One of the defining novels of Jazz Age literature, Carl Van Vechten’s Firecrackers encapsulates the extravagance and freedom of New York City in the Roaring 20s.

Paul Moody’s life is almost completely uneventful. The gigolo is bored and desperately seeking a sense of purpose. When a mysterious, attractive young man, Gunnar O’Grady, enters Paul’s life he becomes fascinated with his new friend. Gunnar represents the sexual freedom of the Jazz Age and soon becomes the object of many of the characters’ desires. As he becomes integral to Paul’s social circle, Gunnar flicks between seeking and avoiding the vying eyes of those around him.

This entertaining and ironic novel was first published in 1925. Now in a brand new edition, this volume is not one to be missed by fans of Carl Van Vechten or F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.