John Holmes Biography Rolls Out Aug. 8

LOS ANGELES — Authors Jill Nelson and Jennifer Sugar will appear at a gala book launch event for their debut book, “John Holmes: A Life Measured in Inches.” The book is the first comprehensive biography of the adult industry icon.

The party will be held on Aug 8, which would have been Holmes’ 64th birthday, at Book Soup, located at 8818 Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood, from 7-9 p.m. PST.

Afterwards, a free midnight screening of "Eruption," starring Holmes, will show at the Silent Movie Theatre located nearby, at 611 N. Fairfax Blvd.

Neither Nelson nor Sugar had any connection to the adult industry prior to writing the book. For Nelson, her curiosity was piqued after watching the 2003 movie “Wonderland,” starring Val Kilmer in the part of John Holmes.

“Part of my fascination was due to the fact that I had relatively zero knowledge about the adult film industry,” Nelson told XBIZ in a previous interview. “Prior to watching the movie — and like many other mainstream people — I had preconceived notions about the industry and the people in it.”

The co-authors researched Holmes’ life story through extensive interviews with family, friends and contemporaries of Holmes, including Laurie Holmes, Bill Amerson, Bob Chinn, Julia St. Vincent, Detective Tom Lange, Detective Frank Tomlinson, Paul Thomas, Ron Jeremy, Seka, Jamie Gillis, Marilyn Chambers, Candida Royalle, Rhonda Jo Petty, Dr. Sharon Mitchell and Bill Margold, among others.

“According to our research and the people we've spoken with, John Holmes was a chameleon; he had the ability to be whatever people wanted him to be at any given time,” Nelson said. “He could be very crafty, and he was street-smart, but he was also bright, funny and as most people know, he had the ability to fabricate and tell entertaining stories that would go beyond the realm of believability.

“He enjoyed seeing how far he could push the boundaries, which is probably one of the reasons he told outlandish tales,” Nelson added. “More importantly, he was smart in the sense that he knew how to sell his product, and the lies he told were actually a great marketing tool, as they served to perpetuate his legend.”

Several of the interview subjects will speak at the book launch event, including Holmes’ widow Laurie Holmes, classic director Bob Chinn, veteran industry figure Bill Margold and Cass Paley, who directed a video biography of Holmes.

Also slated to make an appearance at the event is adult icon Ron Jeremy, classic star Rhonda Jo Petty, and several behind-the-scenes personalities including cameraman Mark Novick, and photographers Joel Sussman and Kenji.

Director Julia St. Vincent also is on the list of special guests, along with fellow directors Don Fernando and Alan Colberg, and Hustler Video National Sales Manager Michael Glaser.

The event is sponsored by XBIZ, and a special cake will be created for the event by Cake and Art.

“John Holmes: A Life Measured in Inches” is available for purchase at JohnHolmesInches.com, as well as Amazon.com and BarnesAndNoble.com.

On the night before the gala event, Nelson and Sugar will make a radio appearance on Playboy Radio's Night Calls program with host Vanessa Blue on Sirius Satellite Radio.

Those interested in attending the Book Soup Gala Event can find more information at BookSoup.com.

To contact Nelson and Sugar, email johnholmesinches@yahoo.ca.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Haley Spades Stars in Latest From Immoral

Haley Spades stars with Charlie Dean, Matt Bird, and Dean Van Damme in a new three-part release from Immoral Productions, directed by "Porno Dan" Leal.

Octavia Red Makes Her Vampired Debut

Octavia Red has made her Vampired debut alongside Talia Mint and 2023 XMA Europas Female Performer of the Year Tiffany Tatum in the new feature “Hunters.”

Lily Starfire Fronts Latest From Brazzers

Lily Starfire stars with Kyle Mason in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Eating Ass Is the Game."

Le Wand's 'Petite' Highlighted in NY Magazine Article

Le Wand’s Petite massage wand has been recognized in NY Magazine's The Strategist round-up of top-rated massagers.

Country Hotwife Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Content creator Country Hotwife has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint WIFEY, alongside her husband StagHubby and former XMAs Male Performer of the Year Isiah Maxwell.

Vixen Media Group Celebrates 10 Years of 'Tushy'

Vixen Media Group (VMG) is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of studio imprint Tushy.

Cherry Kiss Stars in Latest 'Blind Dates' From Bellesa

Cherry Kiss headlines the 16th volume of "Blind Dates," from Bellesa.

Emma Rosie Toplines Pat Myne's 'Gape For Days 5'

Emma Rosie headlines director Pat Myne's "Gape For Days 5," from Evil Angel.

Adult Time Drops 2nd Installment of Bree Mills Thriller 'Escape From Camp Conversion'

Adult Time has debuted the second episode of the Bree Mills-helmed thriller "Escape From Camp Conversion," from studio brand Girlcore.

Eris Jolie Makes Her TransAngels Debut

Eris Jolie has made her TransAngels debut alongside Bree Brooks in "A Very Filthy Cookout."

Show More