These letters reveal Bukowski's everyday life, spanning from his early days working for the Post Office while struggling to get started as a poet and writer; the period during which he left this job and committed himself to his writing full-time; and on to his success and recognition later in life.

I wrote letters to many in those days ...it was rather my way of screaming from my cage.' The 1960's saw Charles Bukowski struggle for recognition and slowly emerge as a unique, talented and prolific poet and writer, whilst holding down a day job at the Post Office. During the 1970's and 80's Bukowski writes about his own fame, his contemporaries and his good fortunes; at the end of the 70's we see him beginning to enjoy the fruits of his labour. These letters to various literary contacts, friends and lovers provide an intimate and fascinating look at Bukowski's mind, his emotions, his attitude towards his own creativity and the comings and goings of his daily life.