The Old Man at the Railroad Crossing and Other Tales: Selected and Introduced by Aimee Bender

By William Maxwell

Book Overview

In these tales, with one foot firmly planted in the present, Maxwell brings a certain sophisticated urbanity to the oral traditions of the fable and fairy tale. The total effect is of something midway between the Brothers Grimm and Kafka, with perhaps a touch of Zen. (NYRB April 1966) While modern enough in locale and context, they are as old as humanity itself in what concerns them. And always that voice, the age old voice of the storyteller, the eternal magic of the speaking human voice. Such simplicity takes true artistry and Maxwell has that in spades.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 194043632X
• ISBN13: 9781940436326
• Release Date: May 2016
• Publisher: Counterpoint LLC
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

a masterpiece!

One of the most beautifully written collection of stories I have ever read. Maxwell is a master of the short story form, and these brief tales feel as if they are suspended in an enchanted, slightly melancholy, time and space.