When Joseph Heller gained distinction for Catch-22 in 1961, he had already published several short stories.

These early works appear in Catch As Catch Can, along with five previously unpublished stories and some of his later writing.

The early short stories, which were written during the 1940s and 1950s, provide readers with a glimpse of Heller as a young, developing author. Some of them were written while he was a composition instructor at Penn State.

Heller was a superb storyteller. "Ordinary Joe" characters with complex emotions and the search of disillusioned people for significance are compelling.

"I Don't Love You Any More" was Heller's first published short story. A young husband has just returned from World War II, and he is temporarily overcome with distaste for his wife.

The serious subject is treated with subtle sarcastic wit. When asked if he wants to file for divorce, the husband casually responds that he only wants a beer.

"The Death of the Dying Swan" is one of Heller's previously unpublished works.

The story's main character is sent out for a jar of mustard by his spouse. He gets sidetracked to a local cabaret, where he has a drink and shares a discussion with a nameless woman.

Though the storyline may sound simplistic, the character's ponderings about his mundane life and inevitable death are thought provoking, yet not overpowering.

It is important to mention that the previously unpublished works were only corrected for spelling and typographical errors because Heller is not alive to approve other changes.

One of them had been heavily edited, but was printed in Catch As Catch Can without the edits. I am at a loss for what anyone would have wanted to change.

"The Day Bush Left," published in 1990, is a lighter satire.

Imagine that former President Bush had become tired of his job and spontaneously decided to leave office. Heller did just that, and the results are hilarious, even for those who remember little about the administration.

Democrats, Republicans and leaders from all over the world implore Bush to stay in office. These politicians do not like him, but the prospect of Dan Quayle becoming president instills fear in them.

From political satire to the human struggle for significance, Heller's ability to illustrate American life is exceptional.

Catch As Catch Can will entertain, provoke introspection and, on a few occasions, encourage a warm laughter.