The Set Up

This reprinting of the original, unchanged 1928 poem features dynamic, commissioned artwork by Eric Kriek that conveys the story of Pansy, an up-and-coming black prize fighter who takes on all comers. When he was in the ring, ''It was over before you knew it. He''d carve you up like a leg of mutton. And drop you flat with a sock on the button.'' Pansy''s complicated love life leads to prison and his career subsequently takes a nosedive; but he continues to box until the fateful night his fight managers and opponent triple-cross him and he meets a grisly end at the hands of a vengeful gang.