When Let Me Lie was first published in 1947, most reviewers missed the double meaning of the book's title. Deaf to James Branch Cabell's many-layered ironic wit, they read the book as a paean to the old South.
Readers of this new paperback edition are unlikely to repeat the mistake. Let Me Lie is indeed a carefully researched and brilliantly written historical narrative of Virginia from 1559 to 1946--focusing on Tidewater, Richmond, and the Northern Neck--but as a fictional scholar remarks in the book, Cabell's history is -both accurate and injudicious.- Virginia's...
When Let Me Lie was first published in 1947, most reviewers missed the double meaning of the book's title. Deaf to James Branch Cabell's man...
This is the story of Margaret Hugonin and of the Eagle. And with your permission, we will for the present defer all consideration of the bird, and devote our unqualified attention to Margaret. I have always esteemed Margaret the obvious, sensible, most appropriate name that can be bestowed upon a girl-child, for it is a name that fits a woman - any woman - as neatly as her proper size in gloves. Yes, the first point I wish to make is that a woman-child, once baptised Margaret, is thereby insured of a suitable name. Be she grave or gay in after-life, wanton or pious or...
This is the story of Margaret Hugonin and of the Eagle. And with your permission, we will for the present defer all consideration of the bird, and dev...
Imprimis, as concerns the authenticity of these tales perhaps the less debate may be the higher wisdom, if only because this Nicolas de Caen, by common report, was never a Gradgrindian. And in this volume in particular, writing it (as Nicolas is supposed to have done) in 1470, as a dependant on the Duke of Burgundy, it were but human nature should he, in dealing with the putative descendants of Dom Manuel and Alianora of Provence, be niggardly in his ascription of praiseworthy traits to any member of the house of Lancaster or of Valois. Rather must one in common reason accept old Nicolas as...
Imprimis, as concerns the authenticity of these tales perhaps the less debate may be the higher wisdom, if only because this Nicolas de Caen, by commo...
James Branch Cabell was one of the great ironists of twentieth-century fantastic literature, and this volume selection some of his famous and less well known works, including "Jurgen," "Figures of Earth," "Beyond Life," and others.
James Branch Cabell was one of the great ironists of twentieth-century fantastic literature, and this volume selection some of his famous and less wel...
James Branch Cabell was one of the great ironists of twentieth-century fantastic literature, and this volume selection some of his famous and less well known works, including "Jurgen," "Figures of Earth," "Beyond Life," and others.
James Branch Cabell was one of the great ironists of twentieth-century fantastic literature, and this volume selection some of his famous and less wel...
From the introduction: "In a letter dated December 12, 1920, Deems Taylor wrote, 'I have finished Jurgen; a great and beautiful book, and the saddest book I ever read. I don't know why, exactly. The book hurts me--tears me to small pieces--but somehow it sets me free. It tells me everything I am, and have been, and may be, unsparingly.' Jurgen wrestles, in its odd way, with the fundamental tragedy of human life in general and male life in particular: We are doomed to age and die; meanwhile happiness will prove elusive. Jurgen isn't for everyone. Some will "get it" and some won't. It's a story...
From the introduction: "In a letter dated December 12, 1920, Deems Taylor wrote, 'I have finished Jurgen; a great and beautiful book, and the saddest ...
James Cabell was an early 20th century author of fantasy fiction. His works were considered escapist and fit well in the culture of the 1920s. Cabell's works can be ironic and satirical. Stories in this collection include "Ballad of the double-soul" -- Auctorial induction -- Belhs cavaliers -- Balthazar's daughter -- Judith's creed -- Concerning Corinna -- Olivia's pottage -- A brown woman -- Pro honoria -- The irresistible Ogle -- A princess of Grub Street -- The lady of all our dreams -- "Ballad of plagiary"
James Cabell was an early 20th century author of fantasy fiction. His works were considered escapist and fit well in the culture of the 1920s. Cabell'...
