E. L. Doctorow Libri

Una mattina piovosa a New York, nel 1871. Il giovane Martin Pemberton rimane colpito da un omnibus a cavalli che porta un gruppo di anziani signori, tutti vestiti di nero, gli sguardi persi nel vuoto, le teste ciondolanti. Tra quei passeggeri a Martin sembra di riconoscere il proprio padre, che credeva morto da anni. Nel tentativo di rintracciare il veicolo e ritrovare quel genitore nemico che un tempo aveva rifiutato, Pemberton attraversa tutti gli strati della contraddittoria New York di fine Ottocento, assediata dalla miseria, devastata dalla guerra di Secessione da poco conclusa, ma già lanciata verso il nuovo secolo. Il giovane scopre a proprie spese che anche le vie illuminate dai recentissimi lampioni a gas, il telegrafo, i giornali che invadono la città, tutta la luccicante vernice della modernità nascondono di fatto una cupa congiura animata dagli istinti e dalle pulsioni più primitive, mentre il lettore rimane a domandarsi fino a quale punto di abiezione ci si possa spingere in nome della scienza e del progresso.

The hero of this dazzling novel by American master E. L. Doctorow is Joe, a young man on the run in the depths of the Great Depression. A late-summer night finds him alone and shivering beside a railroad track in the Adirondack mountains when a private railcar passes. Brightly lit windows reveal well-dressed men at a table and, in another compartment, a beautiful girl holding up a white dress before her naked form. Joe will follow the track to the mysterious estate at Loon Lake, where he finds the girl along with a tycoon, an aviatrix, a drunken poet, and a covey of gangsters. Here Joe’s fate will play out in this powerful story of ambition, aggression, and identity. Loon Lake is another stunning achievement of this acclaimed author. “Powerful . . . [a] complex and haunting meditation on modern American history.” –The New York Times “A genuine thriller . . . a marvelous exploration of the complexities and contradictions of the American dream . . . Not under any circumstances would we reveal the truly shattering climax.” –The Dallas Morning News “A dazzling performance . . . [Loon Lake] anatomizes America with insight, passion, and inventiveness.” –The Washington Post Book World “Hypnotic . . . tantalizes long after it has ended.” –Time “Compelling . . . brilliantly done.” –St. Louis Post-Dispatch “A masterpiece.” –Chicago Sun-Times

The story of Billy Bathgate, a boy who has insinuated himself into the inner circle of the notorious Dutch Schultz gang to become apprentice and protege to one of the great murdering gangsters.

Exploring the concept of a pervasive national ideology, the book delves into how societal beliefs shape our perceptions and behaviors without our awareness. It encourages readers to examine the underlying narratives that influence everyday life and challenges them to recognize the often-unseen frameworks that guide national identity and culture. Through insightful analysis, the text aims to illuminate the invisible forces at play in society, prompting critical reflection on the ideologies that govern our lives.

"Something close to magic." The Los Angeles Times The astonishing novel of a young boy's life in the New York City of the 1930s, a stunning recreation of the sights, sounds, aromas and emotions of a time when the streets were safe, families stuck together through thick and thin, and all the promises of a generation culminate in a single great World's Fair . . .

Featuring six previously unpublished stories alongside a selection of classic works, this collection showcases the contemporary master of American literature. The narratives delve into the lives of individuals who narrowly miss the mark of ordinary existence, offering thrilling and thought-provoking insights. Readers will find a blend of unusual tales that highlight Doctorow's unique storytelling prowess.

Welcome to America at the turn of the 20th century, where the rhythms of ragtime set the beat. In this original chronicle of the period, real-life characters such as Harry Houdini and Henry Ford intermingle with three remarkable families, one black, one Jewish and one prosperous WASP.

The author, known for his bestselling novels, showcases his narrative talent in a collection of five short stories that delve into the complexities of identity and human experience. Each story offers a unique exploration of societal themes, reflecting on the essence of what it means to be part of the American tapestry. Through his vivid storytelling, he invites readers to ponder their own lives and the broader human condition.