First published by Simon and Schuster, 1992 

By the early 1990s Elkin had published an impressive number of essays over the previous decade, many of which were collected in Pieces of Soap, along with other works of nonfiction such as speeches and book introductions. On a personal level, Elkin playfully reflected on such topics as his father, his time in the army and college, middle age, his clothing choices, his soap collection, his mental health and his home in University City. The cover featured one of Joan’s oil painting portraits of Stanley. Longtime friend and esteemed critic Helen Vendler wrote the introduction. It was widely praised in the press.