Boyd, William

New York. 1985. Morrow. 1st American Edition. Very Good in Dustjacket. 0688025994. 334 pages. hardcover. Jacket illustration by Lyn Duncombe. keywords: Literature England . FROM THE PUBLISHER - British-born Henderson Dores, art valuer at Mulholland, Melhuish, Fine Art Auctioneers in New York City, only wants to behave like an American. He wants to be gregarious, casual, and spontaneous. Unfortunately, he is intrinsically, undeniably, properly British - duty-bound and shy. He is also a walking definition of Murphy's Law. When Dores is sent on a seemingly innocent job down South to assess reclusive millionaire Loomis Gage's small but very select collection of Impressionist paintings, things begin going wrong almost immediately. First Dores's nubile stepdaughter-to-be, Bryant, cons her way into joining him on the trip, which puts a damper on his plans to keep a tryst with his mistress. Second, he must contend with Loomis Gage and his eccentric family. At their first meeting Freeborn Gage threatens to kill Dores by hitting his head with his behind. Cora Gage wears dark sunglasses, leading Dores to believe that she is blind. Not until after he has pantomimed vile curses and made rude faces at her does he realize that she sees only too well. These are only some of the people Dores meets and only a few of the trials he must endure to achieve his emotional naturalization. Expect the unexpected in Stars and Bars - a farcical and perceptive look at Americans, the British, freedom, and duty by one of the most talented British novelists writing today. inventory #1554 ISBN: 0688025994.