My relationship with the famous writer of children's books, songs and plays Shel Silverstein. We were friends & colleagues. This work recounts our daily walk and work routine in Greenwich Vilalge of the 1980's and '90's.
"What an interesting book this is, both in form and content. This is not the Silverstein of his books for children (or whatever someone may have imagined aboutthat author) but a mature man with other interests, ideas, and preoccupations. Ifound that really refreshing. What emerges from this peripatetic portrait is a particular writer (who is particularly famous) in a particular time in a particularplace (NYC's West Village), seen from a particular point of view (Valerio's.) There's something very lyrical about this prose that I actually stopped along the way more than I might have if I were,say, reading for the plot. I really liked that this was a respectful, adult vision".—Professor E. V. Nerenberg
"A Great Nostalgic Trip to New York with Valerio and Shel Silverstein
Valerio's voice is unique, and reflects the cityscape he describes in this "walk" with Silverstein. About midway through the book, Shel provides a "blurb" for one of Valerio's books that, to me, seemed like a perfect description of this charming promenade. (You'll have to read this; and see the original note). One can't help but be nostalgic with the author for an earlier era (nostalgic for certain things, not Aids or orgies). I couldn't help but think, in reading this, that there was a flavor to NYC that seems duller now....but is totally present in Valerio's writing. The writing transports and provides welcome oasis these days!"
JJ Renkin
"Playboy cartoonist, beloved children's books author, Grammy award winningsongwriter, poet laureate of the post-counterculture, Shel Silverstein was perhapsAmerica's last Renaissance man. Anthony Valerio, prose painter of many intimate,dazzling, baroque portraits of great Italians and great Americans, famous and not,turns his brush to Silverstein. From Valerio's canvas jumps forth to readers anartist, a time and a friendship. Avoiding the one single human emotion that wasanathema to Shel—sentimentality—Valerio evokes the hedonism, disillusion andhumanity of 70s-80s Greenwich Village. A moving account of the joys of making art,making conversation, and making love, Valerio bears testament to a great artist anda great friend.—John McCormack, Professor - U of Chicago