A festschrift, as defined by Merriam-Webster online, is "a volume of writings by different authors presented as a tribute or memorial especially to a scholar." The writer feted in the Verbivoracious flagship festschrift was a scholar who also happened to be one of the most innovative writers of the 20th century (and certainly for the first decade of the 21st century). This collection contains essays, homages, and stories inspired by the work of Christine Brooke-Rose, arranged in the publication order of her books, commencing with the poem Gold (reprinted for the first time here), and...

Nina is happily married to Gael, until his recently published book rouses the ire of a not-quite-there critic, Howard, intent on becoming the mover and shaker of Londons literary circles. Howard seduces Nina, while Howards wife Elizabeth becomes involved with an Hungarian exile, who befriends and is befriended by Gael, leading to an utterly unexpected and tragic outcome for all. Christine Brooke-Roses second novel is a waspish satire of the 50s London literary scene, and a story of madness and ill-fated lust-an entertaining novel from her early quartet of realist-mode tragicomedies.