Since 1950, when his short stories first appeared, Kurt Vonnegut has published almost 50 short stories, 13 novels, two plays, and a teleplay. He has remained one of the most important chroniclers of American life. Yet he occupies an ambiguous place in American letters. Following three interviews with Vonnegut, the 14 essays in this collection seek to chronicle his career as it moves through changing times. The essays either focus on Vonnegut's later work or are retrospectives reevaluating aspects of his literary career. Some are on individual works, particularly later novels, but most consider the ways Vonnegut pursues a theme or technique.