author

John Peter Toohey

1880–1946

A quick-witted New York publicist and writer, he is remembered as one of the lively figures around the Algonquin Round Table. He is also often credited with suggesting the title The New Yorker during an early brainstorming session.

1 Audiobook

Fresh Every Hour Detailing the Adventures, Comic and Pathetic of One Jimmy Martin, Purveyor of Publicity, a Young Gentleman Possessing Sublime Nerve, Whimsical Imagination, Colossal Impudence, and, Withal, the Heart of a Child.

Fresh Every Hour Detailing the Adventures, Comic and Pathetic of One Jimmy Martin, Purveyor of Publicity, a Young Gentleman Possessing Sublime Nerve, Whimsical Imagination, Colossal Impudence, and, Withal, the Heart of a Child.

by John Peter Toohey

About the author

Born in Binghamton, New York, John Peter Toohey was an American writer and publicist whose career moved through journalism, theater, and literary circles. He worked as a reporter for the Scranton Tribune, later joined the Washington Post and the New York Evening World, and eventually became a well-known publicity man in the Broadway world.

Toohey is best known for his connection to the Algonquin Round Table, the famous gathering of New York writers, critics, and performers. Accounts of the group say he helped spark its beginnings in 1919 through a luncheon prank aimed at critic Alexander Woollcott, and he is also frequently credited with supplying the name The New Yorker.

He also wrote for the stage, co-authoring the Broadway comedies Swifty in 1922 and Jonesey in 1929. From 1930 to 1942, he served as the chief publicist for producer Sam H. Harris's company. No clear portrait image could be confirmed from the sources reviewed here.