They have big plans, they want to break free, to do things completely differently from the established citizens; they ramble, drink, smoke, and read books. Eventually, they become wiser. Just not Bavink. Bavink goes off the deep end.

The heroes in this volume are young bohemians in early 20th century Amsterdam, untamed idealists who disdain the world of money and order, seeking their own path. This path does not always lead to success – but before we drape a shroud of pessimism over this misguided zeal, we should remember that it has given rise to great stories, in which both enthusiasm and failure have miraculously remained alive.

No one has written more laconically and beautifully about the bravado and longings of young people, their wild dreams, and their vulnerability than Nescio. During his lifetime, only a handful of stories were published by him, the serious businessman, the exact opposite of his characters, which have lost none of their power to this day.