Valancourt Books has reprinted several of Gerald Kersh’s works. His noir classic, Night and the City (1938) and Fowlers End (1957)–Anthony Burgess called it “one of the great comic novels of the century”–deserve more readers. But Kersh was also a brilliant short story writer. His best collections are Nightshade and Damnations, On an Odd Note, and Clock Without Hands (all available from Valancourt Books).
Neither Man Nor Dog (1946) has been out of print for years before Valancourt reprinted it. There are 37 short stories in Neither Man Nor Dog–some of these stories are extremely brief. But, if you’re in the mood for a short story that’s really short–just a couple of pages–then Neither Man Nor Dog is the book for you!
Harlan Ellison declared that Gerald Kersh was his favorite writer. Ellison said: “you will find yourself in the presence of a talent so immense and compelling, that you will understand how grateful and humble I felt merely to have been permitted to associate myself with his name as editor.”
If you haven’t read any of Gerald Kersh’s work, Neither Man Nor Dog would be a good place to start! GRADE: A
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Neither man nor dog — 7
Uncle Kuzma — 11
In a room without walls — 16
The last battle –19
An undistinguished boy –28
Hero-worship — 33
Wolf! Wolf! — 38
Reflections in a tablespoon — 43
A bang on the head for Dutoit — 56
Macagony’s fist — 60
Grey old she-wolf — 63
The Frenchman who understood women — 67
Fantasy of a hunted man — 71
The gentleman all in black — 74
Strong Greek wine — 78
The old burying place — 82
A small and dirty dog — 85
Doctor Ox will die at midnight — 89
The earwig — 95
Who wants a liver-coloured cat? — 102
The House of Relish — 106
Dustin, the broken man — 132
Let lying dogs sleep — 135
Red gentleman of Staffardshire — 146
Reflection in a brown eye — 153
Maria’s Christ — 157
Destiny and the bullet — 162
The conqueror worm — 165
The woman and the fire — 171
The fortunes of the Pryskys — 174
The sailor’s farewell to his horse — 178
Envy — 182
Tread lightly. — 188
The naked man — 191
Gomez — 195
The ruined wall — 199
The dungeon — 203
Never heard of him, of course, but if Harlan praises him, he must be worthwhile! Right now I’m reading an Anna May Wong biography! My third this year!
Best of all, there may be a treatment–of infusions–that will allow me to walk like a real boy again! Seems I have an antibody in my blood that’s causing weakened muscles in my legs!
Bob, I’m hoping the infusions work for you! Diane and I know a half-dozen people who get monthly infusions for an array of conditions.
Kersh’s raw talent has blown me away for years. Luckily for me, he was prolific enough that I still have many of his stories left to read. Thanks for spotlighting this marvelous writer.
Jerry, I read Gerald Kersh back in the 1960s and 1970s. Now Kersh’s works are being reprinted so I’ll be buying more of his books. According to the info on the back of NEITHER MAN NOR DOG, Kersh wrote 31 books in his long career.
I had a few of his books in Penguin that I picked up in England (and sold), but the only book of his I’ve read was KARMESIN – THE WORLD’S GREATEST CRIMINAL, OR MOST OUTRAGEOUS LIAR, the Crippen & Landru collection published in 2016. Very good book and I wouldn’t mind read some others,.
Jeff, I have KARMESIN around here somewhere.
Woops, Amazon said 2016, but according to Wikipedia the Karmesin collection was published in 2003. I should have checked. I think I still have my copy.
Jeff, Crippen & Landru first came out with the book in 2003, then reprinted in 2016. Amazon didn’t bother to mention the earlier printing.
OK, George did it again. Made me buy a book I didn’t know I needed. But how could I resist a Kindle edition for $1.48?
Jeff, George the Tempter strikes again!
Note to Jerry: according to the Daily Mail (and we all know they are the high point of accuracy), Torreya State Park in the Florida Panhandle was the site of the Garden of Eden.
Who knew?
Note to Jeff: I think The Garden of Eden was the name of a strip club located about five miles outside Torreya State Park. I could be wrong.
I’m afraid I’ve never heard of him but Valancourt is a terrific small publisher who have resurrected a ton of great lost horror including the Paperbacks From Hell reprint series. I usually check out their newest offerings every fall so I’ll keep this one in mind. Thanks for the tip.
Byron, I think Valancourt is terrific, too! I bought many books from them…but need to find time to read them!
I’ve read only one Kersh story. Our public library has several of his books (not this one though) as e-books. More reading for my never-dwindling list! I’ll second Byron in cheering Valancourt Books.
Fred, you, Byron, and I love Valancourt Books. I love the selection of forgotten books and the quality of their product.