James Branch Cabell fue un autor estadounidense de ficción fantástica y crítica literaria. Fue muy respetado por sus contemporáneos, como H. L. Mencken y Sinclair Lewis, y su obra se alineaba con la cultura escapista de la década de 1920, cuando alcanzó su mayor popularidad. Cabell creía firmemente que la veracidad era "el único pecado imperdonable, no solo contra el arte, sino contra el bienestar humano."
Set in the enchanting realm of medieval Europe, this collection features tales inspired by historical chronicles. James Branch Cabell expertly blends fantasy with authenticity, creating a seamless narrative that transports readers to a bygone era. By masking his authorship, he enhances the immersive experience, allowing the stories to resonate with a sense of truth and depth.
This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.
Exploring the surreal landscape of dreams, this fantasy sequence weaves together three distinct narratives: "Smirt: An Urban Nightmare," "Smith: A Sylvan Interlude," and "Smire: An Acceptance in the Third Person." Each story captures the illogical and fluid essence of dreams, creating a misty, dreamlike atmosphere that invites readers to navigate through its unique logic and geography. The work stands as Cabell's most significant contribution to post-Biography fantasy, showcasing his imaginative depth and stylistic innovation.
Set against a backdrop where history intertwines with fantasy, the novel features Colonel Musgrave, a charming yet traditional man from a once-prominent Southern family. As a librarian, his influence is tied to his ancestors' legacy, but everything shifts when a modern cousin arrives, challenging his views on honor and chivalry. This comic romance explores themes of power dynamics and gender relations, revealing the timeless relevance of its issues. With its whimsical narrative, the book invites readers into a richly imagined world that resonates today.
Florian de Puysange's wedding to Adelaide de la Forêt takes a surreal turn when he meets his deceased friend Tiburce d'Arnaye, prompting a night of nostalgic drinking and reflections on their past pact. This encounter sets the stage for a series of whimsical and humorous tales that explore the themes of love and friendship. James Branch Cabell weaves together a unique blend of comic fantasy, inviting readers into a world where the boundaries of life and death blur in delightful ways.
Felix Kennaston, a dreamer with literary aspirations, stumbles upon a mysterious talisman that influences his writing. After a vivid dream prompts him to alter his novel's ending, he finds himself on the path to unexpected success. This narrative explores themes of ambition, creativity, and the intersection of dreams and reality, showcasing Kennaston's journey in the town of Lichfield. The Cream of the Jest delves into the transformative power of imagination and the impact of chance on artistic endeavors.
One of the most-talked-about works of the 1920s, this compelling fantasy recounts the odyssey of a middle-aged pawnbroker who regains his youth for a year of amorous adventures. Jurgen's allegorical journey leads through a supernatural dreamscape to romances with Guenevere and The Lady of the Lake and confrontations with God and the Devil. This edition of Cabell's witty and irreverent landmark of modern fiction contains the full text of the revised and definitive version of 1926, together with 13 striking full-page illustrations by Frank Papé.
Exploring the tension between societal indifference and the value of poetry, this collection delves into the lives of renowned poets like Alexander Pope and Robert Herrick. Through imaginative storytelling, Cabell reflects on whether poetry serves as a futile endeavor or a testament to one's commitment to lofty ideals. This engaging narrative invites readers to reconsider the significance of poetic expression in a world that often overlooks its worth.
Set in the fictional province of Poictesme, the novel follows Manuel, an innkeeper's son, on his quest for social elevation and the love of the noble Countess Melicent. Infused with humor and satire, the story blends romance and fantasy while critiquing societal norms. Cabell's poetic style, inspired by 18th-century rococo art, enriches this exploration of ambition, identity, and the illusions of nobility. Through Manuel's journey, the narrative offers timeless reflections on human desires and the complexities of courtly love, making it a captivating read.
Cabell, an influential American author known for his fantasy fiction and elegant prose, began his career as a newspaper reporter before transitioning to fiction writing in the early 1900s. His stories gained national recognition, appearing in prominent magazines like Harper's and The Saturday Evening Post. In the 1920s, he led a literary group known as "The James Branch Cabell School," which included notable writers such as H. L. Mencken and Elinor Wylie, highlighting his impact on the literary community of his time.
