The book that made Bukowski famous, this is a succinct version of all the work that came after: drink, women, sucky jobs, gritty life. It's quite good, and as an added benefit for the slightly faint of heart, there's less emphasis on the sex and the overwhelming misogynistic viewpoints (although they're definitely still present) that get people so riled up about his other books.I quite enjoyed this, but I'm already a Bukowski fan. Those with delicate sensibilities should probably skip this one.
