Three Thousand Dollars
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder | David Lipsky |
| Products | Short story collection |
Three Thousand Dollars is a 1989 anthology of short stories penned by American writer David Lipsky. The collection delves into the New York City Art world, academic experiences, and the complexities of maturation. Several stories were initially published in outlets such as The New Yorker, Mississippi Review, and The Best American Short Stories.
Story
The collection Three Thousand Dollars features characters Joan and Richard Freely, who reappear in Lipsky's later novel The Art Fair. Observers have drawn connections between the narratives and Lipsky’s mother, the abstract-expressionist artist Pat Lipsky. The Los Angeles Times lauded the book for its "astonishing insights into the machinations of the New York city art world," while the Wall Street Journal characterized Lipsky’s depiction as "treacherous, sly and amusing."
Lipsky composed this collection at age 22 during his MFA studies at Johns Hopkins University. Novelist John Gregory Brown acknowledged Lipsky as a standout talent among his contemporaries.
Reception
The book was met with widespread critical praise upon publication. Reviewers emphasized Lipsky's "unlimited depth and range of vision," with the San Francisco Chronicle calling it "an irresistible debut." The stories evoked comparisons to F. Scott Fitzgerald. According to Magill's Literary Annual, it represents "a vivid artistic rendition of growing up," highlighting Lipsky’s "subtle, fine humor" and sharp narrative voice. The Providence Journal complimented his "near-perfect pitch for dialogue." The Los Angeles Times concluded that Lipsky delivered "a general autobiography" that resonates with a broad audience from his generation. The trade journal Booklist summarized that critical response was overwhelmingly positive.