Fictional series of letters from a popular baseball hero to his friend. Humorous collection showcases Lardner as a satirical master at the peak of his form.

"An anthology of journalist Ring Lardner's writings on sports and other nonfiction topics that collects works that have been mostly unavailable for decades"--

This collection of fiction by writer, critic and sports editor Ring Lardner celebrates the American pastime of baseball.

The daughter of screenwriter Ring Lardner, Jr.--one of the "Hollywood Ten"--recalls what it was like to grow up in the shadow of McCarthyism.

This early work by Ring Lardner was originally published in 1925 and we are now republishing it with a brand new introduction. 'Haircut' is a dark satire about moral blindness. Ring Lardner was born in Niles, Michigan in 1885. He studied engineering at the Armour Institute of Technology in Chicago, but did not complete his first semester. In 1907, Lardner obtained his first job as journalist with the South Bend Times. Six years later, he published his first successful book, You Know Me Al, an epistolary novel written in the form of letters by 'Jack Keefe', a bush-league baseball player, to a friend back home. A huge hit, the book earned the appreciation of Virginia Woolf and others. Lardner went on to write such well-known short stories as 'Haircut', 'Some Like Them Cold', 'The Golden Honeymoon', 'Alibi Ike', and 'A Day with Conrad Green'.

Ring Lardner was one of the master stylists of American letters, and at least two of his sons became famous writers as well.

"Sportswriter, storyteller, humorist - Ring Lardner was an American original. In this affectionate, entertaining, and authoritative biography, critic Jonathan Yardley gives us a new look at Lardner's all too short life and career."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Discover the literary genius of Ring Lardner in "7 Best Short Stories". This book presents a superb selection of the best stories by the renowned American writer, known for his sharp humor and keen observations on everyday life and the world of sports. With unforgettable characters and engaging plots, Lardner captures the complexities and nuances of human relationships and daily experiences. His ability to combine humor and depth offers the reader a unique literary experience, provoking both laughter and reflection. An essential collection for lovers of fine literature, revealing the unparalleled talent of one of the masters of the short story. Check out the stories in this book: - Haircut: a small town's stories are revealed by a barber as he chats with a customer about past events and local characters. - The Golden Honeymoon: a couple celebrates their 50th wedding anniversary with a trip to Florida, facing challenges and rediscovering their connection. - My Roomy: a baseball player recounts the difficulties of sharing a room with a peculiar roommate who interferes with his game performance. - Horseshoes: rivalries and intense competition emerge during a game of horseshoes, reflecting the competitive life and camaraderie among baseball players. - Harmony: amid the tension of the baseball season, the lack of harmony in the team challenges players and coaches to find a balance to win. - Alibi Ike: Frank Farrell, nicknamed "Alibi Ike", is a baseball player famous for his excuses and justifications for every play, good or bad. - Champion: Midge Kelly, a young boxer, faces challenges and personal struggles as he seeks to establish himself as a champion in the boxing world. If you like short stories, check other books of our collection 7 best short stories and get to know amazing writers of all styles.

Not only examining the writings of a critically neglected American novelist of the early 20th century, this study also uses Ring Lardner both as the basis for a theoretical inquiry into language and literature, and as a study of men and masculinity at the turn of the century.