Description

Book Synopsis
Boswell is Stanley Elkin's first and funniest novel: the comic odyssey of a twentieth-century groupie who collects celebrities as his insurance policy against death. James Boswell--strong man, professional wrestler (his most heroic match is with the Angel of Death)-- is a con man, a gate crasher, and a moocher of epic talent. He is also the hero of one of the most original novel in years ( Oakland Tribune)--a man on the make for all the great men of his time--his logic being that if you can't be a lion, know a pride of them. Can he cheat his way out of mortality?

Trade Review
"Elkin's debut novel (1964) is a comic romp through the life of title character James Boswell, a con man and champion moocher. Although his works are serious underneath, Elkin is always good for a laugh." -- Library Journal "No serious funny writer in this country can match him." -- New York Times Book Review

Boswell: A Modern Comedy

    Product form

    £12.19

    Includes FREE delivery

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Mon 17 Aug 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Stanley Elkin, Chirs Lehmann, Elkin Stanley

    Out of stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Boswell: A Modern Comedy by Stanley Elkin

      Publisher: Dalkey Archive Press
      Publication Date: Publication Date: 13/05/1999
      ISBN13: 9781564781741, 978-1564781741
      ISBN10: 1564781747

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      Boswell is Stanley Elkin's first and funniest novel: the comic odyssey of a twentieth-century groupie who collects celebrities as his insurance policy against death. James Boswell--strong man, professional wrestler (his most heroic match is with the Angel of Death)-- is a con man, a gate crasher, and a moocher of epic talent. He is also the hero of one of the most original novel in years ( Oakland Tribune)--a man on the make for all the great men of his time--his logic being that if you can't be a lion, know a pride of them. Can he cheat his way out of mortality?

      Trade Review
      "Elkin's debut novel (1964) is a comic romp through the life of title character James Boswell, a con man and champion moocher. Although his works are serious underneath, Elkin is always good for a laugh." -- Library Journal "No serious funny writer in this country can match him." -- New York Times Book Review

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account