Czyzniejewski, Michael

Chicago Stories: 40 Dramatic Fictions

ISBN: 9780983422853
Chicago, IL: Curbside Splendor Publishing, 2012. First Edition. Softcover. Dated, inscribed, signed (twice) & with drawing by Michael Czyzniejewski to Dan & Amanda Rzicznek. "Forty dramatic fictions, each told in the persona of a famous Chicagoan, from Mrs. O'Leary to Barack Obama." (back cover) A collection of amusing, penetrating short stories by Michael Czyzniejewski, an acclaimed, prize-winning author & academician from Chicago. The fanciful stories here all have as their basis actual famous (or infamous) persons who were born or lived in the "Windy City," from the fabled Mrs. O'Leary (whose lantern-dropping cow started the disasterous fire of 1871 according to local legend) to Playboy publisher Hugh Hefner, McDonald's founder Ray Kroc, serial killer John Wayne Gacy, advice columnist Ann Landers, former U.S. President Barack Obama & many more. With charming cover & interior illustrations by Rob Funderburk (b. 1974), a Chicago artist & designer. Trade-format softcover original, first edition as stated at copyright page, presumed first printing with no references to further printings thereon. On the title page, Czyzniejewski has drawn & hand-written in black ink: "(drawing of Sears Tower)/ 5/15/12/ B(owling) G(reen), OH/ To Dan & Amanda-/ To a couple of great/ friends & great/ writers./ In creativity, love,/ & beards---/ (signed) -Mike." Below his printed name which he has crossed-out, Czyzniejewski has also hand-written his full signature. "Dan & Amanda" are Dan (b. 1979) & Amanda (b. 1977) Rzicznek, husband-&-wife Ohio poets. Dan Rzicznek also is a professor at Bowling Green State University, where the author placed this inscription & also has taught. The date, earlier in the year of publication, is also a certain indication that this copy is a first printing. A satirical, insightful & rewarding collection in its rarest contemporary form, greatly enriched by the author's affectionate, humorous writer-to-writers inscription & signatures; with distinguished, highly relevant association & provenance. In very fine condition with only a touch of rubbing, faint scratching to front, back covers & spine; a few tiny bumps, creases at/from edges & corners of same; occasional spotting to lower edge of text block. Interior very fine with only tiny bumps at corners of a few page leaves. Very Fine. [Item #7982]

Price: $25.00 save 10% $22.50