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Kurt Vonnegut

A man without a country

At the start of A man without a country Kurt Vonnegut explains how as a child in a large family he took to humour as a way of getting himself heard. I thought to myself 'Well that explains a lot'. For I have to say I have never got on with his work, and it seems to me to be constantly saying 'look at me, aren't I strange'. The book starts off OK, with details of Vonnegut's life - but it doesn't last, and really the best recommendation I can give for this book is that it's fairly short, and would serve as a taster, to see how you felt about Vonnegut's writing.

Vonnegut is often said to be Mark Twain's literary successor. I'm not convinced myself, but even if this is the case, then, well I've still got plenty of the original Mark Twain's work to read.

Towards the end of the book he seems to lapse into fairly uniform criticism of the USA, and at one points explains how he advises a new mother that the best she can do for her child is emigrate. In a way I prefer those Americans who are convinced that everyone else in the world wants to go and live there - at least I can laugh at them.

Amazon.com info

Hardcover 192 pages
ISBN: 158322713X
Salesrank: 203560
Weight:0.7 lbs

Published: 2005 Seven Stories Press

Amazon price $18.68

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Amazon.co.uk info

Hardcover 160 pages
ISBN: 0747584060
Salesrank: 159986
Weight:0.79 lbs

Published: 2006 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Amazon price £11.49

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Amazon.ca info

Hardcover 192 pages
ISBN: 158322713X
Salesrank: 101263
Weight:0.7 lbs

Published: 2005 Seven Stories Press

Amazon price CDN$ 18.87

Marketplace:New from CDN$ 17.24:Used from CDN$ 5.85

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Product Description
A Man Without a Country is Kurt Vonnegut's hilarious and razor-sharp look at life ("If I die-God forbid-I would like to go to heaven to ask somebody in charge up there, 'Hey, what was the good news and what was the bad news?'"), art ("To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it."), politics ("I asked former Yankees pitcher Jim Bouton what he thought of our great victory over Iraq and he said, 'Mohammed Ali versus Mr. Rogers.'"), and the condition of the soul of America today ("What has happened to us?"). Gleaned from short essays and speeches composed over the last five years and plentifully illustrated with artwork by the author throughout, A Man Without a Country gives us Vonnegut both speaking out with indignation and writing tenderly to his fellow Americans, sometimes joking, at other times hopeless, always searching. Kurt Vonnegut is among the very few grandmasters of contemporary American letters, without whom the very term "American literature" would mean less than it does. His novels include Cat's Cradle and Slaughterhouse Five, among so many others. Projects with Seven Stories Press in recent years include God Bless You, Dr. Kevorkian and, with Lee Stringer, Like Shaking Hands with God, a book about writing. His most recent novel is Timequake (1997). In addition to his writing, Vonnegut is a visual artist of note. His paintings and prints can be seen at www.vonnegut.com. He lives with his wife, photographer Jill Krementz, in New York City. Daniel Simon is the founder and publisher of Seven Stories Press and served as editor on two previous books by Kurt Vonnegut, God Bless You, Dr. Kevorkian and, with Lee Stringer, Like Shaking Hands God. Simon is also co-author of a biography of Abbie Hoffman, Run, Run, Run: The Lives of Abbie Hoffman.

Product Description

A Man Without a Country is Kurt Vonnegut's hilarious and razor-sharp look at life ("If I die-God forbid-I would like to go to heaven to ask somebody in charge up there, 'Hey, what was the good news and what was the bad news?'"), art ("To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it."), politics ("I asked former Yankees pitcher Jim Bouton what he thought of our great victory over Iraq and he said, 'Mohammed Ali versus Mr. Rogers.'"), and the condition of the soul of America today ("What has happened to us?"). Gleaned from short essays and speeches composed over the last five years and plentifully illustrated with artwork by the author throughout, A Man Without a Country gives us Vonnegut both speaking out with indignation and writing tenderly to his fellow Americans, sometimes joking, at other times hopeless, always searching.

Kurt Vonnegut is among the very few grandmasters of contemporary American letters, without whom the very term "American literature" would mean less than it does. His novels include Cat's Cradle and Slaughterhouse Five, among so many others. Projects with Seven Stories Press in recent years include God Bless You, Dr. Kevorkian and, with Lee Stringer, Like Shaking Hands with God, a book about writing. His most recent novel is Timequake (1997). In addition to his writing, Vonnegut is a visual artist of note. His paintings and prints can be seen at www.vonnegut.com. He lives with his wife, photographer Jill Krementz, in New York City.

Daniel Simon is the founder and publisher of Seven Stories Press and served as editor on two previous books by Kurt Vonnegut, God Bless You, Dr. Kevorkian and, with Lee Stringer, Like Shaking Hands God. Simon is also co-author of a biography of Abbie Hoffman, Run, Run, Run: The Lives of Abbie Hoffman.

Absolute best in reading *****
I can only validate what has already been said.... It is a MUST read...and it's very simply stated...

Absolute best in reading *****

I can only validate what has already been said.... It is a MUST read...and it's very simply stated...

I'd just as soon be a rattlesnake. ****
My remaining hopeful for humanity and the Earth took a hit these last two days, as I paged through Mr. Vonnegut's final book. But my hopes are not lost amidst his considerable (and justified) cynicism, for where would I be if there were not writers and artists like Mr. Vonnegut to express and design an experience, cynical though it may be, that is beautiful and true? A Man without a Country has the feel of a 5 minute lecture series, his quick childhood memories or denouncements of politics or mini-biographies of influential people stirring my interest as much with his delivery as his substance. And a substantial artist he was (immortal now, he still is.) I suppose it is understandable that people lose hope or joy as they get on in life. Tired of the nonsense, the lying, cheating and corruption of something once great and special, Mr. Vonnegut's vision of America lost any sheen it may have once had. I certainly have felt that in my young life and I've never fought in a war for it. It is necessary to heed the warnings of our great storytellers and ignore the luster anyway, call a spade a spade and value our individual and collective pursuit and appreciation for the truth. I don't think Mr. Vonnegut's works ever lacked in that pursuit. R.I.P. Mr. Vonnegut.

I'd just as soon be a rattlesnake. ****

My remaining hopeful for humanity and the Earth took a hit these last two days, as I paged through Mr. Vonnegut's final book. But my hopes are not lost amidst his considerable (and justified) cynicism, for where would I be if there were not writers and artists like Mr. Vonnegut to express and design an experience, cynical though it may be, that is beautiful and true?
A Man without a Country has the feel of a 5 minute lecture series, his quick childhood memories or denouncements of politics or mini-biographies of influential people stirring my interest as much with his delivery as his substance.
And a substantial artist he was (immortal now, he still is.)
I suppose it is understandable that people lose hope or joy as they get on in life. Tired of the nonsense, the lying, cheating and corruption of something once great and special, Mr. Vonnegut's vision of America lost any sheen it may have once had. I certainly have felt that in my young life and I've never fought in a war for it. It is necessary to heed the warnings of our great storytellers and ignore the luster anyway, call a spade a spade and value our individual and collective pursuit and appreciation for the truth. I don't think Mr. Vonnegut's works ever lacked in that pursuit.
R.I.P. Mr. Vonnegut.

Man Without a Country *****
Vonnegut's last book is a great commentary on our society. I genuinely enjoined his musings about the changes that have taken place inthis world. I highly recommend this book-especially to anyone who has read works by this author. It is a quick read that will stay with you for a long time.

Man Without a Country *****

Vonnegut's last book is a great commentary on our society. I genuinely enjoined his musings about the changes that have taken place inthis world.

I highly recommend this book-especially to anyone who has read works by this author. It is a quick read that will stay with you for a long time.

As of 11/04/08, Vonnegut has a country again. ****
Reading this, it's very apparent that Vonnegut had pretty much given up on humanity. You already get that feel from most of his novels, but in this book of essays, Vonnegut leaves no doubt. The Bush years are the straw that broke the camel's back. And I have to say, my thinking was pretty much in line with Vonnegut's. But then came November 4th, 2008. Reading these essays, I was struck with a deep sadness that Vonnegut was not around to witness the magnificent manner in which the Bush era will end. I don't think Obama's election would have turned Vonnegut into a starry-eyed optimist, but I do think it might have tempered his pessimism, as it did mine.

As of 11/04/08, Vonnegut has a country again. ****

Reading this, it's very apparent that Vonnegut had pretty much given up on humanity. You already get that feel from most of his novels, but in this book of essays, Vonnegut leaves no doubt. The Bush years are the straw that broke the camel's back. And I have to say, my thinking was pretty much in line with Vonnegut's. But then came November 4th, 2008. Reading these essays, I was struck with a deep sadness that Vonnegut was not around to witness the magnificent manner in which the Bush era will end. I don't think Obama's election would have turned Vonnegut into a starry-eyed optimist, but I do think it might have tempered his pessimism, as it did mine.

Less a parting shot than an afternoon chat ***
Vonnegut breezes through turn-of-the-century American life in aphoristic, often curmudgeonly free-association. While the inkwell of cantankerous wit hasn't run dry, this book is a bit of an exercise in redundancy; the contained thoughts and criticisms are better developed in his later works, particularly Hocus Pocus and the admittedly self-indulgent Timequake. It is admittedly a treat that Vonnegut gave us one last opportunity to enjoy his pithy prose and withering assessments of modern life in such a loose, intimate collection of essays. Unfortunately, he also ran through these observations and bon mots rather too faithfully in his last lecture tour, which was a disappointment (particularly given how off-the-cuff his prose feels here). While the warmth of his sarcasm is always enduring, it's likewise depressing that Kurt couldn't finish his career with a work less firmly entrenched in the inflexible Vonnegut idiom of smirking punchlines.

Less a parting shot than an afternoon chat ***

Vonnegut breezes through turn-of-the-century American life in aphoristic, often curmudgeonly free-association. While the inkwell of cantankerous wit hasn't run dry, this book is a bit of an exercise in redundancy; the contained thoughts and criticisms are better developed in his later works, particularly Hocus Pocus and the admittedly self-indulgent Timequake.

It is admittedly a treat that Vonnegut gave us one last opportunity to enjoy his pithy prose and withering assessments of modern life in such a loose, intimate collection of essays. Unfortunately, he also ran through these observations and bon mots rather too faithfully in his last lecture tour, which was a disappointment (particularly given how off-the-cuff his prose feels here). While the warmth of his sarcasm is always enduring, it's likewise depressing that Kurt couldn't finish his career with a work less firmly entrenched in the inflexible Vonnegut idiom of smirking punchlines.

Too old to care how controversial he is. *****
I love this book, and I have immense respect for Mr.V. I've read most of his books. He has turned me on to lots of ideas, Humanism being the main one. In this round up of thoughts, he points out some very uncomfortable truths about the world we live in and our ignorance and he does this with frank bare-faced honesty, a man not long for this world he has so much to say to us, he has seen and been through so many things. He was in Dresden when the British bombed it, and the horror of it practically drove him mad, I believe his wife/mother drank Draino and killed herself, most of his friends are dead, he invented a religon and created Kigore Trout. When you read him, each sentence is loaded with thought and wit, he's like a full bodied wine. I look forward to his next book.

Too old to care how controversial he is. *****

I love this book, and I have immense respect for Mr.V. I've read most of his books. He has turned me on to lots of ideas, Humanism being the main one.

In this round up of thoughts, he points out some very uncomfortable truths about the world we live in and our ignorance and he does this with frank bare-faced honesty, a man not long for this world he has so much to say to us, he has seen and been through so many things. He was in Dresden when the British bombed it, and the horror of it practically drove him mad, I believe his wife/mother drank Draino and killed herself, most of his friends are dead, he invented a religon and created Kigore Trout. When you read him, each sentence is loaded with thought and wit, he's like a full bodied wine.

I look forward to his next book.

Money for old rope... ***
Vonnegut fans will find nothing new in this. Having said that, it's a funny, bright and quick read. If you're fan you will have bought it already, if not buy one of his novels first.

Money for old rope... ***

Vonnegut fans will find nothing new in this. Having said that, it's a funny, bright and quick read. If you're fan you will have bought it already, if not buy one of his novels first.

Still as sharp as ever ****
Great to see that Vonnegut is still as wise and as cutting as ever in this latest (hopefully not last...at 83 we still don't to lose him!) outing. Although some of the ground (and a few of the anecdotes) may be familiar to diehard fans, his razor wit and observation couple with this outrage at the evils of the world and you can't help but be uplifted. What a spirit, what a guy!

Still as sharp as ever ****

Great to see that Vonnegut is still as wise and as cutting as ever in this latest (hopefully not last...at 83 we still don't to lose him!) outing. Although some of the ground (and a few of the anecdotes) may be familiar to diehard fans, his razor wit and observation couple with this outrage at the evils of the world and you can't help but be uplifted. What a spirit, what a guy!

Vonnegut is a legend *****
if you haven't read vonnegut's novels then read them. all of them. now. (my personal fave is Breakfast of Champions). the man is a subversive genius with an astonishing imagination and a unique way with words. if you have read his novels, then you will no doubt be in love with this guy. if so, then this book is a must-read. simple as that. (p.s - anyone that doesn't like him must be either illiterate or a republican. so you might as well just ignore the bad reviews.)

Vonnegut is a legend *****

if you haven't read vonnegut's novels then read them. all of them. now. (my personal fave is Breakfast of Champions). the man is a subversive genius with an astonishing imagination and a unique way with words.

if you have read his novels, then you will no doubt be in love with this guy. if so, then this book is a must-read. simple as that.

(p.s - anyone that doesn't like him must be either illiterate or a republican. so you might as well just ignore the bad reviews.)

An interesting read... ****
I bought this from amazon's American site last year. It really is good, although as commented elsewhere, parts of it have appeared elsewhere, notably the In these Times website. It seems to me to be aimed at finding Vonnegut a new audience however, and for those who haven't read him before it's excellent stuff. Those who follow his works closely might want to hope that he finished the novel he says "won't be finished".

An interesting read... ****

I bought this from amazon's American site last year. It really is good, although as commented elsewhere, parts of it have appeared elsewhere, notably the In these Times website. It seems to me to be aimed at finding Vonnegut a new audience however, and for those who haven't read him before it's excellent stuff. Those who follow his works closely might want to hope that he finished the novel he says "won't be finished".

The guy can't write a bad book *****
Having read everything that Mr. V has ever written, I was salivating, waiting for this next foray into weird-land. I was not disappointed. Everything this man touches turns to gold, and his latest literary effort is no exception. If you want to ponder humanity, the human condition, and all that goes with it, then this will be your cup of tea. I bought this along with Jackson McCrae’s “Katzenjammer” and loved both books. You will too.

The guy can't write a bad book *****

Having read everything that Mr. V has ever written, I was salivating, waiting for this next foray into weird-land. I was not disappointed. Everything this man touches turns to gold, and his latest literary effort is no exception. If you want to ponder humanity, the human condition, and all that goes with it, then this will be your cup of tea. I bought this along with Jackson McCrae’s “Katzenjammer” and loved both books. You will too.