Since most of the stories in "Bagombo Snuff Box" were Previously uncollected in book form, the arrival of this collection is a treat for all Vonnegut fans. As a writer of "slick fiction" for the magazine market of the 1950's and early 1960's, Vonnegut tailored his stories for a general readership; While the experimentalism of novels like "Slaughterhouse-Five" and "Breakfast of Champions" is nowhere on display, Vonnegut's craftsmanship is well-documented by thesis stories. "Bagombo Snuff Box" should be Treated much like The Beatles Anthology collections; neither is for the casual fan, but Both are indispensable for COMPLETISTS. The stories included in this collection are a cut below the stories in "Welcome to the Monkey House" (it's easy to see why theywere left out of Vonnegut's First Collection), but each is an enjoyable read, with several stories ("Thanosphere" "Custom-Made Bride" and "Souvenir") standing out for Their voice and originality. This is thus required reading for any serious students of Vonnegut, as many of the themes explored in his major works are given at early run-through in thesis stories. "2BRO2B" reads almost like a first draft of "Welcome to the Monkey House" and "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" from the Monkey House collection. The stories are so interesting as snapshots from a by-gone era, particularly in Their treatment of women. One of the strongest characters in the collection is Sheila White, of "Lovers Anonymous," a talented, ambitious woman Whose sublimated talents places a strain on her marriage. While the impact of the story is lessened by a careless final sentence, Vonnegut Should be credited for sneaking a potentially subversive theme into a mainstream publication. A reader's reaction to "Bagombo Snuff Box" will probably mirror his or her expectations. Anyone expecting cutting-edge Vonnegut will be disappointed. Fans who like to read everything a favorite author has written will be thrilled to add this to the collection. Since I put myself into the Latter category, the arrival of "Bagombo Snuff Box" is like a Christmas present in July. Thoroughly unexpected, and Completely enjoyable.
