This book not only features a selection of Mailer's early writing, which encompasses short stories, journalistic articles, essays, interviews, and poems.

It also includes the author's critical comments about that work. One of the notable inclusions is "The White Negro," an essay that delves into the analysis of the social and political conditions from which the "Beat Generation" originated.

Initially, I read a copy borrowed from the L.P. Fisher Library in Woodstock, New Brunswick.

Subsequently, on Jun 9, 2002, I acquired a personal copy from the City Lights Book Shop in London, Ontario.

This book provides a comprehensive look into Mailer's early literary contributions and his thoughts on them, making it a valuable addition to any literature lover's collection.

The various forms of writing included offer a diverse range of perspectives and styles, while the critical comments add an extra layer of depth and understanding.

Overall, it is a must-read for those interested in Mailer's work and the literary landscape of the time.

Short stories from the early years are surprisingly good. They offer a unique perspective that can be analyzed through Marxist critiques. In these stories, a writer's self-education is told in a brash first person, which adds an interesting layer to the narrative. As the reader delves deeper into the text, Mailer's larger worldview becomes more apparent. It is truly a treat to discover the hidden meanings and messages within these stories. Mailer's love for America is evident, but it is a love with a critical edge. He is not afraid to point out the flaws and inequalities within society, making his work both thought-provoking and engaging. Overall, these short stories are a valuable addition to the literary canon and a must-read for anyone interested in American literature and Marxist theory.

This is the very first book that I have ever perused of Norman's.

It ingeniously combines two elements that are of utmost importance to his character.

On one hand, there are his bat shit crazy bombastic proclamations, which can be witnessed when he smugly engages in battles with people over his Village Voice editorial space.

On the other hand, there is his genuine and remarkable talent for the written word.

However, forget about all that for a moment.

Simply skip to the back (because Norman only truly cares that you agree with him) and read his spot-on characterizations of his fellow writers.

These characterizations offer unique insights into the literary world and the personalities that inhabit it.

It is a fascinating exploration that showcases Norman's ability to observe and analyze with great acuity.

Overall, this book is a captivating read that offers a blend of the outrageous and the profound.

This is Mailer at his worst.

He is self-analytical to an extent that goes beyond narcissism. He is extremely articulate about matters that he clearly hasn't thought through beyond what will elicit a knee-jerk response from the audience. And often, too often, he shows us snippets of bad writing, while acknowledging that they are bad, only to then explain why he doesn't necessarily think they are bad.

What we have here is a great artist, if not a great thinker. Mailer's "thoughts" are at times so problematic and numerous that they undermine any of his real ability. He seems more preoccupied with his career and his bibliography than with creating art. He is obsessed with his place in the canon and is self-critical to the point of paralysis, while being critical of others to the point of meanness.

It is worth reading for a particular perspective in 1959, but one should approach it with a very specific idea of what one is looking for.

As I vividly remember, this is a remarkable collection of essays and small pieces.

It makes one wonder whether "The White Negro" is included within its pages.

I have a strong impression that the author was engaging in a rather incisive criticism of that particular segment of NY society which was being led by the renowned Leonard Bernstein.

The work seems to offer a unique perspective on the social and cultural milieu of that time and place, perhaps highlighting some of the less savory aspects or the idiosyncrasies that existed within that particular sphere.

It leaves the reader with much to ponder and reflect upon, as we try to understand the deeper meanings and implications behind the words and the criticism being leveled.

Overall, this collection appears to be a thought-provoking and potentially eye-opening exploration of a specific era and its associated social dynamics.