You Can't Win

JACK BLACK

Publication: The Macmillan Company, 1926, New York

First edition. 8vo. Red cloth, titles stamped in gilt on the spine, xi [3], 394 pp., acknowledgment, foreword by Robert Herrick. Autobiography of Jack Black telling of his experiences as he engaged in freight-hopping around the West, the U.S. and Canada. He tells of his life of crime becoming a thief, and as a gang member. Six Guns 218 says "The story, about the author's own criminal career, touches upon Jesse and Frank James and Bob Ford and tells about his contacts with Bat Masterson and Soapy Smith." William S. Burroughs cited "You Can't Win" as an extremely influential book in his life. Former owner's inked name on the front pastedown sheet, covers lightly soiled, light wear to the spine ends and corners, front and rear spine channels starting, a few pages darkened because of old newspaper clippings laid-in, else interior basically clean and solid. A good copy lacking the dust jacket.