First published in 1954, in this quintessential autobiography Ben Hecht recounts his childhood, education, and career as journalist, playwright, and screenwriter, describes famous political and literary acquaintances, and examines U.S. efforts to aid Jews in Nazi Germany and, after the war, in Israel.A remarkable memoir.

The Complete Works of Ben HechtThis Complete Collection includes the following titles:--------1 - Erik Dorn2 - Fantazius Mallare3 - Gargoyles4 - The Florentine Dagger: A Novel for Amateur Detectives5 - A Thousand and One Afternoons in Chicago

The novel follows the life of its titular character, Erik Dorn, a disillusioned journalist living in Chicago during the aftermath of World War I. Dorn is depicted as a cynical and introspective figure who grapples with existential questions and struggles to find meaning in a world that seems chaotic and indifferent. As he navigates the tumultuous social and political landscape of post-war America, Dorn becomes embroiled in various personal and professional dramas, including romantic entang...

The novel is set in the post-World War I era, a time of significant social and economic upheaval. Hecht's characters are often depicted as flawed and struggling with their desires, ambitions, and the often harsh realities of life. Through their stories, Hecht explores themes such as corruption, greed, betrayal, and the quest for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world."Gargoyles" is notable for its literary style, blending realism with elements of dark humor and satire. Hecht's prose is b...

In "Fantazius Mallare," the story revolves around the titular character, Fantazius Mallare, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and existential exploration. The novel is known for its surreal and experimental narrative style, as well as its exploration of themes such as obsession, desire, and the nature of reality.Fantazius Mallare is depicted as a tortured and enigmatic figure, grappling with his own inner demons and the external forces that shape his existence. The novel delves in...

"The Florentine Dagger" is a classic detective novel that revolves around a mysterious murder and a series of intriguing clues. The story begins with the discovery of a murder weapon, a dagger, which is intricately linked to the crime. The title refers to this distinctive weapon, which plays a central role in the unfolding mystery.The novel follows an amateur detective, who becomes involved in solving the case. As the investigation progresses, the detective encounters various suspects, eac...

The Florentine Dagger: A Novel for Amateur Detectives by Ben Hecht is an entertaining and suspenseful mystery filled with clever clues, dramatic intrigue, and investigative twists. Designed for readers who enjoy solving mysteries alongside the characters, this classic detective novel combines crime, suspense, and intellectual challenge in a thrilling narrative.

This Golden Age mystery novel features a nervous cavalier with frightened eyes, a mysterious and puritanical satyr, a dagger, a candlestick, a crucifix, and a false beard—and, of course, a detective! (Not to mention the protagonist, "Prince Julien de Medici -- of Broadway.") Adapted into the movie of the same name in 1935.

With the vigor and gusto invariably associated with his personality and his works, Ben Hecht recreates in this volume the lusty Chicago of the early twentieth century, as seen from its underside by a cub reporter on a great metropolitan daily. He introduces the reader to a vast cast of eccentric characters-bums, criminals, prostitutes, politicians, and poets, not to mention the police. He conducts you to the scenes of the crimes. He invites you to the courtroom and the murderer's solitary ...

Exotic, strange, and powerful, this thrilling mystery will keep you guessing until the end."The five illustrations contained in the following pages are the work of the new phenomenal black and white artist, Wallace Smith. In making the drawings Mr. Smith chose to illustrate the spirit of the text rather than its letter. The result is this series of Renaissance pictures whose dark opulence curiously interprets the moods of the story's hero, Prince Julien de Medici — of Broadway." (1...

Ben Hecht’s critically acclaimed autobiographical memoir, first published in 1954, offers incomparably pungent evocations of Chicago in the 1910s and 1920s, Hollywood in the 1930s, and New York during the Second World War and after.“His manners are not always nice, but then nice manners do not always make interesting autobiographies, and this autobiography has the merit of being intensely interesting.”—Saul Bellow, New York TimesNamed to Time’s list of All...

An exploration of the Kastner affair: a conspiracy, a violation of conscience, criminal betrayal.Picture those early days when the new nation of Israel was being formed in the region of Palestine European Jews had just endured history's ultimate holocaust. Allied governments such as Great Britain had refused to take action to block the trains from carrying thousands of them to certain death. In those final days before the end of the war, the epicenter of the Nazi extermination effor...