Johnny One-Eye is bringing about the rediscovery of one of the most "singular and remarkable [careers] in American literature" (Jonathan Yardley, Washington Post Book World). In this picaresque tour de force that reanimates Revolutionary Manhattan through the story of double agent John Stocking, the bastard son of a whorehouse madam and possibly George Washington, Jerome Charyn has given us one of the most memorable historical novels in years. As Johnny seeks to unlock the mystery of his birth and grapples with his allegiances, he falls in love with Clara, a gorgeous, green-eyed octoroon, the most coveted harlot of Gertrude's house. The wild parade of characters he encounters includes Benedict Arnold, the Howe brothers, "Sir Billy" and "Black Dick," and a manipulative Alexander Hamilton.

Not since John Barth's The Sotweed Factor and Gore Vidal's Burr has a novel so dramatically re-created America's historical beginnings. Reading group guide included.

About the Author
"One of the most important writers in American literature" (Michael Chabon), Jerome Charyn is the award-winning author of more than fifty works, including The Secret Life of Emily Dickinson. A renowned scholar of twentieth-century Hollywood, he lives in Manhattan.

Reviews
"A breathless and poignant tour de force." -- Bookforum
"Bawdy, savage, and tender." -- Entertainment Weekly
"Jerome Charyn is merely one of our finest writers, with a polymorphous imagination and crack comic timing." -- Jonathan Lethem
"Jerome Charyn is one of the most important writers in American literature." -- Michael Chabon



Book Information
ISBN 9780393333954
Author Jerome Charyn
Format Paperback
Page Count 482
Imprint WW Norton & Co
Publisher WW Norton & Co
Weight(grams) 592g
Dimensions(mm) 208mm * 140mm * 30mm