With decades in the publishing world, Lawrence S. Freundlich is a colossus of literature, having shaped a string of bestsellers and enduring classics. As publisher and editor-in-chief at prestigious houses like Doubleday, Harper’s, Crown, and his own imprint, Freundlich Books, he brought literary jewels into being. Among the many books he has brought into being are the Pulitzer Prize-winning *Pilgrim at Tinker Creek* by Annie Dillard and the guiding of four New York Times bestsellers in one year at Crown.

As George Lord Weidenfeld of Weidenfeld & Nicholson so admirably has put it, “Quite simply, the greatest editor of his generation.”. But his skill sets don’t stop with editing. As a writer, he had co-authored, with Pia Mellody, the bestseller in mental health circles, *The Intimacy Factor*, which has been a constant seller for more than a decade. His own bestseller, *Blue Dog*, illustrated by George Rodrigue, has charmed readers of all ages around the world, with translations in many languages.

Now, Freudlich brings his voice into stories inspired by his life’s journey. *Brooklyn Tough* and *Cats and Drunks* draw deeply from his return to Brooklyn, where he rediscovered resilience, humor, and sobriety. These works interlace his love for his roots with latent the telling of tales reminiscent of Woody Allen and his street-smart toughness, not unlike Jimmy Breslin.

He weaves together Mafia-dominated Brooklyn grit with heartwarming anecdotes of redemption in his latest tales while paying homage to the furry companions who were by his side during his darkest hours. Readers who find the charm of *The Sopranos*,

*Goodfellas*, or *The Gang Who Couldn’t Shoot Straight* endearing will find laughter and insight in his captivating prose.

Immerse yourself in his world famous “Brooklyn’s tough” and “Cats and drunks”, and create a harmony of hilarity and heart.