Bagombo Snuff Box: Uncollected Short Fiction

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.

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!

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!!

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 This is an outdated medium but persists nonetheless.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.

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!