David Manning Knihy

Set against the backdrop of 1870 New York, the story follows two homeless men: a disabled Irish Civil War veteran grappling with self-worth and a confident former slave striving to succeed as a chef. Their lives intertwine, revealing deeper themes of freedom and identity as they navigate their struggles. The narrative cleverly juxtaposes historical and contemporary issues such as homelessness, wealth disparity, corporate greed, and racial prejudice, often employing humor and absurdity to highlight these ongoing societal challenges.

Recipes Inspired by Campfires, Chuck Wagons, and Ranch Kitchens

The book is a facsimile reprint of an original antiquarian text, reflecting its historical significance. Due to its age, it may include imperfections like marks, notations, and flawed pages. The publisher emphasizes the cultural importance of this work and is dedicated to preserving and promoting literature through affordable, high-quality editions that maintain the integrity of the original.

Set against the backdrop of Dusktide Beach in 1989, Duncan Twist finds himself entangled in a mystery involving a missing person and a rekindled romance with Tendency Specter. Their investigation is complicated by the enigmatic Kindred Spirit, a ghostly figure linked to Lorn Island. As they uncover clues, including a potentially historic skeleton buried in the sand, the line between past and present blurs, raising questions about murder and the island's secrets. The story weaves together themes of love, loss, and the supernatural.

Set in a satirical future, the narrative unfolds an absurd conflict between supporters of organic and artificial garbage as energy sources. It features a range of eccentric elements, including a credit-system economy, a Bronx Sanitation Air Force, and a rubber-raft island named Carabia. The story also introduces quirky inventions like a news toaster that prints headlines on toast and characters transformed by a peculiar substance called Mango Tango. Originally penned in the 1970s, its bizarre predictions have become increasingly relevant, reflecting our current dystopian reality.

The collection showcases a diverse range of imaginative short fiction from David Manning, reflecting his creative journey. It includes selections from his 1970s "Blurbs" column, excerpts from a novel set at Duke University in 1968, and a unique blend of metaphysical stories. Additionally, the work spans various multimedia formats, encompassing radio, stage, film, and song lyrics, highlighting Manning's versatility and artistic exploration throughout his career.

The collection features a diverse range of creative non-fiction essays that explore various themes such as personal reflections on home, travel, politics, and metaphysical musings. It blends humor with seriousness, showcasing both extraordinary and ordinary experiences. Organized into thematic sections, it includes both published and unpublished works, offering a rich tapestry of insights from a creatively inclined mind. The eclectic nature of the essays invites readers to delve into the complexities of life and thought.

Set against the backdrop of an elite private school, the story follows seventh-grader Sylvia Solo, who discovers a connection between music and ancient Egyptian history during a class trip. When the lights go out in Perneb's tomb, her violin playing unlocks a portal to the Old Kingdom, where she meets Da'av and his cat Teekay. Together, they navigate the underworld while confronting the ambitions of Niphut, a powerful figure in Pharaoh's court. This young adult fantasy invites readers of all ages to explore themes of adventure and the power of music.