The late James M. Cain was a newspaperman, playwright, and novelist. Although best known for his controversial novels ( The Postman Always Rings Twice , Double Indemnity , Mildred Pierce , Serenade , The Butterfly , and Past All Dishonor ), Cain always considered himself a journalist, a "newpaperman who wrote yarns on the side." The book includes some of Cain's best articles and essays. The material is sometimes serious, sometimes humorous and provides a unique look at 60 years of history.