Reed's eighth novel seems aimed at a select audience filled with unfocused anger. Dystopian in theme, it is set in the late 1990s, and what passes for narration apparently involves Santa Claus's taking over America and punishing assorted villains. The plot, however, exists only to allow Reed to attack his favorite pet peeves and, as an added attraction, sophomorically to hit out at famous folk, regardless of creed or color. Nasty little references abound, with American women the favored target: "always kvetching and talking about being unhappy, without knowing what they are talking about." Though a few satirical jabs hit home, this mean-spirited, hapless little novel strains to be humorous, but alas only adds up to a flat, mildly disturbing embarrassment.
- Charles Shapiro, York Coll., CUNY
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Reed's jazzlike, surreal phantasmagoria is set in the late 1990s, in an America where millions of surps (homeless people) forage for food, while U.S. President Jesse Hatch is a figurehead manipulated by televangelist Rev. Clement Jones, his spiritual adviser. The former president, ex-fashion model Dean Clift (star of The Terrible Twos , this novel's predecessor) has been removed from office but will soon stage a comeback. Among the convoluted subplots, two drive the action: White House communications chief Robert Krantz's "lone cowboy" scheme to drop neutron bombs on New York and Miami, then place the blame on Nigeria; and billionaire toymaker Elder Marse's plan to exploit the charisma of dwarfish Rastafarian Black Peter. Reed's uproarious, wisecracking, deadly serious farce swings between the inspired and the heavy-handed, but when he is on target, which is much of the time, he is one of the sharpest socio-political satirists around, hurling pointed barbs at racism, the CIA, women, the Vatican, the New York literary crowd and Americans' demand for instant gratification.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Anbieter: Du Bois Book Center, Englewood, NJ, USA
Hardcover. Zustand: Very Good. 1st Edition. 180pp. Light purple boards with blue cloth spine with bright gilt title. Pictorial Dust Jacket with title and title on spine panel. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 2254
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Anbieter: Aamstar Bookshop / Hooked On Books, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Soft cover. Zustand: New. Zustand des Schutzumschlags: New. 1st Edition. B Ishmael Reed shelf: This regular size hardcover is new, fine, new in dj Pink spine, lblue title. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers May 7-25-14
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Anbieter: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, USA
Zustand: Very Good. Former library copy. Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 57109687-6
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Anbieter: Lowry's Books, Three Rivers, MI, USA
Soft cover. Zustand: Good. 1st Edition. This first edition has little corner bumping or edge wear. Unclipped DJ has some sunning and discoloration. Placed in a protective cover. Interior text has slightly darkened with age, clean and tight in binding. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 605538
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Anbieter: Du Bois Book Center, Englewood, NJ, USA
Cloth. Zustand: Fine. Zustand des Schutzumschlags: Fine. First Edition. 180pp. Blue cloth spine with bright gilt title and rose paper over boards. Pictorial Dust Jacket. Novel by America's greatest satirist. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Hardcover. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 007058
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Anbieter: Du Bois Book Center, Englewood, NJ, USA
Cloth. Zustand: Fine. Zustand des Schutzumschlags: Fine. First Edition. 180pp. Blue cloth spine with bright gilt title and rose paper over boards. Pictorial Dust Jacket. Novel by America's greatest satirist. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Hardcover. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 000684
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Anbieter: Du Bois Book Center, Englewood, NJ, USA
Cloth. Zustand: Fine. Zustand des Schutzumschlags: Fine. First Edition. 180pp. Blue cloth spine with bright gilt title and rose paper over boards. Pictorial Dust Jacket. Novel by America's greatest satirist. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Hardcover. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 007059
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Anbieter: Second Life Books, Inc., Lanesborough, MA, USA
First printing. 8vo, pp. 180. Paper over boards withy cloth spine. A fine copy in near fine dj. A novel. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 53367
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Anbieter: Mike Murray - Bookseller LLC, East Windsor, NJ, USA
Hardcover. Zustand: Fine. Zustand des Schutzumschlags: Fine. First Edition/First Printing. This is a Review Copy that has been SIGNED by Ishmael Reed on the title page! Includes Review Slip plus Publisher's Press Release information. In this, his eighth novel, Ishmael Reed proves that he is one of the most innovative voices in contemporary literature. His latest adventure into the world of offbeat humor and on-target social criticism is a vision of America in the not-too-distant future, a portrait of a fairy-tale land gone frighteningly awry. Signed by Author(s). Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 5617
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Anbieter: WAVERLEY BOOKS ABAA, Santa Monica, CA, USA
Softcover. Zustand: Fine. Zustand des Schutzumschlags: No Dust Jacket. First Edition; First Printing. UNCORRECTED PROOF. SIGNED by Ishmael Reed. Fine in plain red printed wrappers. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 13417
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