THE ANNALS OF LOGAN

by Robert Graham ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 27, 1960

This curious, if original book is a dramatic poem in condemnation of the organization man in particular and our neon-lit civilization in general, as well as ""this whole sad, confused inescapable life"". The book tells its story through a series of dramatic monologues by corporation officials and executives of an inter-office plot in the corporation of the ""Cross Automatic Controls"". The story is fairly simple; one heartless, scheming employee plots to have a gentle, elderly, sometimes drunk employee fired. This act of cruelty triggers a number of tragic events in the office- a heart attack, a mental break-down, etc. The man for whom the book is named-inappropriately- is rather less central to the story than anyone else. There are various minor sub-plots involving all the personnel caught in this organization- from wasted half men to seductive secretaries. Graham has a fairly clear grasp of his characters and what he has to say is perfectly clear. But it is such a hopeless point of view- lacking in humor as well as humanity- and by the close the book seems not only redundant but also a little ridiculous.... A poetic herald for Vance Packard?

Pub Date: Feb. 27, 1960

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Holt, Rinehart & Winston

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1960

Categories: FICTION