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: Robinson Street Books, IOBA, Binghamton, NY, USA
Paperback. Zustand: Very Good. Prompt Shipment, shipped in Boxes, Tracking PROVIDEDCloth a little discolored, spine little bumped, name in ink front pastedown, else very good NO dust jacket. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers bing7768895
Anzahl: 1 verfügbar
Anbieter: Bookfever, IOBA (Volk & Iiams), Ione, CA, USA
Zustand: GOOD. First printing. His 8th novel - an exercise in offbeat humor and on-target social criticism. Ex-library with the usual markings and the old dj cover pasted inside the covers, but overall a tight copy in a fine unmarked dustjacket. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 29000
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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
Anzahl: 1 verfügbar
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: Bookfever, IOBA (Volk & Iiams), Ione, CA, USA
Zustand: GOOD. First printing. His 8th novel - an exercise in offbeat humor and on-target social criticism. SIGNED on the title page. Ex-library with the usual markings, but overall a tight copy in a very near fine unmarked dustjacket. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 75551
Anzahl: 1 verfügbar
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
Anzahl: 1 verfügbar
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
Anzahl: 1 verfügbar
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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