Not stories -- rather these are impressions -- panoramic glimpses of the city streets -- of people's inner beings -- of impressions -- savors. Nothing of a ""plot"" -- no ""scenarios"" -- jottings and footnotes to journalistic episodes. The whole a blended pattern -- skilful -- brilliant -- less uneven than his more sustained work. A book that is a ""must book"" for the Wolfe fans and that may help convert others to his banner.