A
seminal work of
American literature by the
comedian Steve Martin (as opposed to the
actor,
director,
screenwriter, or
musician Steve Martin). A collection of
short stories,
poetry, and
scribbles with titles like "
Serious Dogs,"
The Day The Dopes Came Over", "
She Had The Jugs, "
How To Fold Soup, "
Morse and the Naughty Magnets," "
The Gift of the Magi Indian Giver, "
What to Say when the Ducks Show Up, "
Sex Crazed Love Goddesses," "
The Last Thing On My Mind" and the title story.
Published in 1979 at the height of the Wild and Crazy Guy era, surely as a way to cash in on his huge popularity at the time, but it also represents some pretty impressive absurdist comedy, and holds up quite well over time. Dramatic readings of short stories from this book are always a big hit at parties. The book is interspersed with black and white photos of Steve's stand up act.