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pick of the month
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If you haven't read I'd Hate Myself in the Morning yet, you must. Ring Lardner, Junior's last
book may be his best. As the title indicates (being his famous quote before the
House UnAmerican Activities Committee), the book begins and ends with his
memories of the Hollywood Ten and the blacklist. Those curious about this
fascinating (in a disturbing sort of way) time in American history will not be
disappointed. Neither will movie buffs. His insider view of the movie industry from the 1930s through the present day is filled with eye-opening details and thought-provoking commentary. Of special interest to me was his discussion of how movies have become a director's medium (rather than any credit going to the writers). For those who enjoyed his first memoir, The Lardner's, there is also plenty insight into the Lardner clan. The relationship between Ring, Jr. and his brother Jim is especially well illuminated. Simply, the well written story of a great man who finds himself in even greater circumstances (without ever truly believing either). Click here to buy: in hardcover for a little over $20 I'd Hate Myself in the Morning: A Memoir or in paperback for a little under $15 I'd Hate Myself in the Morning.
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His
Books
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You Know Me, Al.
The classic dialect letters from Jack Keefe, the ego-blinded but somehow loveable busher, to his friend Al have stood the test of time. Most lists of best baseball books include You Know Me, Al near the top. One needn't be a baseball fan, though (I'm not), to enjoy the universal story of the beautiful loser. There are many versions to choose from. The cheapest is the Dover edition, available for $1.00 - $1.50. These are good for your door-to-door Lardner proselytizing tours. Hand them out to the literary needy.
If you are looking for a personal copy to keep at the house, as opposed to your backpack, I would suggest either the Prairie State edition (green, on left) which has an introduction by Mark Harris, the Library of Essential Reading edition, brown, on left, or the Scribner's edition which has the classic introduction by John Lardner (no pic, just link): You Know Me, Al.
The Annotated Baseball Stories of Ring W.
Lardner. 1914-1919. Contains: You Know Me Al, "Call for Mr. Keefe!" "The Busher Reenlists," "The Battle of Texas," "Along Came Ruth," The Courtship of T. Dorgan," "The Busher Pulls a Mays," "My Roomy," Sick'Em," "Horseshoes," "Back to Baltimore," "Alibi Ike," "Harmony," "The Poor Simp," "Where Do You Get That Noise?" "Good for the Soul," "The Crook," "The Hold-out," The Yellow Kid." Order on the left.
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| Some newer collections |
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| Four Great Lardner Collections |
The collection that made Lardner's reputation as a great American storyteller. Fitzgerald suggested the title, and Lardner supplied the stories.
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The second major Lardner collection which includes the famous nonsense introduction by "Sarah Spooldripper." This is an inexpensive reproduction.
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The mega-collection which is as close to a complete short stories collection as exists. The good, the bad, and the ugly here. This is an inexpensive reproduction.
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My second favorite posthumous collection (the first being Shut Up He Explained). It mixes nonfiction humor pieces with later short stories. These are the stories with real shocks of sadness.
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| Some classics newly published |
The above link is for the paperback edition. Get the hardcover by clicking here: Gullible's Travels, ETC.
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The above link is for the paperback edition. Get the hardcover by clicking here: The Real Dope. This is the last baseball book Lardner wrote. The humor is still here, as is the insight into baseball. In addition, though, is a certain sadness that leaves the reader with quite a mixed feeling.
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Lardner's "autobiography"--and if you look hard enough, you will find some truth in it. It is a parody of all autobiographies. An inexpensive reproduction. |
Jack Keefe, from You Know Me, Al, joins the army. It doesn't have the energy or charm of the original, but it is still funny in parts. It also shows Lardner's attitude toward WWI. An inexpensive reproduction.
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Nothing new here. The "selected" stories are the same as have been selected oh so many times before. On a brighter note, they did manage to get the one person who doesn't like Lardner to do the introduction. A must have for the complete collector. Only.
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The wise boob comes to life. Some of Lardner's most quotable language is found here. An inexpensive reproduction.
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A short story (not the book) published by Kessinger, an inexpensive reprint company. |
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A short story. See above. |
A short story. See above again.
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A short story. See above and over. |
A short story. Yep, another.
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| Books About Him |
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No picture, but, then again, it isn't much to look at; however, it is something to look in. A must for every collector, fan, or scholar. I have worn mine ragged. For whatever reason, these now cost half the $100 I paid years ago. |
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The only biography in print, and as such, the best biography out there. Yardley benefits from researching Lardner's letters and does a fine job of establishing the historical context in which Lardner lived.
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| Other Lardners' Books
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| Ring Lardner, Jr. |
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| Ring Lardner, Jr. on DVD |
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| James Lardner, son of Ring, Jr., grandson of Ring |
James Lardner on the NYPD. |
James Lardner edited this one. If the title doesn't explain, visit his web site, http://www.inequality.org.
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| Kate Lardner Kym Lardner |
Kate Lardner is the granddaughter |
A fine children's book (as if the cover didn't tip you off) by Kym Lardner. |
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