New Releases by James Thurber

REDISCOVER THIS BELOVED COLLECTION of James Thurber's best tales and drawings about dogs and their men, women, and children in 24 stories, sketches and essays. “Only a few books have stayed with me through all the moves and upheavals of adult life, but Thurber’s Dogs is one of them, and it will stay with me to the end.”—Jonathan Yardley, The Washington Post “The dog has got more fun out of Man than Man has got out of the dog, for the clearly demonstrable reason that Man is the more laughable of the two animals,” writes James Thurber in the introduction to this collection of his best writings and drawings about the unpredictable and often inexplicable relationships between dogs and their men, women, and children. In two dozen stories and essays and six sequences of drawings, he honors the dogs, real and imaginary, that have populated his life and work. Included in Thurber’s Dogs: Thurber’s first published story features Josephine, the bull terrier that didn’t seem to live up to a couple’s expectations—until they regretted giving her away and resorted to extreme measures to get her back. “The Dog Who Bit People” remembers Muggs the Airedale, a dog that gave Thurber “more trouble than all the other fifty-four or -five put together” yet somehow found an impeccable ally in Thurber’s mother. Several pieces recall the Scottish terrier Jeannie, another troublemaker, who delighted in wandering off and implanting herself in the homes, parties, and picnics of other families. Rex, the noble pit bull from Thurber’s childhood, developed the perplexing habit of bringing home large pieces of furniture and the gates from the gardens of neighbors’ yards. Blaze, an English mastiff, received preferential treatment on a military plane—and the resulting scandal dominated headlines and hilariously plunged Franklin Roosevelt’s administration into crisis mode. Among the selections available only in this volume are essays defending the reputations of poodles and bloodhounds, two breeds Thurber believed were largely misunderstood and underappreciated. This iconic collection of Thurber’s funniest and most delightful dog cartoons and writings is a must have for dog lovers.

★故事雋永、譯筆一流，這本幽默文學原來這麼優秀！ ★超會說故事就算了，詹姆斯．瑟伯竟然連全書插圖都自己繪製——根本是天才啊啊讓人好羨慕！ ★輕鬆好讀，但會幫你打開大腦開關，讓你想起以前遇過哪些奇奇怪怪的親戚朋友喔！ 人生好難、家人好煩？ 史上最神經質的幽默大師，教你如何在災難般的人生中，優雅地（？）活下來。 歡迎來到《紐約客》傳奇作家的崩潰日常！ 在這看似動蕩不安的時代，是不是每天都覺得心很累？來讀讀美國幽默泰斗詹姆斯．瑟伯的故事吧。 這世上有一種作家，神經兮兮、提心吊膽，擁有一種「自討苦吃的天賦」──對國家大事與世界末日漠不關心──在他眼裡，自身消化系統的毛病、老爺車的拋錨，以及身邊那群失控親友所引發的日常災難，每一件都比國事、天下事還要命！ 全城盲從大逃亡！「大壩潰堤」謠言竟讓兩千名市民拋家棄子大街狂逃。 狂人爺爺的戰場！他的腦袋時光還停在美國南北戰爭，把盤查的警察當逃兵，拔槍痛擊。 老媽腦子不一樣！疑似遭遇鬧鬼，卻二話不說丟鞋砸破鄰居家窗戶想報警。 地獄惡犬咬不停！路霸家犬「瑪格斯」咬遍街頭巷尾，無一倖免。 災難級求學時光！獲頒軍訓課教官惡聲惡氣最高評語：「你是這間學校最大的問題。」 《想我苦哈哈的一生》像節奏精準、荒謬至極的家庭情境喜劇，治癒現代焦慮。閱讀擅長描寫生活進退兩難處境的詹姆斯．瑟伯，在荒謬人物與古怪日常中努力生存，是逃離現實壓力、獲得歡樂與安慰的最佳良藥。如果你也正被生活折磨得苦哈哈，請務必翻開這本書。

James Thurber's 'My Life and Hard Times' is an exemplary work of humor and wit that both illumines and transcends the peculiarities of its epoch. Within its pages, readers find a collection of autobiographical essays, showcasing Thurber's distinctive literary style, marked by playful language and an ironic tone. The narrative is subtly layered, interweaving farcical elements with a stark, almost surreal portrayal of everyday life in the early 20th century. Operating at the confluence of reality and fantasy, Thurber's work fits snugly in the American humor tradition, akin to Mark Twain, yet carving its distinct niche through an imaginative foray into the ordinary turned extraordinary. Thurber's pen draws heavily from the inkwell of his personal experience. An illustrious contributor to 'The New Yorker,' his creative output was undoubtedly influenced by the social and political turmoil of his times. His writings often reflect a hint of nostalgic reflection and a coping mechanism against the backdrop of the interwar period. 'My Life and Hard Times' arises from a deep well of both adversity and observational acumen, presenting vignettes that offer escapism while simultaneously holding a mirror to the chaotic world around him. A gem for those appreciative of classic American humor, 'My Life and Hard Times' beckons readers to partake in a journey through the whimsical corridors of Thurber's experiences. This book is not merely a diversion but a literary pilgrimage, promising laughter and insight in equal measure. Scholars and general readers alike will celebrate this edition by DigiCat Publishing for preserving Thurber's legacy and introducing his genius to new generations. It is a testament to humor's enduring power in revealing profound truths about the human condition.

In "The Middle Aged Man on the Flying Trapeze," James Thurber employs his signature blend of wry humor and keen observation to explore the existential dilemmas faced by men grappling with both age and ambition. This collection of short stories, rich with Thurber's trademark wit, delves into the absurdity of everyday life and the bittersweet nature of middle age. The narratives are characterized by their imaginative storytelling and a style that oscillates between satire and poignant reflection, encapsulating the cultural milieu of early 20th-century America, when societal expectations often clashed with personal dreams. James Thurber, an influential figure in American literature, was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1894 and became renowned for his contributions to The New Yorker magazine. His experiences as a man balancing humor and pathos in the face of life's incongruities deeply informed his writing. The book reflects his own sense of vulnerability while navigating the complexities of adulthood amid a rapidly changing society, presenting a reflective yet playful commentary on life's inherent contradictions. I highly recommend "The Middle Aged Man on the Flying Trapeze" to readers who appreciate a combination of sharp humor and profound insight. Thurber's unwavering honesty and ability to illuminate the hilarity of our shared human condition make this collection a delightful yet thought-provoking read for anyone seeking to reconcile their dreams with the realities of life. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A comprehensive Introduction outlines these selected works' unifying features, themes, or stylistic evolutions. - The Author Biography highlights personal milestones and literary influences that shape the entire body of writing. - A Historical Context section situates the works in their broader era—social currents, cultural trends, and key events that underpin their creation. - A concise Synopsis (Selection) offers an accessible overview of the included texts, helping readers navigate plotlines and main ideas without revealing critical twists. - A unified Analysis examines recurring motifs and stylistic hallmarks across the collection, tying the stories together while spotlighting the different work's strengths. - Reflection questions inspire deeper contemplation of the author's overarching message, inviting readers to draw connections among different texts and relate them to modern contexts. - Lastly, our hand‐picked Memorable Quotes distill pivotal lines and turning points, serving as touchstones for the collection's central themes.

In "Further Fables for Our Time," James Grover Thurber weaves a rich tapestry of wit and wisdom through a collection of uniquely modern fables, echoing Aesop's timeless narrative style. Characterized by sharp humor and astute observations, Thurber's fables illuminate the absurdities of human nature and societal conventions. The book reflects the literary context of the early 20th century American humor, blending allegory and satire in a manner that provides both entertainment and critical insight into contemporary life, thereby encouraging readers to reflect on their own moral choices and societal norms. James Grover Thurber, an influential American cartoonist, humorist, and playwright, drew from his richly varied experiences in the literary and artistic landscapes of his time. Known for his keen ability to communicate complex ideas through simple narratives, Thurber's background in journalism and his interactions with prominent figures of the early 1900s helped shape his distinctive literary voice. His deep understanding of the human condition and inherent flaws informs the whimsical yet profound lessons of this fable collection. "Further Fables for Our Time" is a delightful exploration of morality that invites readers to engage with the lessons embedded within each tale. Ideal for those who appreciate clever storytelling that sparks reflection, this book is a perfect choice for both casual readers and scholarly pursuits, appealing to anyone who enjoys literature that transcends time and resonates with contemporary sensibilities.

In "Let Your Mind Alone! And Other More or Less Inspirational Pieces", James Thurber showcases his distinctive blend of humor, wit, and insightful observation, presenting a collection that traverses the complexities of human thoughts and behaviors. The book is characterized by Thurber's keen ability to blend anecdotal storytelling with profound philosophical questions, often presenting life's absurdities with an irreverent flair. Set against the backdrop of mid-20th-century America, Thurber's writing resonates with a dynamic interplay of humor and pathos, making the mundane appear extraordinary while inviting readers to embrace uncertainty in their lives. James Thurber, an acclaimed American author and cartoonist, has long been recognized for his sharp intellect and unique perspective on human nature. His experiences in journalism and as a social observer in a changing America greatly influenced his literary voice. The themes in this book reflect Thurber's engagement with contemporary issues of his time, offering timeless reflections that remain relevant today. His ability to meld humor with deeper insights reveals not only the absurdities of life but also the resilience of the human spirit. This collection is a must-read for anyone seeking both inspiration and a hearty laugh. Thurber's talent for marrying humor with profound truths makes this book a delightful companion for those navigating the challenges of modern life. Whether you are a long-time admirer of his work or a newcomer, "Let Your Mind Alone!" promises to engage and uplift, reminding us to embrace our own perplexities in this beautifully chaotic world. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A comprehensive Introduction outlines these selected works' unifying features, themes, or stylistic evolutions. - The Author Biography highlights personal milestones and literary influences that shape the entire body of writing. - A Historical Context section situates the works in their broader era—social currents, cultural trends, and key events that underpin their creation. - A concise Synopsis (Selection) offers an accessible overview of the included texts, helping readers navigate plotlines and main ideas without revealing critical twists. - A unified Analysis examines recurring motifs and stylistic hallmarks across the collection, tying the stories together while spotlighting the different work's strengths. - Reflection questions inspire deeper contemplation of the author's overarching message, inviting readers to draw connections among different texts and relate them to modern contexts. - Lastly, our hand‐picked Memorable Quotes distill pivotal lines and turning points, serving as touchstones for the collection's central themes.

>"These tiny stories, in which a wide variety of animals show us how human we really are, are completely uproarious." — Saturday Review of Literature "These fables are as cogent and necessary today as they were before and after the Great War when Thurber's plainspoken, satiric fables provided a way to speak out in an era of political suspiciousness, false hopes, and mistrust. These fables are, indeed, for our time." —Michael J. Rosen, from the Introduction James Thurber has been called "one of the world's greatest humorists" by Alistair Cooke ( The Atlantic), and "one of our great American institutions" (Stanley Walker)—and few works reveal Thurber's genius as powerfully as his fables. Perennially entertaining and astutely satirical, Thurber pinpricks the idiosyncrasies of life with verbal frivolity, hilarious insights, political shrewdness, and, of course, quirky, quotable morals. Now, readers can savor 85 fables by the twentieth century's preeminent humorist collected for the first time in a single anthology. Here, Fables for Our Time, Further Fables for Our Time, and ten previously uncollected fables—illustrated by such renowned artists as Seymour Chwast, Mark Ulriksen, Laurie Rosenwald, and R. O. Blechman—are presented in Collected Fables, a must-have for readers of all ages.

Great American humorist James Thurber’s beloved, madcap, and eerily timely fairy tale about an island society robbed of the wonders of the letter O—in a stunning Deluxe Edition featuring flaps, deckle-edged paper, and the original, full-color illustrations Littlejack has a map that indicates the existence of a treasure on a far and lonely island, and Black has a ship to get there. So the two bad men team up and sail off on Black’s vessel, the Aeiu. The name, Black explains, is all the vowels except for O—which he hates since his mother got wedged in a porthole: They couldn’t pull her in, so they had to push her out. Black and Littlejack arrive at the port and demand the treasure. No one knows anything about it, so they have their henchmen ransack the place—to no avail. But Black has a better idea: He will take over the island and purge it of O. (“I'll issue an edict!”) The harsh limits of a life sans O (where shoe is she and woe is we) and how finally with a little luck and lots of pluck the islanders shake off their overbearing interlopers and discover the true treasure for themselves (Oh yes—and get back their O’s)—these are only some of the surprises that await readers of James Thurber’s timelessly zany fairy tale about two louts who try to lock up the language—and lose. It is a tour de force of wordplay that will delight fans of Lewis Carroll, Dr. Seuss, Edward Lear, and Roald Dahl, and a timely reminder of how people can band together in the name of freedom to overthrow a tyrant. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

This collection brings together the best of James Thurber's brilliantly funny, eccentric and anarchic writings. It includes his most famous work, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, in which an ordinary man's fantasies have a more powerful hold on him than reality, as well as essays, poetry and cartoons gathered from all of Thurber's collections. Making fun of his own weaknesses and those of other people (and dogs) - the English teacher who looked only at figures of speech, the Airedale who refused to include him in the family, the botany lecturer who despaired of him totally - James Thurber is a true original, whose off-beat imagination shows us everyday life from a different angle. 'One of the great humorists.' Sunday Times

"A melancholy argument against annihilation, "The Last Flower" is on the short list of books worth clutching to your chest as the world is destroyed."--David Rees, author of "Get Your War On."

The WISP series (short for Wonderfully Illustrated Short Pieces) represents an ingenious marriage of two creative forces: the artistry of today's foremost children's book illustrators and the literary legacy of beloved authors of popular short works for adults. The resulting offspring of this union are captivating, full-color illustrated editions of timeless classics that readers will want to savor and collect. For the first time ever, the series makes selected popular short works previously offered only in collections available in a unique, stand-alone format. Also for the first time, WISPs harness the talents of top children's book illustrators for the benefit and delight of a new, older audience. The unique appeal of WISPs is brought to life in Marc Simont's The Secret Lives of Walter Mitty and James Thurber, which imaginatively renders the fantastic adventures of the famed protagonist in Thurber's beloved story, first published in 1939. Also included in this edition are Simont's renderings of Thurber's tongue-in-cheek autobiographical essay "The Secret Life of James Thurber", which first appeared in The New Yorker in 1943 and is not widely available. These one-of-a-kind, attractively priced and invitingly formatted illustrated editions will make a great impulse buy with broad appeal.

A comprehensive selection of letters that give unprecedented insight into the life and career of one of America's greatest and most enduring humorists.

A comprehensive collection of the American humorist’s best work—including “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”—plus original drawings and a chronology of Thurber’s own troubled life James Thurber, whimsical fantasist and deadpan chronicler of everyday absurdities, brought American humor into the 20th century. His comic persona, a modern city-dweller whose zaniest flights of free association are tinged with anxiety, remains hilarious, subtly disturbing, and instantly recognizable. Here, in over 1,000 pages, editor Garrison Keillor presents the best and most extensive collection ever assembled. Pieces include “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” and “The Catbird Seat,” the brilliantly satirical Fables for Our Time, the classic My Life and Hard Times, and the best of The Owl in the Attic, Let Your Mind Alone!, My World—And Welcome to It, and the other famous books. Plus 500 wonderful drawings, including The Seal in the Bedroom and celebrated sequences like “The Masculine Approach” and “The War Between Men and Women.” Rounding out the volume is a selection from The Years with Ross, a memoir of the New Yorker publisher, and a number of wonderful early pieces never collected by Thurber. Only a book of this scope can do justice to Thurber’s extraordinary career and to the many unexpected turns of his comic genius. LIBRARY OF AMERICA is an independent nonprofit cultural organization founded in 1979 to preserve our nation’s literary heritage by publishing, and keeping permanently in print, America’s best and most significant writing. The Library of America series includes more than 300 volumes to date, authoritative editions that average 1,000 pages in length, feature cloth covers, sewn bindings, and ribbon markers, and are printed on premium acid-free paper that will last for centuries.

LITERATURE-CLASSICS & CONTEMPORARY

Denis De Beaulieu, a French soldier, is made a prisoner by the Sire of De Maletroit, who believes that the soldier has compromised the Maletroit family honor.

Contains two of the humorist's short stories: the story of aviator Smurch, an amusing satire on the "perilous heights of fame," and Walter Mitty, a man who endures his ordinary life by escaping into fantasy.

"Tommy Turner has been married for ten years to Ellen, and he is quietly settled in a teaching job at Mid Western University. This is the week end of the Michigan game and Joe Ferguson, the greatest football hero Mid Western has ever had, comes to town and sees Ellen, his old sweetheart. In addition, Tommy is drawn into a controversy when a young intellectual writes an article in which he calls the board of trustees fascists. Tommy wants to read a letter to his composition class written by Vanzetti and is about to join the ranks of the martyrs who have been fired because the trustees are shouting "Red!" Ellen tries to dissuade Tommy from reading the letter and he tells her to go with Joe and leave him to his books and his principles. Eventually Tommy challenges Joe to fisticuffs after he has fortified himself with the proper courage. He steadfastly maintains his right to read the letter and to teach the young to think. Ellen sees him as pretty good example of the male animal and stands up with him"--Publisher's website.

Winner of a special Tony Award and first performed in New York by Tom Ewell, Peggy Cass, Paul Ford and Alice Ghostley, these sketches of humorous scenes from American life include some of Thurber's most celebrated and insightful satires: The Night the Bed Fell, Gentlemen Shoppers, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and the unforgettable File and Forget in which Thurber recounts his famous correspondence with various publishers who ship him books which he doesn't want and never ordered. A perfect evening of comedy.

At the helm of America's most influential literary magazine for more than half a century, Harold Ross introduced the country to a host of exciting talent, including Robert Benchley, Alexander Woolcott, Ogden Nash, Peter Arno, Charles Addams, and Dorothy Parker. But no one could have written about this irascible, eccentric genius more affectionately or more critically than James Thurber -- an American icon in his own right -- whose portrait of Ross captures not only a complex literary giant but a historic friendship and a glorious era as well. "If you get Ross down on paper," warned Wolcott Gibbs to Thurber," nobody will ever believe it." But readers of this unforgettable memoir will find that they do.

A book for people who like to laugh and know how to think, selected from Thurber's work over 30 years - one third of the text never before in book form.