Guys and Dolls and Other Writings (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Pete Hamill (Introduction), Daniel R. Schwarz (Contributor)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

From Dave the Dude to Al Capone: a defining collection from the world of Damon Runyon

Damon Runyon grew up in the West, moved to New York City, and became one of the leading voices of American popular culture. From sports writing to short fiction, this unique collection offers an eclectic sampling of his extraordinary talent. Here are newspaper pieces, stories- including the last one he ever composed-poetry, and, of course, the Broadway tales for which he is chiefly remembered: Guys and Dolls, Blood Pressure, The Bloodhounds of Broadway, and others. Featuring works that are impossible to find elsewhere, and Runyon's signature eye for detail-particularly the sounds, smells, and tastes of New York-this book brings an American icon to a new generation of readers.

About the Author

Damon Runyon (1884-1946) was a correspondent for the Hearst chain of papers in New York City. He complemented his journalism with plays, short stories, and poetry, and became one of the most recognizable voices of the Depression era.
Pete Hamill has written many bestselling books and won the Damon Runyon Award from the Denver Press Club. He is a Distinguished Writer-in-Residence at New York University.
Daniel R. Schwarz is the Frederic J. Whiton Professor of English and the Stephen H. Weiss Presidential Fellow at Cornell University. He is the author of Broadway Boogie-Woogie: Damon Runyon and the Making of New York City Culture.

Product Details

• Paperback: 656 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Classics; annotated edition edition (May 27, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0141186720
• ISBN-13: 978-0141186726
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #59,856 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Curly Wolf, April 14, 2009

By	J. Sieger (Milwaukee) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Damon Runyon's narrator calls someone a "curly wolf" in one these stories. I have no idea what this means, but I will remember it for a long time. I imagine a curly wolf is not a good thing to be, as many of his characters have character issues. He may have made this term up, along with others like "the old phonus bolonus." Either way, about two stories in, I asked myself, "Where has this guy been all my life?" I can't believe I went as long as I did without these hilarious and touching stories. Buy this book and if you don't like it, check your pulse.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good collection, but missing some stories, September 20, 2009

By	Eric Oppen (Iowa Falls, IA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was looking for a complete, unabridged collection of the "Broadway" stories of Damon Runyon---the ones they based the musical "Guys and Dolls" on. This comes close, but isn't quite complete---I know of at least one story ("Lonely Heart") that isn't present, and there may be others.

Even so, it's got a good, solid selection of them, and is a good selection for someone who wants to get acquainted with the unique voice of Damon Runyon. His unique style has become so iconic in its way that I've seen it used (in, among other places, the comic book _Wolff and Byrd: Counselors of the Macabre_) to indicate that the speaker is an underworld type.

Apart from missing at least a few stories, the only other nit I can find to pick is that the typeface is smaller and finer than I care for. But that's just me.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Book Awful Printig, June 16, 2008

By	Herbert S. Kantrowitz "VERY OLD READER" (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Every short story are truley great, but the quality of the printing is just awful. You just can't control LOL wich is somewhat embarrising. I'll read every story, What a wonderful writer he is.