Klinkowitz (English, U. of Northern Iowa) examines the career of the late American writer Kurt Vonnegut (1922-2007), author of such works as Slaughterhouse-Five, Cat's Cradle, and Breakfast of Champions. Chronologically tracing Vonnegut's output from the 1950s to the end of his life, Klinkowitz draws connections between the writings, Vonnegut's biography, and wider social and historical developments, while also assessing Vonegut's impact on American culture and society. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)