Charles Bukowski is an iconic 20th-century American writer, whose popularity in Europe has always outstripped his domestic one. Despite his sometimes shocking naturalism, his texts are lyrical, even sentimental.

Bukowski is rightfully considered a master of the short form, and his classic collection, Stories of Ordinary Madness, is a vivid example of this: bringing his signature command of words to incredible perfection, Bukowski guides his lyrical hero—a womanizer and drunkard, clearly the author's alter ego—through all the circles of modern hell. It was based on this book that the renowned Italian director Marco Ferreri directed the film of the same name (starring Ben Gazzara and Ornella Muti), which won the FIPRESCI Prize at the San Sebastian Film Festival and the David di Donatello awards in several categories.