As a youth, John "Butch" Rigney, Jr. (1936-1967) went in and out of a series of reform schools and prison for stealing, and even jumping from a bridge in the Bronx into the Hudson River. He and his brother and sister enduring abusive parents before each leaving home as teenagers. The early writings of Rigney are dated 1963, when he served in the Air Force while stationed in Alaska. Back in New York City, he continued writing what became a novel and several related short stories. Some of the chapters are dated 1966, so it can be assumed that this novel was his final work.
About the Editor
Jim Provenzano is the author of 'Finding Tulsa' (Palm Drive Publishing), 'Now I'm Here' (Beautiful Dreamer Press), the Lambda Literary Award-winning 'Every Time I Think of You,' its sequel 'Message of Love' (a Lambda Literary Award Finalist), the novels 'PINS,' 'Monkey Suits,' 'Cyclizen,' the stage adaptation of 'PINS,' the short story collection 'Forty Wild Crushes,' and three audiobook adaptations. Born in New York City and raised in Ashland, Ohio, he studied theater at Kent State University, has a BFA in Dance from Ohio State University and a Master of Arts in English/Creative Writing from San Francisco State University. A journalist, editor, and photographer in LGBT media for three decades, he lives in San Francisco. www.jimprovenzano.com
