'With no shortage of anecdotes, pictures or big names, this biography is so thorough and sharp that it may wellbe the last.' ArenaLocked in the Arms of a Crazy Life is the classic biography of Charles Bukowski, the hard-drinking barfly whosesemi-autobiographical books about low-life America made him a cult figure across the globe. Extensive original research and unique contributions from friends, family and associates - including Mickey Rourke, Robert Crumb, Sean Penn, Norman Mailer and Allen Ginsberg - as well as personal photographs and drawings by Buk himself make this a must for Bukowski devotees and new readers alike.'Will not be rivalled. Its effect is to revitalise rather than reduce Bukowski's work.' Independent'The most definitive to date.' Guardian'Judicious quotation from unpublished works, including drawings by Charles Bukowski, is one of the pleasuresof Howard Sounes's excellent biography which, like its hero's ideal blonde, is short, shapely and full.' Daily Telegraph