More Notes of a Dirty Old Man, David Calonne at City Lights Books September 8, 2011

Editor David Calonne discusses the work of Charles Bukowski, celebrating the release of More Notes of a Dirty Old Man: The Uncollected Columns by Charles Bukowski, published by City Lights Books.

After toiling in obscurity for years, Charles Bukowski found fame in 1967 with his autobiographical newspaper column, "Notes of a Dirty Old Man," and a book of that name in 1969. He continued writing this column, from its inception in Open City to its conclusion in High Times, through the mid-1980s. More Notes of a Dirty Old Man gathers many uncollected gems from the column's 20-year run. These stories and essays haven't been seen in decades, making More a valuable addition to Bukowski's oeuvre. Filled with his usual obsessions--sex, booze, gambling--More features Bukowski's offbeat insights into politics and literature, his tortured relationships with women, and his lurid escapades on the poetry circuit. Highlighting his versatility, the book ranges from thinly veiled autobiography to fictional tales of dysfunctional suburbanites, disgraced politicians, and down-and-out sports promoters, climaxing with a long, hilarioius adventure amoung French filmmakers, "My Friend The Gambler," based on his experiences making the movie, Barfly. From his days at the post office through his later fame, More follows the entire arc of Bukowski's career.

Edited by Bukowski scholar David Stephen Calonne, More Notes of a Dirty Old Man features an afterword outlining the history of the column and its effect on the author's creative development.

Official Website: http://www.citylights.com/book/?GCOI=87286100906740