Walter Serner Book order

"Walter Serner's first story collection, published in German in 1921, brought to narrative form the essential philosophy he espoused in his earlier Dada manifesto/handbook, Last Loosening: A Handbook for the Con Artist and Those Who Wish to Be One -- life is a con job and demands the skills of a swindler. With its depiction of a world of appearances, in which nothing can be trusted, At the Blue Monkey helped establish the ex-doctor and renounced Dadaist as a literary 'Maupaussant of crime.' This first English translation offers thirty-three stories of criminals, con artists, prostitutes, and gadabouts engaged in a variety of forms of financial insolvency, embezzlement, sexual hijinks, long and short cons, and dalliances with venereal diseases and drugs. With a mordant humor that renders the criminal code into something nearly occult, Serner describes a bevy of hoodlums, pimps, and swindlers utilizing a potpourri of European argot to disquieting effect, waging a secret war against anything crossing their paths -- especially in affairs of the ultimate confidence scheme, the heart. Told in a baroque, sometimes baffling poetry of underworld slang in an urban world of bars and rent-a-rooms where human animals are either on unsavory display or on the make, these short tales are presented like so many three-card Montes in which the reader may well be on the literary mark."--Back cover

Walter Serner, a notable figure in the Dada movement, shifted his focus to crime fiction after distancing himself from Dadaism. His 1925 novel, featuring a controversial setting and provocative language, sparked scandal but narrowly escaped censorship thanks to support from Alfred Döblin. His works often faced scrutiny, with some being temporarily seized. This collection includes a variety of stories, showcasing Serner's unique narrative style and themes, ranging from mysterious encounters to societal critiques, reflecting the vibrant yet tumultuous era of the 1920s.

Set in a high-end Parisian restaurant, the story unfolds around an unconventional couple whose casual attire and lively conversation draw attention in a space where decorum is expected. Their vibrant expressions and confident demeanor challenge social norms, creating a mix of intrigue and discomfort among the patrons. Walter Serner, a notable figure in the Dada movement, infuses his narrative with sharp observations on societal expectations and the nature of individuality in a conformist setting.

Walter Serner, a notable figure in the Dada movement, transitioned to writing crime stories after distancing himself from Dadaism. His 1925 novel, featuring a scandalous narrative and provocative language, faced censorship threats but was saved by Alfred Döblin's endorsement. The collection includes various tales exploring themes of love, deception, and the complexities of human relationships, all set against a backdrop of vibrant European cities. Serner's works reflect his unique perspective on societal norms and the human condition, blending humor with sharp commentary.

The German contribution to the Dada movement, this collection brings together three texts, translated into English for the first time, which were essential for the very inception of the movement and which influenced its future development. Included is the only Dada novel, Tenderanda the Fantast, by the movement's founder, Hugo Ball.