Books in Order: Delving into the Literary Universe of Iceberg Slim
Renowned for his raw, real-life narratives intertwined in his thriller novels, Iceberg Slim, or Robert Beck (1918-1992), is a celebrated author in the crime and non-fiction genre. Slim’s unique moniker stemmed from his cool disposition under pressure, coupled with his sleek physique.
A Brief Look into Slim’s Engrossing Life
Before his pivot to writing, Slim left an indelible impact in another realm – the underworld. Interestingly, his writing was fueled by his colorful past as a highly successful pimp. His experience, enhanced by his uncanny ability to mask his emotions, gave birth to some of the most intriguing crime narratives. After an incarceration stint, Slim retired from his reign in the underworld, realizing that he was getting out of touch with the ruthlessness that the game required.
His impactful transition from an underworld figure to an esteemed author was largely influenced by the unwavering support and conviction of his common-law wife, Betty Shue. Betty not only nurtured Slim’s writing aspirations but also co-authored several of his works. Slim abided by two golden rules throughout his writing career – not to glamorize the harsh realities of his past life and to abstain from squealing while documenting his experiences.
A Glimpse into Slim’s Unique Writing Style
Iceberg Slim debuted as an author with his groundbreaking novel, Pimp: The Story of My Life, published in 1967. The book was a sensational illustration of Slim’s past life and intriguing persona. His signature writing was characterized by a candid representation of his experiences, coated in a language that was raw yet engaging.
What set Slim’s writing apart was his ability to plunge his readers into the untamed world of crime, through his masterful use of language and profound understanding of the subject matter. Crime narratives took on a new dimension through Slim’s uniquely gritty and yet strangely poetic approach.
Iceberg Slim’s Books in Order
Beyond his memorable debut, Slim has an impressive body of work to his credit. Here, we introduce you to Iceberg Slim’s books in order:
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
| Pimp | (1967) |    |
| Trick Baby | (1967) | |
| Mama Black Widow | (1969) | |
| The Naked Soul of Iceberg Slim | (1971) | |
| Long White Con | (1977) | |
| Death Wish | (1977) | |
| Doom Fox | (1998) | |
| Shetani’s Sister | (2015) | |
| Night Train to Sugar Hill | (2019) | |