Richard Yates's unflinchingly realistic stories explore loneliness, but they don't neglect failure, cruelty, and heartbreak. Most of the stories feature men who have been disappointed, somehow, by their inability to go on and fulfill the promise of their youth.

Contents

"Doctor Jack-o'-lantern"
"The Best of Everything"
"Jody Rolled The Bones"
"No Pain Whatsoever"
"A Glutton for Punishment"
"A Wrestler with Sharks"
"Fun with a Stranger"
"The B.A.R. Man"
"A Really Good Jazz Piano"
"Out with the Old"
"Builders"