Donald Westlake’s nearly forgotten pulp sleaze classic, Man Hungry, is actually one of his first published novels, a 1959 literary take on the genre, complete with lesbians, prostitutes, a swinging college campus, and a washed-up writer-turned-writing professor who’s been unable to reprise the success of his bestselling first novel. And, oh yeah, a certain salacious young college junior who’s hungry for more than just an education.

Apart from its steamy content, Man Hungry is actually a fine novel and a fascinating glimpse into the development of one of our most prolific and talented writers. It’s all there–hints of his dark style, flawed and wanton characters, and the old familiar haunts, including the first appearance of the fictional Monequois College in the equally made-up town of Monequois, New York, which subsequently appears in at least a half dozen Westlake novels under at least four of his pen names.

If you’re a Westlake fan, a fan of the genre, or just looking for a great vintage read, this new edition of Man Hungry from Blackbird Books will satisfy your appetite!