From the dustjacket: The stories in this volume, previously uncollected,
bring together the best of Shiner's short work, from the acclaimed
"Love in Vain" and "White City" to rarities
like "Match" and "Castles Made of Sand" from
the small literary magazines. In them you'll meet unforgettable
characters--both historical (Elvis, Nikola Tesla, Jean Lafitte)
and those lost to history, like the football hero fallen on hard
times in "Dirty Work" or the nameless 19th century guitarist
of "Steam Engine Time."
If there is a theme that unites these stories it is the intersection
of dreams with reality, the consequences of wishes come true, whether
horrifyingly, as in "Scales," or humorously, as in the
dysfunctional family comedy of "Kidding Around."
CONTENTS:
Love in Vein
His Girlfriend's Dog
White City
Language
Mystery Train
The War at Home
Kidding Around
Steam Engine Time
Scales
Wild for You
Sticks
Match
Oz
Gold
Secrets
Jeff Beck
The Best Part of Making Up
Dirty Work
Flagstaff
The Tale of Mark the Bunny
Castles Made of Sand
