Elkin, Stanley 1930–

Elkin, an American novelist, short story writer, editor, and critic, writes parodies of contemporary absurdity and violence, aptly called (although he dislikes the term) black comedies. Although he is generally highly regarded by critics and his fellow writers, Elkin has not received the popular acclaim that many feel he deserves. Josh Greenfeld praises him as "a bright satirist, a bleak absurdist, and a deadly moralist…. I know of no serious funny writer in this country who can match him." (See also CLC, Vols. 4, 6, 9, and Contemporary Authors, Vols 9-12, rev. ed.)