This debut story collection showcases the early work of a celebrated American writer, featuring a diverse range of characters and narratives. Each story delves into complex themes of identity, relationships, and the human experience, highlighting the author's distinct voice and keen observations. The collection captures the essence of contemporary life, making it a significant addition to the literary landscape.
Set against the backdrop of a city grappling with turmoil, the narrative offers a compelling exploration of resilience and community. Tom Piazza delves into the complexities of life during a crisis, capturing the emotional and social dynamics that emerge in challenging times. With a new preface reflecting on the decade since its original publication, the book provides fresh insights into the ongoing struggles and triumphs faced by the city and its inhabitants.
Exploring themes of music, literature, and the cultural landscape of New Orleans, this collection showcases Tom Piazza's keen intelligence and deep passion. His writings reflect on America's struggles and resilience during challenging times, offering insightful commentary that connects the local to the national.
A tour of the world of jazz music combines an informative analysis of the principles, styles, and techniques of jazz with a companion CD featuring performances by such legendary musicians as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Duke Ellington
Set in 1855, the story explores the world of blackface minstrelsy amid the looming conflict over slavery. Henry Sims, a fugitive slave and talented musician, navigates life in Philadelphia by performing on the streets. He encounters James Douglass, the leader of a struggling minstrel troupe, who believes that Henry's exceptional talent could revitalize their show. The narrative delves into themes of identity, artistry, and the complexities of entertainment during a turbulent historical period.
“WhateverTom Piazza writes is touched with magic." —Douglas Brinkley Acclaimed author Tom Piazza follows hisprize-winning novel City of Refuge and the post-Katrinaclassic Why New Orleans Matters with a dynamic collection ofessays and journalism about American music and American character, in DevilSent the Rain. “TomPiazza’s writing is filled with energy, and with tender, insightful words forthe brilliant and irascible, from Jimmy Martin to Norman Mailer. Time and timeagain, Piazza identifies the unlikely, precious connections between recentevents, art, letters, and music; through his words, these byways of popularculture provide an unexpected measure of the times.” —Elvis Costello
Opowieść o profesorze Johnie Delano specjalizującym się w studiach nad zimną wojną. Szereg dramatycznych wyrażeń zmusza go, by powrócił pamięcią do czasów swego dzieciństwa - zimnowojennych Stanów Zjednoczonych: antykomunistycznych filmów, programów telewizyjnych i komiksów oraz zabójstwa J. F. Kennedy`ego. Profesor stopniowo uświadamia sobie, że przy wyborze kariery naukowej był powodowany nieświadomym unikaniem konfrontacji z problemami emocjonalnymi z dzieciństwa. Patrząc na swoje przegrane życie prywatne zaczyna rozumieć, że uciekł w naukowe dywagacje nad zimną wojną - intelektualne origami - po to, by nie musieć mierzyć się z tym okresem i dokonywać jego rozrachunku w życiu osobistym. W końcowych sekwencjach książki profesor staje przed szansą dokonania rozrachunku swojej własnej zimnej wojny.