The King Is Dead

The King Is Dead

Short stories

Paperback (15 Aug 2024)

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Publisher's Synopsis

Walter Tevis is widely regarded as a master for both his gritty poolhall novels and his brilliant rendering of the world of competitive chess. This long overdue collection establishes Tevis's rightful place as a maestro of the short form, as well. Including previously unpublished stories from journals and magazines, this entertaining collection showcases Tevis's characteristic perceptiveness, empathy, and range.

In one story, a man receives a phone call from his future self and follows their instructions to unpredictable, calamitous results. In another, a famous actor and a young actress showcase their talent for acting both on and off the stage. There are five short stories set in poolhalls, including one that features Fast Eddie Felson and another that was the basis for the novel The Hustler. Here also is his first fictional foray into chess, with a ranked chess player finding fellowship in the prison yard with another player.

In all of them, Tevis reminds us again and again why his writing has long been revered for its roving curiosity and innate humanity.

A W&N Essential

Book information

ISBN: 9781399601160
Publisher: Orion
Imprint: Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Pub date:
Edition: Short stories
DEWEY: 813.54
DEWEY edition: 23
Language: English
Number of pages: 400
Weight: 280g
Height: 129mm
Width: 199mm
Spine width: 28mm