Charles Bukowski was a well-known American writer of the 20th century, whose books were popular in Europe, especially in Germany. He wrote more than 40 books, including novels, poems, essays, and short stories. His texts sometimes feature shocking realism, yet they are also full of lyricism and sentimentality. Bukowski is considered a master of short forms, and his collection “The First Beauty in the City” (also known as “The Most Beautiful Woman in the City”) is a vivid example of his talent. In this book he describes the life of his lyrical hero—a womanizer and a drunkard—who is clearly a reflection of the author himself.