It can be quite hard to read a book cover to cover, especially when one is in an A.D.D reading phase. However, in such a situation, certain works can still prove to be perfect. Take the cut chapters from Catch 22, for example. They are truly amazing. Joseph Heller, the author, once shared a story. A fan asked him why a particular chapter was omitted when Catch 22 was first published. Heller initially argued with the fan and firmly insisted that the chapter was indeed included. But then, when he read the published version at that time, he realized that the fan was actually correct. As a result, he decided to contribute that chapter as a short story in Playboy Magazine. This incident not only shows the author's integrity but also adds an interesting footnote to the history of Catch 22.
Catch As Catch Can: The Collected Stories and Other Writings
Years before the publication of Catch-22—which was called “a monumental artifact of contemporary literature” by The New York Times, “an apocalyptic masterpiece” by the Chicago Sun-Times, and “one of the most bitterly funny works in the language” by The New Republic—Joseph Heller began sharpening his skills as a writer, searching for the voice that would best express his own peculiarly wry view of the world.
In Catch As Catch Can, editors Matthew J. Bruccoli and Park Bucker have for the first time collected the short stories Heller published prior to that first novel, along with all the other short pieces of fiction and nonfiction that were published during his lifetime. Also included are five previously unpublished short stories, most reflecting the influence on Heller of urban naturalist writers such as Irwin Shaw and Nelson Algren.
The result is an important and significant addition to our understanding and appreciation of Joseph Heller, showing his evolution as a writer and artist. For those unfamiliar with his work, it will serve as an excellent introduction; for everyone else, Catch As Catch Can is a chance to explore a new aspect of Heller's remarkable career.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1,2003
This edition
- Format
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352 pages, Paperback
- Published
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October 1, 2004 by Simon \u0026 Schuster
- ISBN
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9780743257930
- ASIN
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0743257936
- Language
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English
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Community Reviews
A fascinating look at Heller's life reveals a complex and talented individual. His writing journey was filled with both triumph and challenges. The unexpected success of Catch 22 catapulted him into the literary spotlight. However, his subsequent efforts with works like Something Happened and Good as Gold aimed to replicate that same level of success. Heller was truly a remarkable writer who opened my eyes to the delights of language. I will always hold him in the highest regard and worship at his feet!
Some of the most interesting aspects of his life were his reminiscences about his war service as a bombardier. These memories added a unique depth to his writing. Additionally, his subsequent trips to Europe to visit the scenes of his action provided him with a wealth of inspiration and material. It is through these experiences that Heller was able to create such vivid and engaging works that continue to captivate readers to this day.
Terrific so far. Heller shows as much adroitness with deep emotions and the complexities of life as he usually shows with wit and irony. And the funny is still there, sometimes. It's truly remarkable how he can seamlessly transition between these different aspects. His ability to handle deep emotions with such skill makes the story all the more engaging and relatable. We can feel the characters' joys, sorrows, and struggles as if they were our own. The complexities of life are also portrayed in a very realistic way, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. And yet, despite all the seriousness, there are still those moments of humor that lighten the mood and bring a smile to our faces. It's a masterful blend of different elements that keeps us hooked from start to finish.
