Connecticut: Rosset-Morgan Books, First Edition, First Printing 1997, Hardcover (ISBN:0803893981). Presentation Copy, Signed on title page, inscribed by author on dedication page, includes copy of letter from recipient to author with reference to inscription. Orange paper-covered boards bound in fine black cloth, bright silver titles on spine, dust jacket like new, tight binding, clean text. Prompt, reliable service, shipped next business day. Int'l mailed via first class or priority.

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Bibliographic Details

Title: Watching [Nov 25, 1997] Ryan, John Fergus
Publisher: Hastings House
Publication Date: 1997
Language: English
ISBN 10: 0803893981
ISBN 13: 9780803893986
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Like New
Weight: 14 ounces

About this title

Synopsis

Billy "the Gimp" describes life among the people who frequent the Times Square peep shows in Manhattan

Reviews

This well-crafted book has an uncomfortable subject. Billy O'Leary, a foot fetishist and retiree, graphically describes the exploits of his compatriots in New York's S & M subculture. These are juxtaposed with scenes of cruelty on New York's streets to show how society criticizes those who are cruel to please someone else but condones cruelty in the interest of corporate profits or national security. Unlike the random cruelty O'Leary encounters in mentally ill street people, sexual and societal cruelty is methodical. But only in sex does the victim enjoy it. These themes converge when Billy's pension is embezzled and he has to find a job. He turns to the S & M arcades. The book accumulates power as its short chapters pile up, making it worth reading the uncomfortable descriptions to ponder the uncomfortable subtext. The material is William S. Burroughs, but the style is Hemingway. Ryan masterfully avoids editorializing, letting the situation beg its own questions: Why isn't anybody stopping society's cruelty? Are we all just watching? Kevin Grandfield

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Located in the rolling hills of Rollinsford, NH, Sperry Books is housed in a 250+ year old post and beam barn. The barn is no stranger to literature. In the 1800�s John Greenleaf Whittier was a frequent family visitor. In the late 1900�s the barn served as a book fair distribution center for over twenty years, then became an online bookstore in 2002. Sperry Books is committed to providing outstanding customer service. Questions are answered in a timely fashion. Orders are promptly filled and sent. Books are packaged securely. Sperry Books looks forward to being your source for new, used, rare and out of print books.

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