Re: RARA-AVIS: Cornell Woolrich

Dave (birdlives@earthlink.net)
Tue, 18 Aug 1998 10:10:06 -0700 IMHO, Woolrich's short fictions are his best work. Taken together, they
can epitomize his twisted noir world-view. There was a terrific
collection of his early work available just a couple years ago, but the
name eludes me, at this moment.

The novels use the more typical "race against time, ticking clock"
gimmicks -- not as interesting, to my mind. And dated, too.

The "Rear Window" collection is worthwhile, because it contains "Three
O'clock," his greatest short story. It is so good, in fact, that it was
done on radio and TV countless times, including "Alfred Hitchcock
Presents."

If you're looking for a bibliography, you can't beat the Nevins bio,
"First You Dream, Then You Die." It is absolutely comprehensive, down to
every short story. Nothing beats it, if you want to investigate
Woolrich. In fact, it's more about the writing than anything else.

BTW, I bought a first edition hardcover at Crown Books in the "$2.99"
stack about five years ago ... certainly a worthwhile investment.

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