Gargoyles

Gargoyles by Ben Hecht is a novel that explores the lives of the grotesque stone figures that adorn the buildings of New York City. The book is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different gargoyle and their experiences with the humans around them. The first part follows a gargoyle named Cholo, who lives on the roof of a church in Harlem. Cholo observes the daily struggles of the people in the neighborhood and becomes increasingly disillusioned with humanity. The second part introduces us to a gargoyle named Pagan, who resides on a skyscraper in Manhattan. Pagan is fascinated by the glamorous lives of the people who work in the building and becomes obsessed with a beautiful actress who lives nearby. The final part of the book tells the story of a gargoyle named Dumas, who lives on the roof of a wealthy family's mansion. Dumas is witness to the family's dysfunction and secrets, and becomes embroiled in their affairs. Throughout the book, Hecht uses the gargoyles as a lens through which to examine the human condition. The novel is both a commentary on society and a meditation on the nature of existence.1922. American screenwriter, director, producer, playwright, novelist, the Shakespeare of Hollywood, who received screen credits, alone or in collaboration, for the stories or screenplays of some 70 films. His novel, Gargoyles begins: The calendars said-1900. It was growing warm. George Cornelius Basine emerged from Madam Minnie�������s house of ill fame at five o�������clock on a Sabbath May morning. He was twenty-five years old, neatly dressed, a bit unshaven and whistling valiantly, Won�������t you come home, Bill Bailey, won�������t you come home? Considering the high estate which was to be his, as the estimable Senator Basine, the introduction savors of malice. But, it must be remembered, this was twenty-two years ago, and moreover, in a day before the forces of decency had triumphed. The Soul of man was still unregenerate. Prostitutes, saloons, hellholes still flourished unchallenged in the city�������s heart. And Basine even at twenty-five was not one of those aggravating anomalies who pride themselves upon being ahead of their time; or behind their time. Basine was of his time.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.