THE TIME ELEMENT and Other Stories

These 34 stories (some barely rise above an anecdote, others are over before they start) never appeared in book form although about half had magazine publication. They date from the '40's and more than time seems to have dulled those familiar habitats (Gibbsville, New York and California; bars, private clubs and fraternities) or characters (husbands and fathers, producers, newspapermen, and has-beens of one kind or another). There are reunions (cf. the title story), gently unappeasable memories and unsalvageable situations, the then quieter breach between fathers and sons, more than one suicide, while several are firmly keynoted by their titles — "For Help and Pity," or "Requiescat," or "Nil Nisi," perhaps the kindest directive here. Even that rye and beer has lost some of its old authority. A sad "G'bye" from a man who will be much better remembered elsewhere.