Doom Fox

by Iceberg Slim, Ice T (Introduction)

Doom Fox is the last in Iceberg Slim's legendary series of underground novels. Written in 1978 and unpublished until now, Doom Fox is a tale of the Los Angeles ghetto that begins just after World War II and spans the next thirty years. In the no-holds-barred tradition of Chester Himes, Doom Fox captures a violent, vivid world of low-riding chippie-catchers, prizefighters, prostitutes, and smooth-talking preachers.

Genres: Fiction, Crime, African American

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1998

About the author

Iceberg Slim, also known as Robert Beck, was born as Robert Lee Maupin. Novelist and poet whose most famous novel, Pimp, is semi-autobiographical.

Reviews

[David Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

With its copious amounts of explicit sex and gratuitous violence Doom Fox was a refreshing change of pace from my usual fare. Set in post-war LA, it’s a world centred around the love-triangles of Joe Allen, a washed up ex-boxer, Reba, the long-term love interest he longs to possess, and his rivals for her attention, spoilt medical student, Pretty Melvin, and wunderkind preacher, Felix. Both Joe and Reba’s parents also feature prominently in the story, but only to highlight the sex-madness of these characters crosses generations. It’s a book almost entirely based on carnality, the passions and jealousies that it inspires, and the violent consequences that can ensue. Spoiler alert, by the end there is almost no one left standing. Like a Tarantino film its quick moving, funny, and action packed, and crammed full of snappy dialogue. This is my second Iceberg Slim book. I remember reading his autobiography, Pimp, when living in Kiev in the late nineties. The book was unfortunately misplaced on my way back to Canada, which I’ve always regretted. His is a fascinating story - he worked the streets of Chicago for twenty five years before turning his attention to writing. Slim may have employed the straight-talking “language of the ghetto” to quote Ice T, but the man could write; there isn’t a dull sentence to be found.

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Back in the beginning of this book I didn't think I'd like it very much but since I enjoyed Mama Black Widow so much I'm still trying to find an Iceberg book that gives me what that did. This wasn't it but is still a good story.
Doom Fox is about a lot more than the back cover description lets on. I'm glad I read it but I'm still trying to find another Mama Black Widow......

[Doris walkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have not read a Robert Beck/Iceberg Slim book, please do. You will become addicted!

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites of Slims books. Fantastically well written in a pure basic way, no flowery bullshit, no schoolin' & his honest life, what more could anyone want, well it works for me....

[Book Worm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is raw, moving, shocking and so darn sharp it cuts deeply. One of those novels whose story haunts you once you turn the final page.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Slim classic should be required reading in FLA elementary schools.

[MizZes Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explicit sexuality, carnality, violence, and drama of every kind this read was non stop engagement.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

(FROM JACKET)Propelled by the story of Joe "Kong" Allen and his gorgeous, treacherous wife, "Doom Fox" is the last in Iceberg Slim's legendary series of underground novels. Written in 1978 and unpublised until now, "Doom Fox" is a tale of the Los Angeles ghetto that begins just after World War II and spans the next thirty years. In the no-holds-barred tradition of Chester Himes, "Doom Fox" captures a violent, vivid world of low-riding chippie-catchers, prizefighters, prostitutes, and smooth-talking preachers.

With books such as "Pimp", "Trick Baby", and "The Long White Con", Iceberg Slim detailed life among the hustlers in the inner city and reinvented the concept of cool. His books became underground classics, advertised and circulated by word of mouth. Stylish and uncensored, "Doom Fox" brings his unforgettable voice to the players of today.

[David Ward · Rating 2 out of 5]

Doom Fox by Iceberg Slim (Grove Press 1998)(Fiction). Rapper "Ice T" wrote the intro to this book. He praised Iceberg Slim as an authentic Black voice of the 1940's ghetto. What this book is is a crime/action novel set in the ghetto and featuring every possible insulting Black stereotype. The storyline is silly, and the narrative is almost unreadable. On the other hand, no less an author than the current king of noir, Andrew Vachss, has dedicated a novel to Iceberg Slim. Maybe I'm just missing something. It wouldn't be the first time. My rating: 4/10, finished 2/14/14.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

(note - i wrote this review awhile ago and am just rewriting it)

Fiction. Drama. second book i read by iceberg slim. the ending reminded me of irvine welsh or chuck palahniuk. written in an older African American style street slang that very much reminds me of what irvine welsh does. the plot tells the life of several characters from there youth and far into there adulthood. almost all characters are black and almost all are very poor. this is an excellent book and very much worth reading.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tragic.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the book as a whole. A very good read if you are a fan of urban literature. However, I hated the ending. A very sad way to go out.

[Caty · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stick to exclusively writing about criminals, Slim.