early life and influences.