Vainglory

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In a dogs’ cemetery, Lady Castleyard muses that Georgia may have poisoned the dogs for their epitaphs. This sets the tone for a unique literary style characterized by Ronald Firbank's sharp observations and witty dialogue. His method of capturing snippets of conversation on slips of paper, which he later weaves into his narratives, foreshadows modern experimental techniques. Lady Barrow lounges in her library, contemplating her husband’s fate in a medieval torture book, while she whimsically considers the celestial gifts he offers her. In this remarkable debut novel from 1915, Mrs. Shamefoot seeks immortality through a stained-glass window in a cathedral of her choosing. Her ambitious quest creates a stir among her peers, and when a storm causes a part of the church wall to collapse, she seizes the moment to pursue her goal. Firbank's vibrant cast includes voluble and shy women, wild daughters, and opinionated servants, all swirling around Mrs. Shamefoot in a lively tapestry of interactions. His comedic portrayal of this social world, filled with overdrawn characters and sharp exchanges, is truly unparalleled. Ronald Firbank, born in 1886 to a wealthy family, published his first book in 1905 and went on to create eight novels before his untimely death in 1926.