Damon Runyon was an American short-story writer, journalist, and humorist considered by some to be one of the world's greatest writers. He was the archetype of the tough street reporter who fraternized socially with gangsters and hoodlums, which certainly fueled his public persona. He spun humorous and sentimental tales of gamblers, hustlers, actors, and gangsters. Runyon's short stories are told in the first person by a protagonist who is never named, and whose role is unclear; he knows many gangsters and does not appear to have a job, but he does not admit to any criminal involvement, and seems to be largely a bystander. He describes himself as "being known to one and all as a guy who is just around". His syndicated column, featuring celebrated
