The autobiography of a turn-of-the-century American “yegg,” hobo, small-time thief and opium addict. Well-written, with an informal grace, an evocative phrasing, and an engaging subject-matter. This book was an early influence on [author:William S. Burroughs], giving him the prototype for his book [book:Junky] as well as the character Salt Chunk Mary and the concept of the “Johnson Family.”