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Novels 1976–1985: Slapstick / Jailbird / Deadeye Dick / Galápagos
By 1976, the year that Kurt Vonnegut published his eighth novel, Slapstick, it was apparent that the author of Slaughterhouse-Five was more than a favorite of the sixties’ counterculture, more than an acidly witty public personality and a gadfly of the military-industrial complex—more, even, than one of America’s most widely read living writers. Out of the sweeping spotlight of popular success emerged the enduring Vonnegut: a satiric fabulist to rival Mark Twain, a comic storyteller whose books are as morally serious as they are imaginative and amusing.
With the four novels collected here Vonnegut was recognized as an original American classic, the architect of an oeuvre built to last, a body of work tightly joined and cleanly made, designed along lines entirely his own. This third volume in the Library of America’s definitive edition of his fiction opens with Slapstick, the memoirs of Dr. Wilbur Daffodil-11 Swain, a hundred-year-old former president of the United States and the promulgator of an ingenious national program to stamp out “American loneliness.” By giving every citizen a new middle name, President Swain, himself assigned to the computer-generated Daffodil clan, also gives them a numberless network of concerned “relatives”—a taste of the familial bliss that Swain once enjoyed with his twin sister, Eliza, his soulmate and missing half, now dead beneath an avalanche on Mars.
Jailbird (1979) is a political memoir of a less fantastic sort, chronicling the misadventures of Walter F. Starbuck, a once-idealistic government functionary who, through no wrongdoing of his own, has become embroiled in every major national scandal from Sacco and Vanzetti to Watergate. Deadeye Dick (1982) is the story of a talentless playwright’s lifelong struggle to atone for the accidental crimes of his youth, the foolishness of his father, and the sins of his country. And in Galápagos (1985), a favorite of the author’s among his books, a ghost from the future reveals how and why a million years ago—during the global ecological disaster of 1986—humankind abandoned the land for the sea and embarked upon an unlikely evolution. The volume is rounded out with an assortment of Vonnegut rarities: speeches, essays, and commentary that touch upon the themes and particulars of these novels.
With the four novels collected here Vonnegut was recognized as an original American classic, the architect of an oeuvre built to last, a body of work tightly joined and cleanly made, designed along lines entirely his own. This third volume in the Library of America’s definitive edition of his fiction opens with Slapstick, the memoirs of Dr. Wilbur Daffodil-11 Swain, a hundred-year-old former president of the United States and the promulgator of an ingenious national program to stamp out “American loneliness.” By giving every citizen a new middle name, President Swain, himself assigned to the computer-generated Daffodil clan, also gives them a numberless network of concerned “relatives”—a taste of the familial bliss that Swain once enjoyed with his twin sister, Eliza, his soulmate and missing half, now dead beneath an avalanche on Mars.
Jailbird (1979) is a political memoir of a less fantastic sort, chronicling the misadventures of Walter F. Starbuck, a once-idealistic government functionary who, through no wrongdoing of his own, has become embroiled in every major national scandal from Sacco and Vanzetti to Watergate. Deadeye Dick (1982) is the story of a talentless playwright’s lifelong struggle to atone for the accidental crimes of his youth, the foolishness of his father, and the sins of his country. And in Galápagos (1985), a favorite of the author’s among his books, a ghost from the future reveals how and why a million years ago—during the global ecological disaster of 1986—humankind abandoned the land for the sea and embarked upon an unlikely evolution. The volume is rounded out with an assortment of Vonnegut rarities: speeches, essays, and commentary that touch upon the themes and particulars of these novels.
878 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2014
13 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
710 books36.9k followersKurt Vonnegut, Junior was an American novelist, satirist, and most recently, graphic artist. He was recognized as New York State Author for 2001-2003.
He was born in Indianapolis, later the setting for many of his novels. He attended Cornell University from 1941 to 1943, where he wrote a column for the student newspaper, the Cornell Daily Sun. Vonnegut trained as a chemist and worked as a journalist before joining the U.S. Army and serving in World War II.
After the war, he attended University of Chicago as a graduate student in anthropology and also worked as a police reporter at the City News Bureau of Chicago. He left Chicago to work in Schenectady, New York in public relations for General Electric. He attributed his unadorned writing style to his reporting work.
His experiences as an advance scout in the Battle of the Bulge, and in particular his witnessing of the bombing of Dresden, Germany whilst a prisoner of war, would inform much of his work. This event would also form the core of his most famous work, Slaughterhouse-Five, the book which would make him a millionaire. This acerbic 200-page book is what most people mean when they describe a work as "Vonnegutian" in scope.
Vonnegut was a self-proclaimed humanist and socialist (influenced by the style of Indiana's own Eugene V. Debs) and a lifelong supporter of the American Civil Liberties Union.
The novelist is known for works blending satire, black comedy and science fiction, such as Slaughterhouse-Five (1969), Cat's Cradle (1963), and Breakfast of Champions (1973)
He was born in Indianapolis, later the setting for many of his novels. He attended Cornell University from 1941 to 1943, where he wrote a column for the student newspaper, the Cornell Daily Sun. Vonnegut trained as a chemist and worked as a journalist before joining the U.S. Army and serving in World War II.
After the war, he attended University of Chicago as a graduate student in anthropology and also worked as a police reporter at the City News Bureau of Chicago. He left Chicago to work in Schenectady, New York in public relations for General Electric. He attributed his unadorned writing style to his reporting work.
His experiences as an advance scout in the Battle of the Bulge, and in particular his witnessing of the bombing of Dresden, Germany whilst a prisoner of war, would inform much of his work. This event would also form the core of his most famous work, Slaughterhouse-Five, the book which would make him a millionaire. This acerbic 200-page book is what most people mean when they describe a work as "Vonnegutian" in scope.
Vonnegut was a self-proclaimed humanist and socialist (influenced by the style of Indiana's own Eugene V. Debs) and a lifelong supporter of the American Civil Liberties Union.
The novelist is known for works blending satire, black comedy and science fiction, such as Slaughterhouse-Five (1969), Cat's Cradle (1963), and Breakfast of Champions (1973)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 1, 2014
I reviewed this book on WKAR's Current State. You can listen to my review here: http://wkar.org/post/book-review-kurt...
You can also read my review below.
-
Listen:
One of my writing heroes is Kurt Vonnegut and for four years I had his home phone number sitting on my desk. That blessed number was a present from a friend of mine and every day it taunted me, teased me. When Vonnegut died in 2007, I threw the number away. I never had the guts to call it.
So it goes.
The Library of America has been republishing Vonnegut’s complete fiction library in hardcover. This May, volume three, Novels 1976-1985, will be released and it includes what I would consider four lost classics by this master American novelist. If you only know Vonnegut from Slaughterhouse-Five, Cat’s Cradle, and Breakfast of Champions, consider your summer reading list planned.
In his memoir Palm Sunday, Vonnegut graded his novels and he gave the first book in the collection, Slapstick, a D. Mr. Vonnegut, I think that is unfair. In fact, this is one of Vonnegut’s most imaginative tales. Slapstick is the story of Dr. Wilbur Daffodill-11 Swain, the last President of the United States. The campaign slogan that got him elected was “Lonesome no more!” He has a twin sister, and when they are together they form a super intelligence.
While Slapstick is mad and outlandish, Jailbird, the next book, is almost subdued and in our reality. This novel tells the story of Walter F. Starbuck, who was the only person to go to jail for the Watergate Scandal.
Deadeye Dick, the next novel, follows the life of Rudy Waltz. He is living with the guilt of a murder. As a child, Rudy shot a gun out of his window, accidentally killing a woman in another house. It is probably the most tragic of the works in the collection.
The fourth and final book is a true gem. Galapagos is the story of the evolution of mankind, or the devolution of it, depending on your perspective. The story is told by a ghost who watches these descendants of man for over a million years, waiting for the chance to enter a blue tunnel and go to the afterlife.
It’s now been more than seven years since Vonnegut has become unstuck in our time. Sadly, I have little left to discover around one of my favorite writers, but thanks to the Library of America they make it easier for everyone else. Honestly, I’m a little jealous of those who haven’t read these works yet.
Oh, and finally, why didn’t I call Vonnegut? I’m sure he would’ve been nice to me, but I would have been the awkward stalking fan. It would have been a short call. I have no delusions of us being up all night talking on the phone until the birds started chirping:
Poo-tee-weet.
You can also read my review below.
-
Listen:
One of my writing heroes is Kurt Vonnegut and for four years I had his home phone number sitting on my desk. That blessed number was a present from a friend of mine and every day it taunted me, teased me. When Vonnegut died in 2007, I threw the number away. I never had the guts to call it.
So it goes.
The Library of America has been republishing Vonnegut’s complete fiction library in hardcover. This May, volume three, Novels 1976-1985, will be released and it includes what I would consider four lost classics by this master American novelist. If you only know Vonnegut from Slaughterhouse-Five, Cat’s Cradle, and Breakfast of Champions, consider your summer reading list planned.
In his memoir Palm Sunday, Vonnegut graded his novels and he gave the first book in the collection, Slapstick, a D. Mr. Vonnegut, I think that is unfair. In fact, this is one of Vonnegut’s most imaginative tales. Slapstick is the story of Dr. Wilbur Daffodill-11 Swain, the last President of the United States. The campaign slogan that got him elected was “Lonesome no more!” He has a twin sister, and when they are together they form a super intelligence.
While Slapstick is mad and outlandish, Jailbird, the next book, is almost subdued and in our reality. This novel tells the story of Walter F. Starbuck, who was the only person to go to jail for the Watergate Scandal.
Deadeye Dick, the next novel, follows the life of Rudy Waltz. He is living with the guilt of a murder. As a child, Rudy shot a gun out of his window, accidentally killing a woman in another house. It is probably the most tragic of the works in the collection.
The fourth and final book is a true gem. Galapagos is the story of the evolution of mankind, or the devolution of it, depending on your perspective. The story is told by a ghost who watches these descendants of man for over a million years, waiting for the chance to enter a blue tunnel and go to the afterlife.
It’s now been more than seven years since Vonnegut has become unstuck in our time. Sadly, I have little left to discover around one of my favorite writers, but thanks to the Library of America they make it easier for everyone else. Honestly, I’m a little jealous of those who haven’t read these works yet.
Oh, and finally, why didn’t I call Vonnegut? I’m sure he would’ve been nice to me, but I would have been the awkward stalking fan. It would have been a short call. I have no delusions of us being up all night talking on the phone until the birds started chirping:
Poo-tee-weet.
December 14, 2016
This Library of America Volume N° 252 contains the following four Vonnegut novels:
1. Slapstick, or Lonesome No More! (November 16, 2016)
2. Jailbird (November 18, 2016)
3. Deadeye Dick (November 26, 2016)
4. Galápagos (December 11, 2016)
I re-read all four of these novels again this year (I read them all when I was young, some several times). I've hyper-linked to my individual reviews for your viewing pleasure. These aren't all top-shelf Vonnegut. But still, some are pretty damn close.
1. Slapstick, or Lonesome No More! (November 16, 2016)
2. Jailbird (November 18, 2016)
3. Deadeye Dick (November 26, 2016)
4. Galápagos (December 11, 2016)
I re-read all four of these novels again this year (I read them all when I was young, some several times). I've hyper-linked to my individual reviews for your viewing pleasure. These aren't all top-shelf Vonnegut. But still, some are pretty damn close.
August 17, 2025
While there are really no outright bad Vonnegut novels, this edition collects most of his middle period efforts, which show an artist struggling.
Slapstick is him trying to continue in the same vein as Breakfast of Champions and Slaughterhouse Five where he meshes his biography with a more sci fi take on live in America, but it doesn’t really work.
Jailbird and Deadeye Dick have Vonnegut work toward a more contemporary literature mode, but they both feel either too drawn out or too similar to previous efforts here.
From reading his essays at the time, this is Vonnegut dealing with the fallout of a divorce, family members deaths, his own legacy, and his relationship with his adult children as well as the harsh realities of the 70s.
The bright spot here is Galapagos, which is among my favorite of his works, even though it seems to be one of the more polarizing. It has such a dark sense of humanity that the other more saccharine entries here. It also brings into mind Vonnegut’s later works which have much more cynical streak as he enters the 80s and eventually the Bush era.
I would recommend this to completionists, but this is an era that has mixed results for Vonnegut.
Slapstick is him trying to continue in the same vein as Breakfast of Champions and Slaughterhouse Five where he meshes his biography with a more sci fi take on live in America, but it doesn’t really work.
Jailbird and Deadeye Dick have Vonnegut work toward a more contemporary literature mode, but they both feel either too drawn out or too similar to previous efforts here.
From reading his essays at the time, this is Vonnegut dealing with the fallout of a divorce, family members deaths, his own legacy, and his relationship with his adult children as well as the harsh realities of the 70s.
The bright spot here is Galapagos, which is among my favorite of his works, even though it seems to be one of the more polarizing. It has such a dark sense of humanity that the other more saccharine entries here. It also brings into mind Vonnegut’s later works which have much more cynical streak as he enters the 80s and eventually the Bush era.
I would recommend this to completionists, but this is an era that has mixed results for Vonnegut.
May 2, 2014
I read all of these years ago when I was a glutton for Vonnegut. "Deadeye Dick" I remember enjoying very much, and "Slapstick" even more so. I may have to reread "Galapagos" to be sure why I wasn't smitten with it the first time.
July 11, 2020
Tercer volumen de la colección publicada por la Librería de América, incluye cuatro novelas publicadas entre 1976 y 1985:
Slapstick, or Lonesome No More!: Narrada en la voz de Wilbur Daffodil-11 Swain, último Presidente de los EEUU, esta novela es al mismo tiempo un hilarante libro post-apocalíptico de ciencia ficción y una emotiva reflexión sobre la soledad y el aislamiento, sobre cómo necesitamos desesperadamente tener familias extendidas como en las sociedades primitivas, para no terminar locos o deprimidos..
Jailbird: Diferente a las típicas de Kurt VONNEGUT Jr., en el sentido que no es tan absurda, digamos que es una novela "seria" que trata, entre otras cosas, sobre los manejos sucios de la política y cómo el poder económico de las grandes corporaciones puede intervenir el aquella.
Deadeye Dick: Como todas las novelas de Kurt, hay una lectura superficial, anecdótica, y hay una lectura profunda, que expone a un pensador serio, un filósofo que observa atentamente a la sociedad, y establece con certeza sus dolencias.
Galápagos: Creo que esta es la novela de VONNEGUT más divertida que he leído hasta el momento. Como siempre, irreverente, juguetón, serio sin ser serio, aquí propone una solución simple, pero trágica, al problema de la sobre-población humana, y sugiere que, cuando las fuerzas de la selección natural retomen su cauce, el futuro de la humanidad será muy diferente al que solemos leer en la mayoría de las novelas de CF.
August 14, 2019
(I've reviewed these novels individually, so this review is for the extras)
Aside from the novels, the extras here consist of introductions to three of the books, excerpts from Fates Worse Than Death: An Autobiographical Collage of the 1980s and a lecture he gave at the Cathedral of St John the Divine.
The introductions are entertaining (as his usually are), the lecture was okay, but the excerpts were terrific, filled with some excellent quotes. Vonnegut was a skilled essayist, and while short, the excerpts here showcase his talents well.
In all, another excellent collection fro LoA.
Aside from the novels, the extras here consist of introductions to three of the books, excerpts from Fates Worse Than Death: An Autobiographical Collage of the 1980s and a lecture he gave at the Cathedral of St John the Divine.
The introductions are entertaining (as his usually are), the lecture was okay, but the excerpts were terrific, filled with some excellent quotes. Vonnegut was a skilled essayist, and while short, the excerpts here showcase his talents well.
In all, another excellent collection fro LoA.
February 20, 2018
These four novels are not my favorite works of Vonnegut; his oft-repeated theme of human apocalypse wears a little thin here. But the subtle interweaving of connectedness between the stories and his compassionate, wry sense of humor is worth experiencing.
January 26, 2023
A return to a long started (and set aside) resolution to read his work. I can see why some of these (particularly Slapstick) are considered weaker entries in his work. Of these four Deadeye Dick was my favorite and Galapagos eventually grew on me.
November 19, 2019
Steady and humerous throughout.
August 26, 2023
An awesome collection of Kurt Vonnegut's novels and tales!
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August 21, 2024[slapstick]
January 15, 2025
Finished Slapstick, my first Vonnegut novel. Odd, mordantly funny. Should read Slaughterhouse Five next.
June 29, 2025
DNF, didn't want to renew it from the library again, didn't really care that much for the first novel, don't know if I'll try again at some later date
August 10, 2025
Four great novels for the price of one
October 28, 2020
I've bought into the idea of reading Vonnegut's novels in the order laid out in the blog below from the Vonnegut Library and Museum in Indianapolis.
https://www.vonnegutlibrary.org/rache...
Galapagos - 2 stars. My least favorite Vonnegut novel so far. Lacks the humor and depth of ideas of his other books. A similar story line in Cat's Cradle was much better told. In 1984, between the time Vonnegut started and ended this book he attempted suicide and was hospitalized for depression. I think Vonnegut's mental state is reflected in this novel describing an end of the world scenario similar to Cat's Cradle.
Slapstick and Deadeye Dick - 3 stars - Vonnegut closer to his earlier form in two "biographical" novels describing dysfunctional families. Slapstick describes how society's pressure to conform breaks up a seemingly perfect symbiotic relationship between a brother and sister. Deadeye Dick lays out how a family's past anchors the future, how we strive to break away from our family yet they impact what we create and ultimately draw us back home.
Jailbird - 4 stars - Vonnegut's commentary on labor and management, power and humanity, mixed in with some of his better dark humor and satire. Kilgore Trout returns with a twist and we learn who is the guiding force behind RAMJAC.
In 1979's Jailbird all of Vonnegut's America was unknowingly working for the RAMJAC conglomerate. It is interesting to compare to 1990's Hocus Pocus when Vonnegut has all US ownership in the hands of foreign owners. Same situation, different bosses.
https://www.vonnegutlibrary.org/rache...
Galapagos - 2 stars. My least favorite Vonnegut novel so far. Lacks the humor and depth of ideas of his other books. A similar story line in Cat's Cradle was much better told. In 1984, between the time Vonnegut started and ended this book he attempted suicide and was hospitalized for depression. I think Vonnegut's mental state is reflected in this novel describing an end of the world scenario similar to Cat's Cradle.
Slapstick and Deadeye Dick - 3 stars - Vonnegut closer to his earlier form in two "biographical" novels describing dysfunctional families. Slapstick describes how society's pressure to conform breaks up a seemingly perfect symbiotic relationship between a brother and sister. Deadeye Dick lays out how a family's past anchors the future, how we strive to break away from our family yet they impact what we create and ultimately draw us back home.
Jailbird - 4 stars - Vonnegut's commentary on labor and management, power and humanity, mixed in with some of his better dark humor and satire. Kilgore Trout returns with a twist and we learn who is the guiding force behind RAMJAC.
In 1979's Jailbird all of Vonnegut's America was unknowingly working for the RAMJAC conglomerate. It is interesting to compare to 1990's Hocus Pocus when Vonnegut has all US ownership in the hands of foreign owners. Same situation, different bosses.
May 11, 2016
Full disclose - I only read Slapstick! or Lonesome No More. I had to get this collection due to the fact that our standalone copy at work was checked out and never returned.
Read it as it was on a recommended list. 2nd work of Vonnegut's I've tried - 2nd one I just didn't care for. Don't see me picking up anything else by him, recommended or not :(
Read it as it was on a recommended list. 2nd work of Vonnegut's I've tried - 2nd one I just didn't care for. Don't see me picking up anything else by him, recommended or not :(
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October 3, 2014Fiction V947n 2014
May 16, 2023
Read Slapstick, or Lonesome No More!, Deadeye Dick, and Galápagos
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews