FirstpublishedinParisin1955,andoriginallybannedintheUnitedStates,J.P.Donleavy'sfirstnovelisnowrecognizedtheworldoverasamasterpieceandamodernclassicofthehighestorder.SetinIrelandjustafterWorldWarII,TheGingerManisJ.P.Donleavy'swildlyfunny,picaresqueclassicnovelofthemisadventuresofSebastianDangerfield,ayoungAmericanne'er-do-wellstudyingatTrinityCollegeinDublin.Hebarelyhastimeforhisstudiesandavoidsbillcollectors,makeslovetoalmostanythinginaskirt,andtriestosurvivewithouthavingtodescendintothebottomlesspitofsteadywork.Dangerfield'sappetiteforwomen,liquor,andgeneralroguishnessisinsatiableandhesatisfiesitwithendlesscharm.