Let’s start with the eye-popping Ron Lesser cover. The Complete Slayers, originally conceived by Keith Alan Deutsch, (the proprietor and conservator of Black Mask Magazine copyrights) includes Cain’s classic novel, Fast One (in its original serial form) and the complete 14 “slayers”—brilliant works of noir fiction. This is the first time that six of the stories appear in book form. And this the first time that all of Cain’s fiction has been collected in one marvelous book! Centipede Press produced a fabulous collection!
This new edition includes a brilliant biographical introduction by Max Allan Collins and Lynn F. Myers, Jr. In addition, The Complete Slayers includes wonderful a cover gallery of old issues of Black Mask as well as old covers of the Fast One and Seven Slayers collections. This limited edition is signed by Max Allan Collins, Lynn F. Myers, Jr., and Ron Lesser, the cover artist. Buy it now, before all 500 copies are sold out!
I cherish the memory of reading FAST ONE and SEVEN SLAYERS back in the day. You mean there’s more?
Oh yeah, Dan! There are six “slayers” appearing here in book format for the first time. There are 14 short stories all together.
That’s a great cover, all right.
The cover is superb, Bill. I’d love a print of it.
I notice that several sources – including the publisher’s site – say this includes “all 13″ noir stories. Cain actually wrote 14, and they’re all in the book, plus ‘The Tasting Machine.”
Someone mis-counted, Evan. But right now, THE COMPLETE SLAYERS is my favorite book of 2012!
Nice. Great cover. I read FAST ONE and SEVEN SLAYERS in the 80’s and think I will forego this one at that price.
Yes, THE COMPLETE SLAYERS is a pricey, Jeff. But it’s worth every penny!
She looks like she has implants.
I’ve given FAST ONE several tries, and find it almost impenetrable, but in a triumph of hope over experience, I’ll give it another shot. If nothing else, I’d love to read the intro by Collins. Cain was a pretty interesting fellow.
You may find Cain’s short stories more accessible, Drongo. By the way, do you think Payton will sign with Denver? Bills fans are ecstatic over the signing of DE Mario Williams. Of course, it cost the Bills $100 million.
I think that Peyton will sign with the Titans, but like you, I think he should retire while he still has his health. Williams is getting, what, $50 million guaranteed? Even if he disappoints on the field, he still gets $50 million. I’m happy for him, but this verges on the unbelievable.
Anyhow, I do hope this deal works out for you and all the other long-suffering Bill fans. You guys can use some good news.
The Bills had zero pass rush last season, Drongo. Mario Williams gives the Bills their best defensive end since Bruce Smith.
I was hoping he would go to Arizona, but it’s unlikely. I really think he should take an assistant coaching job somewhere, with a path to become a head coach at UTenn or in the pros.
Payton apparently wants to play in the NFL for 3-4 years, Rick. He doesn’t need the money. Payton made $175 million in salary and incentives when he was with the Colts.
Drongo, FAST ONE is without a doubt and beyond all discussion the greatest book ever written in the English language. Keep that in mind when you try it again!
@Dan
I will indeed keep your words in mind.
I got this for my birthday yesterday. It looks amazing and I already know the stories are.
THE COMPLETE SLAYERS is a wonderful Birthday gift, Scott! Happy Belated Birthday! May you have many more!