San Francisco, 1976. A naïve young secretary, fresh out of Cleveland, tumbles headlong into a brave new world of laundromat Lotharios, pot-growing landladies, cut throat debutantes, and Jockey Shorts dance contests. The saga that ensues is manic, romantic, tawdry, touching, and outrageous - unmistakably the handiwork of Armistead Maupin.
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
edition.
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"A consummate entertainer... It is Maupin's Dickensian gift to be able to render love convincingly" (Edmund White The Times Literary Supplement )
"Maupin is a richly gifted comic author" (Observer )
"San Francisco is fortunate in having a chronicler as witty and likeable as Armistead Maupin" (Independent )
"Like those of Dickens and Wilkie Collins, Armistead Maupin's novels have all appeared originally as serials... it is the strength of this approach, with its fantastic adventures and astonishingly contrived coincidences, that makes these novels charming and compelling" (Literary Review ) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
"Maupin is a richly gifted comic author" (Observer )
"San Francisco is fortunate in having a chronicler as witty and likeable as Armistead Maupin" (Independent )
"Like those of Dickens and Wilkie Collins, Armistead Maupin's novels have all appeared originally as serials... it is the strength of this approach, with its fantastic adventures and astonishingly contrived coincidences, that makes these novels charming and compelling" (Literary Review ) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
Book Description
The first volume in the widely acclaimed and much-loved series
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
edition.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By A. Brown
Format:Paperback
I've been meaning to read this ever since the Channel 4 adaptation in 1993, which starred Olympia Dukakis and Laura Linney.
The novel was first published in 1978 after being serialised in the San Francisco Chronicle. In it Armistead Maupin captures the spirit and atmosphere of a society with liberal attitudes to sex, sexuality and drugs. As such, the book does not seem as dated as it might have done.
The book follows the stories of around eight archetypal characters, from the naïve Mary Ann to the wise (but mysterious) Mrs Madrigal, the openly and flamboyantly gay (Michael) to the secretive and sinister (Norman). Centred on the lodgings run by Mrs Madrigal, and the "family" of residents, this is a book about friendship, relationships and the (often unexpected) connections between people.
While some of the references may be dated and specific to San Francisco, the book is a joy to read. The short chapters and easy-going style make it eminently readable.
The novel was first published in 1978 after being serialised in the San Francisco Chronicle. In it Armistead Maupin captures the spirit and atmosphere of a society with liberal attitudes to sex, sexuality and drugs. As such, the book does not seem as dated as it might have done.
The book follows the stories of around eight archetypal characters, from the naïve Mary Ann to the wise (but mysterious) Mrs Madrigal, the openly and flamboyantly gay (Michael) to the secretive and sinister (Norman). Centred on the lodgings run by Mrs Madrigal, and the "family" of residents, this is a book about friendship, relationships and the (often unexpected) connections between people.
While some of the references may be dated and specific to San Francisco, the book is a joy to read. The short chapters and easy-going style make it eminently readable.
20 of 22 people found the following review helpful
By Daisy Roots
Format:Paperback
Found the first two on the shelves of the house in San Francisco where I was staying last week. Had just sprained ankle, so forced so sit in sun and read novels with foot on cushion all day (it was hell...) now home I hobbled to library and got out next two in series. What is it about some books - or perhaps some writers - that really makes you feel good? Can't say Maupin has actually cured the ankle, but the discovery of his books so late in my life (don't ask, honey) has certainly lifted my spirits. Another feel good book is "I Capture the Castle" by Dodie Smith (yes the 1001 dalmatians author) which came out in WW2 before you were born sweetie, but has the same way of treating adult subjects seriously and yet lightly and humourously. So glad I sprained my ankle. I think.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Skylark
Format:Paperback
Almost every time people in London have heard that I'm from San Francisco they've immediately gushed about Maupin's Tales of the City and then been shocked to hear that I, a native of San Francisco, have never read any book of the series! Well, at long last I have. And I have to say they're charming, and they certainly have an addictive page-turning quality. However, they are definitely "an easy read" and I regret to say that although I didn't thrust these tales at the floor at any point neither was I particularly moved or entranced. These tales are not "fine writing". These tales do not constitute "great literature". They're just a pleasant "good read". And to anybody wondering how expressive they are of San Francisco, I'ld say they do succeed in conveying its atmosphere, warmth, and friendliness very well indeed. They made me quite homesick at several points.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simply the best page turner you will ever cone across
i was introduced tk thjs series of bokks many years ago and cannot tell you hkw fascinating they were and ztill areone of the few that i re read on a regular basiz
i have... Read more
i have... Read more
Published 28 days ago by golden balls
3.0 out of 5 stars
Dated
A reasonable read but dated and stuck in the 70's or thereabouts. Quite interesting, but not very. His more recent stories might be better.
Published 1 month ago by Observer
2.0 out of 5 stars
Right book wrong cover
The book is described correctly but the cover is totally different to that shown. I was specifically after the cover shown
Published 1 month ago by Dfdk2
4.0 out of 5 stars
Easy living
This is a loverly book which sounds so Bad, it inoffensive, it light and airy, I love it. I love Mrs Madrigal, she lived life and wants others to do the same.
Published 2 months ago by Fingledog
5.0 out of 5 stars
fantabalous
enthralling,tantalizingly exciting from the start ! felt i had to read it in one sitting,could not put the book down!
Published 3 months ago by graham morris
5.0 out of 5 stars
Nostalgia, warm nostalgia
I remember the pleasure with which I first read this book. I was enthralled by the wit and joy in it. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Halcro Johnston
1.0 out of 5 stars
a wasted day
I got this book as a Christmas present after hearing rave reviews on the radio about it for years. Started the book with high expectations which were quickly dashed. Read more
Published 16 months ago by peter disappointed
5.0 out of 5 stars
I'd forgotten how good this was!
It's been twenty years since I last read this, and probably about the same time since I saw the series that came from it. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Jayney reads
5.0 out of 5 stars
The good old days of SF
Tales of the City is a fast-paced page-turner that you won't put down until you're finished, I read it cover to cover in a few hours! Read more
Published on 2 May 2011 by Mr. R. A. Williams
4.0 out of 5 stars
Love it or hate it, you'll still be glad you read it!
Tales of the City recounts the lives of a group of people rooming in a house in San Fransisco at the height of Flower Power. A story of love (free and otherwise! Read more
Published on 9 Mar 2011 by Easterchick
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