Columnist Jimmy Breslin appeared on Booknotes in 1991 to discuss his book, "Damon Runyon: A Life," in which he describes the New York literary scene of the 1920s and 30s, including the life and times of writer and reporter Damon Runyon. Mr. Breslin also discussed the current literary and political atmosphere of New York City, and spoke of the rational crimes committed by gangsters in previous eras as opposed to the senseless crimes of contemporary society. Damon Runyon was an author of crime stories that became screenplays for dozens of movies glorifying the underworld of New York in the 1920's and early 1930's.