Introduction

“The Fastidious Fooey Mancucu” is a satirical and humorous tale following the misadventures of Salem Myth and the narrator as they search for the elusive Fooey Mancucu in New York. The story is filled with absurd characters and situations, providing a comedic critique of society and various personalities of the time.

The story is part of a letter written to Tevis Clyde Smith circa mid- to late September 1927.

Detailed summary

The story begins with Salem Myth and the narrator arriving in New York Harbor, concerned about the presence of Fooey Mancucu in America. Myth emphasizes the peril posed by Fooey and suggests they visit prominent men in New York to uncover Fooey’s disguise as a bootlegger.

Their search begins humorously as they encounter an Irishman who cannot help them and Myth recites a classic poem, highlighting his disdain for both Jews and Irishmen. They enter a saloon where the bartender shares anecdotes about famous figures, and Myth uses his experience to trade whiskey for beer.

They visit Ben Hecht, who is surrounded by filth and engaged in eccentric behavior. Hecht shows interest in Fooey when he learns of his association with Michael Arlen’s novels. Myth, however, continues to insult and berate the narrator as they proceed to G.V. Viereck’s residence, only to be dismissed rudely.

Frustrated, Myth becomes increasingly aggressive, physically attacking the narrator. They encounter various characters, including a man they mistake for the heavyweight champion and the author F. Scotch Hitsgerald, who offers irrelevant commentary.

Myth then proposes visiting E. Helldemon Jew-less, suspecting a plot to monopolize educational resources. However, they learn Jew-less is abroad, and their search remains fruitless. The story ends with a newsboy announcing Fooey Mancucu’s flight from Canton to Hong Kong, revealing that Fooey never left the East, much to Myth’s chagrin.

Characters

  • Salem Myth: The main protagonist, driven by paranoia and a sense of duty to find Fooey Mancucu. He is abrasive, aggressive, and often insults his companion.
  • Narrator: The companion of Salem Myth, often the target of Myth’s insults and physical abuse. He provides a more passive and observational perspective.
  • Fooey Mancucu: The elusive antagonist whom Myth and the narrator are searching for. He is rumored to be a threat to society.
  • Bartender: A character who shares stories about famous personalities and helps create a humorous atmosphere in the saloon.
  • Ben Hecht: A writer engaged in bizarre behavior, showing interest in Fooey due to his association with Michael Arlen.
  • G.V. Viereck: A resident of New York who dismisses Myth and the narrator rudely.
  • F. Scotch Hitsgerald: An author who provides irrelevant commentary, frustrating Myth further.
  • E. Helldemon Jew-less: A suspect in a plot to monopolize educational resources, though he is out of town.
  • Various Passersby: Include an Irishman, a man resembling the heavyweight champion, and a man engrossed in Voltaire, who all add to the absurdity and comedic tone of the story.

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