Bagombo Snuff Box: Uncollected Short Fiction
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Book Overview
From the acclaimed author of Slaughterhouse-Five, Cat's Cradle, and Breakfast of Champions comes a compilation of twenty-three never-before-collected short stories. These vignettes of American life draw on Kurt Vonnegut's World War 2 experiences and the resolute optimism of the country after the war. Together, they present a poignant and humorous portrayal of an America peopled with overzealous high school band directors and their students, rebellious housewives, and boasting salesmen, soldiers misplaced during the war and people lost in their own gadget-filled homes. In an era before television, Kurt Vonnegut found a ready and willing audience in the readers of such magazines as Collier's, The Saturday Evening Post, Cosmopolitan, Argosy, and Redbook. These rare, rediscovered tales gives us a glimpse into a more innocent America--and into the developing genius of one of the greatest writers of our time.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0425174468
ISBN13:9780425174463
Release Date:August 2000
Publisher:Penguin Publishing Group
Length:384 Pages
Weight:0.75 lbs.
Dimensions:1.1" x 5.1" x 8.0"
Age Range:18 years and up
Grade Range:Postsecondary and higher
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Early magazine work of an All- American original
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
Vonnegut was an all- American original. He was a man who in Thoreau's phrase truly marched to the sound of his own drummer. In these early stories he has not become fully Vonnegut but is well on the way. These stories are mostly magazine- pieces of a kind which contain the realistic looks into life, and ironic surprises characteristic of much work of that kind and time. The work also contains Vonnegut's reflections on that time of his life, the whole business of story- writing and creative- writing which he recommends even if commercial opportunities for publication have grievously decline. One senses that in the writing of Vonnegut there is the voice and the heart of a very humane and humorous human being who is readily aware of life's incongruities, but is always somehow protesting that the world should be a lot more innocent and kinder than it is. These stories may not be Vonnegut's finest work, but for those who know and care for his work they should be real treats.
Different from his novels, but excellent nonetheless!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
I believe this to be an excellent collection of short stories from the "early Vonnegut days," if you will. To those who thoroughly enjoyed his novels, it may be a disappointment because the short stories don't necessarily carry the same weight as his novels. However, one must remember that short stories are just that, short stories. For me, someone who loves to read, but rarely has the time, it is easy to get a quick Vonnegut dose by reading one of these excellent stories!
Can I give it 25 stars?
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
I didn't know what to expect when I got this book in the mail. I have been very pleasantly surprised. The stories are very unlike the Vonnegut we're used to. It's similar to Thurber in many repsects. Love it!!
Pure short story Vonnegut, nothing more, nothing less.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
This is for readers who still enjoy a good short story, period. This is an outdated medium but persists nonetheless. If you are looking for sci-fi fantesy, you will find little here. If you looking for true Vonnegut humanism and irony, there is more than you bargained for. The author rests his stories on his history...WWII most notably. If you are smart enough to make the transferance you will enjoy the stories. I am savoring each and every one.
this IS vonnegut, no doubt, no diggity!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
once again, one of our century's pre-eminent authors (believe the hype!) regales us with warm, witty & wonderful tales, all at once biting & inviting! These early works of a master are so engaging, not only for the voyeuristic thrill of reading a great author find his true voice, but for the simple tenderness & tremendous intelligence found therein. read & enjoy!
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