Turnabout [Library Binding]

Thorne Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1999

James Thorne Smith Jr. (1892-1934), was an American writer of humorous supernaturnal fantasy fiction. Best known today for his creation of Topper, Smith's comic fantasy fiction (most of it involving sex, lots of drinking, and supernatural transformations, and aided by racy illustrations) sold millions of copies in the early 1930s. Smith drank as steadily as his characters; his appearance in James Thurber's The Years With Ross involves an unexplained week-long disappearance. Smith was born in Annapolis, Maryland the son of a Navy commodore, attended Dartmouth College, and after hungry years in Greenwich Village working part-time as an advertising agent, Smith achieved meteoric success with the publication of Topper in 1926. His other works include: The Stray Lamb (1929), Turnabout (1931), The Night Life of the Gods (1931), Topper Takes a Trip (1932), The Bishop's Jaegers (1932), Rain in the Doorway (1933), Skin and Bones (1933) and The Glorious Pool (1934). He died of a heart attack while vacationing in Florida.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Library Binding
• Publisher: Amereon Limited (December 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0848821661
• ISBN-13: 978-0848821661
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,415,095 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Turnabout is More than Fair Play, March 6, 2005

By 

C. Hoormann - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Turnabout (Mass Market Paperback)

I discovered this book decades ago in an old steamer trunk that belonged to my wife's late aunt. I was surprised to find it so hilarious since I had never heard of Thorne Smith. When I later found out he had authored "Topper", I understood. I could hardly put it down because it kept me wondering what disaster would next befall Tim - or should I say Sally? Read it! You will understand.

Also, to Catherine: Turnabout was made into a movie in 1940. I've yet to see it, but I've read some good reviews about it.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reading and re-reading for forty years and still wonderful!, April 26, 2004

By 

Avid Reader (Dallas, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Turnabout (Library Binding)

I first found this book when I was fifteen and have read it now at least fifty times. The characters and events still bring tears of laughter to my eyes. I've wished for a very long time that this could be made into a movie so more people could share Thorne Smith's vision. It is an intelligent read and a wonderful look at urban life in the late 20's. Block out some time and prepare to laugh out loud.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In Praise of Thorne Smith and his work, April 17, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Turnabout (Mass Market Paperback)

Turnabout by Thorne Smith is a wonderful combination that celebrates the raucus hedonism of the 1920's and derides the hypocrasy of puritanical prohibition. It is the love story of a couple not in love that rediscover their love again once they trade places (literally and hilariously!). Through the devises of the mysterious "Mr. Ram" and local neighbors they set about creating a riot throughout their small town. It is a book I highly recommend. Anyone interested in humor, sex, and challenging authority should check it out.