James Branch Cabell Knihy

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.

James Branch Cabell (1879-1956) is best known for his tales of the imaginary land of Poictesme, where chivalry and galantry live on. All of Cabell's works from before 1930 were assembled into the grand "Biography of the Life of Manuel," the supposed redeemer of the land of Poictesme, and they form a series which follows Manuel and his descendants through the centuries. Cabell has been a favorite author of many famous writers, ranging from Lin Carter to Robert A. Heinlein.

A chivalrous hero embarks on a whimsical journey through space and time, seeking the essence of ideal love. His travels take him from the mythical realms of Poictesme and Cocaigne to the extremes of Heaven and Hell. Along the way, he meets iconic figures like Guinevere, Helen, Chloris, and the Lady of the Lake. This comic fantasy by James Branch Cabell blends humor with legendary themes, exploring the nature of love and justice in a richly imaginative setting.

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.

Fantasy about Gerald Musgrave who leaves his physical body in 1805 to seek glory in the land of Antan which is in the past. Ballantine Del Rey Book, 1979. Illustrated by Frank C. Pape.

Set in the fictional realm of Philistia, this comic fantasy explores the absurdities of societal norms and censorship through its inhabitants' rigid stance against indecency, which constantly shifts. The narrative serves as a clever critique of the critics and authorities who deemed Cabell's work inappropriate, reflecting the tensions between artistic expression and moral standards. Compiled from a fictional medieval manuscript, it offers a humorous yet poignant commentary on the nature of taboo and the complexities of cultural values.

This classical work, regarded as significant throughout human history, combines humor with themes of innocence and discovery. The modern republication features a clear and readable format, ensuring that its wit and insights remain accessible to contemporary readers. The effort to preserve its legacy reflects a commitment to keeping this important text alive for future generations.

I met James Cabell at Hergesheimer's Dower House, where we were guests alongside Priscilla Percie and Fania. Later, we connected in Richmond, a town Joe and I loved to visit. By then, I had come to understand his reticences, rare enthusiasms, shyness—especially his disdain for New York—and his work methods. Initially, he resided in Dumbarton Grange, a somewhat dilapidated farmhouse on the town's outskirts, which Ellen Glasgow referred to in her novels as Queenborough. The name "Dumbarton Grange" felt grand for such a modest place, and when friends in New York asked for a description, I often recalled Glasgow's splendid early Victorian mansion with its elegant English furniture and crystal chandeliers. This contrast helped enhance Cabell's image as a wealthy landowner and gentleman of taste, benefiting both him and Glasgow. The publisher, Forgotten Books, specializes in reproducing significant historical works, utilizing advanced technology to maintain the original format while repairing imperfections found in aged copies. Though some flaws may remain, they are preserved intentionally to honor the historical integrity of the work.

Set in early 20th-century New York City, this satirical novel follows Felix Kennaston, a young artist grappling with the tension between his creative ambitions and the desire for societal acceptance. The narrative explores themes of ambition, vanity, and the conflict between art and commercialism as Kennaston navigates complex relationships and societal expectations. With witty dialogue and sharp commentary, the story critiques bourgeois society and the compromises artists make for recognition and financial stability, offering a thoughtful reflection on the artistic temperament.

Set in a fictionalized 13th-century France, the story follows Florian, Duke of Puysange, a disgraced nobleman with a secret longing for Melior, the daughter of King Helmas. Known for his dishonor and destructive nature, Florian struggles with his unfulfilled desires and the mystical Forest of Acaire. When a mysterious figure offers him a chance, he embarks on a quest to win Melior's heart. Blending fantasy and adventure, Cabell's work explores timeless themes of power and gender dynamics, making it relevant for contemporary readers.

James Branch Cabell, an influential American author of fantasy fiction and belles lettres, began his career as a newspaper reporter before transitioning to writing short stories and articles for prominent national magazines. His literary contributions flourished in the early 20th century, and he became a pivotal figure in a collective of writers known as "The James Branch Cabell School," which included notable contemporaries like H. L. Mencken. Cabell's work is marked by extensive genealogical research and a unique blend of fantasy and literary style.