Published in 1964 by Constable (and reissued in 1987 by New Directions), the book achieved fame for having holes cut in several pages as a narrative technique.

It is written in an unusual and pioneering style, frequently changing from first-person narrative to third-person commentary, and often descending into stream-of-consciousness interior monologue.

His friend Terry, whom he accompanies to late-night cafes, was also 'betrayed' by a woman, and their friendship is built upon this common experience.

Johnson's invitation to his readers to complete The Matrix Trilogy of which See the Old Lady Decently (1975) is the first book) the character B.S.

(Byron Shelly) Johnson, has his copy of Albert Angelo confiscated by the Australian Customs authorities because "there were holes cut in the pages and they wanted to view the excisions".