AZAZEL

Eighteen lightweight stories, 1982-88, plus one original, about Azazel—the grumpy, egotistical, two-centimeter-tall demon that only pompous, tightfisted linguist George Bitternut knows how to conjure up. Azazel, though he will not use his amazing powers for George's personal gain, is susceptible to flattery and may be prevailed upon to help George's friends. But since Azazel's understanding of human society and foibles is severely limited, the results are always unfortunate. Gottlieb Jones, for example, dreams of becoming a great writer. Azazel fixes it; Gottlieb becomes a great writer—a great copywriter with no interest in producing literature. Mordecai Sims, an impatient writer of articles, desires the ability to manage his time better—no waiting in line, or for cabs, or elevators, or whatever. After Azazel arranges things, poor Mordecai finds himself with no wasted time whatsoever—and thus no time to think up any ideas. A young wife, Fifi, desires to travel, but her husband Sophocles will have none of it. Azazel gives Sophocles an irresistible urge to travel, everywhere, constantly; unfortunately, he travels so much that Fifi never gets to stay anywhere or see anything. And so forth. Harmless, vaguely amusing froth.