"A collection of 28 new stories"--Cover subtitle.

The Instrument is primarily focused on the character of Robert Yancey (Yank) Lucas, a playwright who has just written his first play. He manages to get Broadway to put on his play and in addition, his play catches the attention of Zena Gollum, Broadway's leading actress. Lucas and Zena have a torrid love affair, despite Zena being married. However, even this is not able to make him happy as Lucas struggles to be himself as his play becomes a huge...

Twenty-six new stories, nearly all of which were written by the author during the summer of 1960.

Bill Ewing confronts complex business and family relationships while trying to establish himself as a corporate lawyer during World War I.