Boswell: A Modern Comedy (American Literature (Dalkey Archive)) - Softcover

Elkin, Stanley

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1564781747 ISBN 13: 9781564781741

Publisher: Dalkey Archive Press, 2009

Synopsis

Boswell is Stanley Elkin's first and funniest novel: the comic odyssey of a twentieth-century groupie who collects celebrities as his insurance policy against death. James Boswell--strong man, professional wrestler (his most heroic match is with the Angel of Death)-- is a con man, a gate crasher, and a moocher of epic talent. He is also the hero of one of the most original novel in years ( Oakland Tribune)--a man on the make for all the great men of his time--his logic being that if you can't be a lion, know a pride of them. Can he cheat his way out of mortality?

About this title

Review:

"Elkin's debut novel (1964) is a comic romp through the life of title character James Boswell, a con man and champion moocher. Although his works are serious underneath, Elkin is always good for a laugh." -- Library Journal "No serious funny writer in this country can match him." -- New York Times Book Review

About the Author:

Stanley Elkin (1930-1995) was an award-winning author of novels, short stories, and essays. Born in the Bronx, Elkin received his BA and PhD from the University of Illinois and in 1960 became a professor of English at Washington University in St. Louis where he taught until his death. His critically acclaimed works include the National Book Critics Circle Award-winnersGeorge Mills (1982) and Mrs. Ted Bliss (1995), as well as the National Book Award finalistsThe Dick Gibson Show (1972), Searches & Seizures (1974), and The MacGuffin (1991). His book of novellas,Van Gogh's Room at Arles, was a finalist for the PEN Faulkner Award.

About this edition

• Publisher: Dalkey Archive Press
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1564781747
• ISBN 13: 9781564781741
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 387