You Can't Win: The 1926 Classic (Annotated)

Unique Elements Detailed 20th Century Historical Timeline This timeless classic makes a fantastic gift to give… or add to your collection! Explore the wonders and magic of this unforgettable masterpiece and take an exhilarating step back in time! Synopsis: You Can't Win by hobo and burglar; Jack Black is an autobiography first published in 1926. It describes Black's life on the road, in prison, and his numerous criminal escapades. Most of the occurrences in the book take place from the late 1880s to roughly 1910 and describe Black's experiences in the hobo underworld while he was traveling by freight through the western United States and Canada. He explores the subjects of crime, criminal justice, vice, addictions, penology, and human foolishness from a variety of angles, from observer to consumer to supplier and from victim to perpetrator. He tells of being a thief, burglar, and member of the safe-cracking (yegg) subculture. Excerpt: ‘I am now librarian of the San Francisco Call. Do I look like one? I turn my chair so I can look in the mirror. I don’t see the face of a librarian. There is no smooth, high, white forehead. I do not see the calm, placid, composed countenance of the student. The forehead I see is high enough, but it is lined with furrows that look like knife scars. There are two vertical furrows between my eyes that make me appear to be wearing a continual scowl. My eyes are wide enough apart and not small, but they are hard, cold, calculating. They are blue, but of that shade of blue farthest removed from the violet. My nose is not long, not sharp. Nevertheless it is an inquisitive nose. My mouth is large—one corner of it is higher than the other and I appear to be continually sneering. I do not scowl, I do not sneer; yet there is something in my face that causes a man or woman to hesitate before asking to be directed to Dr. Gordon’s church. I can’t remember a time that any woman, young or old, ever stopped me on the street and asked to be directed. Once in a great while a drunk will roll over to where I am standing and ask how he can get to “Tw’ninth ’n’ Mission.” If I gaze into the mirror long enough and think hard enough I can conjure up another face. The old one seems to dissolve and in its place I see the face of a schoolboy—a bright, shining, innocent face. I see a mop of white hair, a pair of blue eyes, and an inquisitive nose. I see myself standing on the broad steps of the Sisters’ Convent School. At the age of fourteen, after three years’ “board and tuition,” I am leaving to go home to my father and then to another school for “big boys.”’ A Beautiful Reprint At Ginger Classics, we take every step possible to ensure that the original integrity of this book has been upheld to its highest standard. This means that the texts in this story are unedited and unchanged from the original author's publication, preserving its earliest form for your enjoyment. This title will make an excellent gift for the book lover in your life or a fantastic addition to your current collection. Scroll to the top of the page and select the buy now button.
ASIN: B0BQG4HJPH
VSKU: BVV.B0BQG4HJPH.G
Condition: Good
Author/Artist:Black, Jack|Classics, Ginger
Binding: Paperback
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact including the dust cover, if applicable . Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.