The Wild Party: The Lost Classic by Joseph Moncure March

It's astounding to me that this incredible piece of literature has fallen under the radar to receive the praise it deserves. Joseph Moncure March seamlessly weaved a tale of debauchery, corruption, and crime that somehow rises from the muck and becomes a tragic love story. When you realize the historical context in which this poem was written during a time when writing about such subjects could land one a jail sentence March's fearlessness in the face of censorship makes the story that much greater!I first encountered this story through a William S. Burroughs fan group where someone had shared it because of his association with this edition. According to Art Spiegelman, the artist who contributed to this edition, he had met Burroughs at a party (probably one far less wild than March describes) and broke the ice by asking if Burroughs had ever read March's poem. It turns out that not only had Burroughs read the poem he cited it as being what influenced him to be a writer. He then went on to recite the opening lines and as Spiegelman relates, Burroughs delivery of the opening was so precise and passionate that he believe Burroughs could have continued to recite the entire poem then and there. Speaking of Spiegelman one has to give some praise for his wonderful art that complements March's text so well. The art is all black and white and strikes a balance of being detailed but not distracting. Spiegelman really captures the tone of March's story being both whimsical while simultaneously grim. The art greatly assists in the immersion of the reader and adds some extra weight to the punch of the rhymes throughout the poem. Having entered the party through this edition I can honestly say that I wouldn't want to attend the party in any other way.This is definitely one to pick up and to read aloud while those below the age of 18 are not around. Its a raucous celebration of excess and the sensual that will make you both laugh and cry. Just remember to hide when the cops arrive!

This is just one heck of a great book. It's a long poem, exciting and sometimes startling. The vivid illustrations add to the words to create a very fine reading experience that takes you right back to the bad old days.

The illustrations were great - the poem’s story line interesting. Honestly, initially purchased it for the graphics. I enjoyed the words more than the the story. Although this work was banned in certain cities, Boston as an example, it is not so shocking now. Glad I read it, over a a long lunch on a rainy Saturday. My first long form poem since the the dreaded high school English classes

I was introduced to the text by an article in the New York Times, which mentioned this edition. Given that I have both volumes of Maus, the idea of an edition illustrated by Art Spiegelman appealed to me.Having read through it, I found the poetry even more powerful with Art's illustrations, which include a plan of the apartment that makes much of the action clearer.I recommend this edition for readers who want to understand, as well as experience, the poetry.

March brings to life a hot, gritty summer’s night party that gets more and more emotional. He builds fantastic tension in his characters. You know something’s going to break and you eagerly wait to see who, when and why. Quick read.

Got two copies in brand new condition.The old copy I had given away was a hard copy with red velvet inside cover pages.I guess I was expecting the books to be like that,I hadn't noticed that these copies was listed as soft copies,and I am not sure they were specified as paperbacks ...This is an issue with online shopping, one has to be really careful onesexpectations are met...I still really prefer an "analog" bookshop any day, and for every book I buy on amazon I try to support a"real" book store with the same amount!But: great service from seller and no complaints

I absolutely love the book; I love the musical, wanted to see what inspired it, and I definitely suggest you buy it. The reason I gave it three instead of five stars is because my book came damaged ): I know, I know, first world problem! I'm very happy I have the book, I just really enjoy a fresh book; there's nothing like cracking into a fresh book! So it took that away from me, but regardless of that, it's a great read; definitely get it!

Absolutely gorgeous book. Amazing captivating drawings and a smooth and fantastic pom that just flows in such an amazing way that you don't even notice the violence in the sentences, because he writes so matter-of-factly. This book has been my absolute favorite for many years, I recommend it to everyone I know.

This is the narrative poem that has been used as the basis for a number of plays and musicals, and for the Merchant/Ivory film 'The Wild Party'. It is a jazz age syncopated poem describing a night of drink and debauchery culminating in a shooting. It is filled with a cross section of low life, wonderfully illustrated by Art Spiegelman. The rhyming couplets have an energy and an abandon that characterises the whole party. And it can be enjoyed in under half an hour!

This long poem, arguably doggerel, is described as a long lost classic. Published in 1928, and banned at that time, it has been revisited by the great Art Spiegelman, but is probably mainly of interest to fans of this important cartoonist,(see 'Maus') or those who had previously heard of it. William Burroughs declared himself greatly influenced by it, and had apparently memorised long passages of it.

Everything arrived in good time and as advertised. What a great poem too!