Thomas Berger's debut novel of a young man tumultuously coming of age in postwar GermanyCarlo Reinhart, a young American army medic stationed in Germany, confronts a disturbing new world following the end of World War II. Living in Berlin, a city fractured into barricaded sectors by the occupying powers, Reinhart begins to drive himself mad with memories of the evils he has witnessed and questions about how the atrocities took place. When he meets an idealistic Jew...

A "splendid" and witty take on the Arthurian legend by the acclaimed author of Little Big Man ( The New York Times Book Review).The myth of King Arthur has been told countless ways since the sixth century, always combining action, adventure, romance, and tragedy. In Arthur Rex, Thomas Berger updates the legend in irreverent fashion, forever changing King Arthur and his Round Table. In Berger's medieval England, the damsel in distress is ne...

Detective Russel Wren takes a case in what just might be the oddest country on earthA phone call warning of a bomb threat is all Detective Russel Wren needs to get out the door. He makes it to the next block before an enormous explosion destroys his entire building. Without his Manhattan office, Wren finds himself forced to accept a strange mission to the tiny central European nation of Saint Sebastian.Saint Sebastian is unlike any country Wren has ever seen...

The Pulitzer Prize–nominated author of Little Big Man returns with perhaps one of his most imaginative alternate realities yet: a matriarchal society.Women reign supreme in the not-so-distant future, where Georgie Cornell has no choice but to wear the high heel shoe on the other foot. Swept into the chaotic world of publishing, he is at the mercy of his female bosses, especially if his pencil skirt is an inch too short.Georgie only has one male cow...

The legendary Jack Crabb takes another riotous romp through the Old West in an acclaimed novel that's "impressive and delightful . . . very Mark Twain" ( Daily News, New York).Jack Crabb is now 112 years old, and he isn't done spinning yarns. In this sequel to Berger's beloved novel Little Big Man, one of literature's wiliest survivors continues his breathtaking tall tales of the Old West.Crabb claims to have witnessed most of the great his...

Fred Wagner thought his newfound ability would bring big opportunities, but some special powers aren't as useful as they appear to beAdvertising copywriter Fred Wagner lives a mundane existence, dreaming of being a novelist but making scant progress on his first literary effort. His career has stalled and his personal life is falling to pieces, but everything seems poised to change when, one day, Fred realizes he can will himself in and out of visibility. A world of...

A dozen remarkable short stories from the author of Little Big Man, offering an absurdist journey through the mind of one of America's great storytellersThomas Berger's first short story collection in almost thirty years showcases the author's acclaimed wit, intellect, and emotional sureness. His pages teem with larger-than-life characters: Dr. Poon, a Hollywood snake handler in way over his head during a film shoot in Southeast Asia; Charlie, an apartment...

A novel of alternate realities from the Pulitzer Prize–nominated author: "Those willing to spend a few hours in his Twilight Zone will come away the richer" ( Library Journal).With a loving wife and son, a successful job as chief copy-editor, and a schedule all his own, Walter Hunsicker is happy with his existence.But into each life some rain must fall.Taking shelter from a heavy storm with a stranger, Walter confesses there are small thing...

Thomas Berger puts his signature spin on the Greek myth ORESTEIA in this brilliant story set in small-town America."Gripping and funny, and, like the Greek tragedies, it leaves us thoughtful" — San Francisco ChronicleWhen Augie leaves to join the army, it's the first time his family sees him as anything but a waste of space. Not too worried about the kids and fairly certain his wife is having an affair, Augie pulls up his bootstraps and enlists.

Pulitzer Prize nominee and author of The Feud, Thomas Berger displays his genre bending prowess once more in this mystery turned comedy, featuring unforgettable dialogue and an extremely fun cast of characters."Berger's style, which is one of the great pleasures of the book, is something like S.J. Perelman's—educated, complicated, graceful, silly, destructive in spirit and brilliant." —Leonard Michaels, New York Times Book ReviewRussel Wren ...

The Pulitzer Prize–nominated author of Little Big Man offers "high-concept storytelling" in this "satirical fantasy" of a man who builds the perfect woman ( New York Times ).Twice-divorced engineer Ellery Pierce is done with women. At least, the kind made of flesh and blood. A technician at an animatronics firm, Ellery has everything he needs to build the ideal female. But once ...

"Frightening . . . [the] domestic confessions as expressed by the accomplished satiric wit of Mr. Berger are certainly not to be trusted . . . wonderfully bizarre." — The New York Times Book ReviewChuck Burgoyne appears to be the perfect houseguest. Between his impeccable manners and gourmet breakfasts, the Graves family is utterly charmed by him. He even rescues a family member from drowning in the ocean! But then one morning, Chuck does ...