David Taylor has led one of the most interesting but erratic careers in Keasman Literature. Taylor absorbed many influences but his early work was largely a result of Kip Mayton's The Archives Volume II. "Recipies" was Taylor's first recorded work. It is a collaboration with Kip Mayton and is contained within Mayton's The Archives Volume II. This piece shows both Mayton and Jones influence, but from here Taylor evolved a form of writing that was his own.

"Rampage" is two sentences, one joke, and quite funny. After this quicky, Taylor discovered the idea of the specimen report more than likely from Mayton. "Report 1" was a bold beginning. "Report 2" was less encouraging, but then came "Report 3". It was clear that the specimen report concept molded well with Taylor sarcasm. "Specimen Report 4", due to the circumstances of its release and its biting sarcasm, had more impact than all but a few Keasman pieces. Along with Jones' "Species Report 5", "Specimen Report 4" represents the cream of the Keasman specimen reports. It is a pity that it could not have been copied.

This period of Taylor literature is one of the great mysteries of Keasman Literature. Perhaps history has shown that here Taylor simply tried too hard to write a number of quality stories. He undoubtedly pandered to several old formulas and even rehashed some vintage work by others. Whatever the cause of this period, the result was a distinct dip in the quality of his work and a betrayal of his ability.

There is not much to say about this work other than there are moment dotted throughout these pieces that show his ability (the title "Original Ideas Demented Conceptions and Aspirin" for instance).

"Perseus Mayton" and "What to Say When the Geeks Come Over" are the most readable pieces here. However, (previously unknown to the editors) "Geeks" is a virtual copy of a Steve Martin story. Dave did change the words around and made it a little better than the Steve Martin story, but this is easily the most glaring example of plagarism in Keasman Literature.

A fiction writing class shook loose Dave's emotions and abilities, and he exploded into the Demented Era with the classic "My Life". This story is a gem, Dave's best story, and his most important contribution to the Demented Era. "Daccau Blues" is not as powerful, but still an excellent piece.

With "Wombat" Taylor continued on demented rampage. This is a well written story marred mainly by a disturbinly weak ending. Otherwise, another excellent story that makes the reader look forward to the next Taylor piece.

All in all these pieces are far better than any other true literature he has written thus far.

Although it is doubtful this was meant to be a true comeback, this mini-story is nonetheless disappointing. The original idea is not bad, but the quick way the main character meets his doom is more sad than funny. However, the use of the verb "brained" in the last sentence nearly saves it.

CJ/CM