Damon Runyon

[Sally-Ann]

I've been told Damon Runyon books are good ...and I should look out for the short story' Sense of Humour'

 

Does anyone have any views on Mr Runyon,or know what book that short story is from?

 

Thanks

 

Sally-Ann

[Roland Butter]

Definitely recommended. He's gone out of fashion a bit these days, but I remember reading the Guys and Dolls collection and being hugely entertained. His style is probably a bit dated now - it's perhaps best described as "New York picaresque" - but if you can put yourself "in the moment" as you read his work, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Go for it!

[SueK]

Have to agree with Roland Butter. Runyon's books are classic. Guys and Dolls was based on a short story called The Idyll of Miss Sarah Brown and Runyon loves to mix the pure Miss Brown from the Salvation Army with the world of gamblers, sharp shooters and petty criminals with names such as Nicely-Nicely Johnson and Harry the Horse to name a few - and she naturally falls in love with one of them. As said above, you need to get yourself into the period and just enjoy!

[Boatman01]

Here's one author whose short stories are unique, reflecting a unique age, and overlooked by readers and reviewers. Why? I have no idea. Is it the language? The plots? The characters? Who knows. I re-read his stuff periodically and find it delightful each and every time.

[Roland Butter]

Funnily enough, we had this discussion just a few weeks ago (I'm sure someone can dredge up a link) and said much the same thing.

[Janet]

Here it is. I can't say I've heard of him but will go and Google!

 

ETA: Ah, I see he wrote the book that Guys and Dolls was based on - I've seen that!

Edited September 13, 2011 by Janet