Publisher's Synopsis
The Cream of the Jest is a novel by James Branch Cabell, first published in 1917. The book is set in the imaginary province of Poictesme, which is based on the author's native Virginia. The story follows the life of Felix Kennaston, a young man who is obsessed with writing poetry and living a life of luxury. As he grows older, he becomes disillusioned with his life and begins to question his own identity.The novel is divided into three parts, each of which explores different themes and motifs. The first part focuses on Kennaston's early life and his experiences as a poet. The second part delves into his relationships with women, including his wife and his mistress. The third and final part of the book explores Kennaston's search for meaning and purpose in his life.Throughout the novel, Cabell uses a variety of literary techniques, including satire, irony, and allegory, to comment on the social and cultural norms of his time. The book is considered a classic of American literature and has been praised for its wit, humor, and insight into the human condition.1917. Today, some recognize Cabell as one of the first contemporary writers from the South. Like his friend and fellow Richmond writer Ellen Glasgow, Cabell was not afraid to satirize what he saw as the South's contradictions. Others, noting Cabell's unique blending of classic myths and legends with his own imagination, consider him a pioneer of fantasy writing. The Cream of the Jest is an absurdist, aesthetic heroic fantasy, one of the finest and central works of heroic fantasy as a distinct genre. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. 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 their original work.
