Ring Lardner's Best Stories: 35 Stories and a Complete Novel ; hardcover with dust jacket ;1938 ; Contains the novel The Big Town.

Ring Lardner was an American sports columnist, short story writer, and novelist. He was born on March 6, 1885, in Niles, Michigan, and died on September 25, 1933, in East Hampton, New York.

Lardner began his career as a sports journalist in Chicago, writing for newspapers such as the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Examiner. He gained popularity for his humorous and satirical writing style, often poking fun at the world of sports and its players. Lardner's witty and clever columns made him one of the most influential sports writers of his time.

In addition to his sports writing, Lardner was also a talented short story writer. He published several collections of short stories, including "You Know Me Al" (1916), which featured the fictional baseball player Jack Keefe. Lardner's stories often explored themes of disillusionment, the gap between appearance and reality, and the complexities of human relationships.

Lardner's writing style was characterized by his use of colloquial language and his ability to capture the speech patterns and mannerisms of his characters. He had a keen ear for dialogue and was able to create memorable and authentic-sounding characters.

Lardner's work had a significant influence on American literature and popular culture. His stories were praised for their realism and their ability to capture the spirit of the times. He was a master of the short story form and is often considered one of the pioneers of American modernism.

Despite his success as a writer, Lardner struggled with personal demons, including alcoholism and a tumultuous marriage. His personal struggles and tragic death at the age of 48 added a layer of complexity to his legacy.

Today, Ring Lardner is remembered as one of the most important American writers of the early 20th century. His work continues to be studied and celebrated for its humor, insight, and unique portrayal of American life.