Author
James Branch Cabell
1879-1958
James Branch Cabell (1879-1958) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by James Branch Cabell
Jurgen: A Comedy of Justice
"Jurgen: A Comedy of Justice" by James Branch Cabell is a fantasy novel published in 1919. This humorous romp follows the clever hero Jurgen through a medieval cosmos as he searches for a parodied courtly love. His journey takes him through fantastic realms including Heaven and Hell, where he encounters eccentric knights, legendary women like Helen of Troy and Queen Guinevere, and even the Devil's wife. This acerbic satire of contemporary America became a landmark in comic fantasy, later influencing writers like Terry Pratchett.
The Certain Hour (Dizain des Poëtes)
"The Certain Hour" by James Branch Cabell is a collection of literary reflections and narratives written in the early 20th century. The work explores themes of artistic ambition, the nature of creativity, and the complexities of love, primarily through the lens of its central character, Felix Kennaston, a poet and toy-maker. Through Kennaston's experiences and musings, the author delves into the struggles an artist faces while attempting to express the beauty of life amidst societal expectations and personal dilemmas. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Felix Kennaston, whose dual identity as a poet and a toy-maker symbolizes the conflict between artistic idealism and the frivolity of life. The opening chapters suggest a reflective tone as Kennaston contemplates his position in the world, the nature of his craft, and his relationships, particularly with love and ambition. Cabell sets the stage for a deeper examination of the artistic spirit, confronting societal norms and sensual experiences, while offering a critical perspective on contemporary life and the relationships that define it. The tone combines both wistfulness and irony, hinting at a richly layered narrative that questions the very essence of existence and creativity.
Something about Eve: A comedy of fig-leaves
"Something about Eve: A comedy of fig-leaves" by James Branch Cabell is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the character Gerald Musgrave, a student of magic and a young man entangled in a complicated amorous affair while grappling with a spectral figure known as the Sylan, who complicates his life with supernatural offers and whimsical banter. The narrative sets out to explore themes of desire, magic, and the absurdity of societal conventions, specifically through the interactions of these characters in a richly imagined world. The beginning of the story introduces us to Gerald Musgrave, who is struggling with his writing while a ghostly figure, the Sylan, observes his creative process. As the Sylan proposes an intriguing arrangement that would allow him to inhabit Gerald's body and take on the associated complications of his romantic life, we see Gerald lament the difficulties posed by a married lover, Evelyn Townsend. Their conversations reveal Gerald's frustrations and humorous reflections on love, relationships, and artistic aspirations. This opening portion establishes a comedic tone as it sets the stage for the ensuing adventures and complications, hinting at a blend of wit, romance, and the magical elements that will likely characterize the unfolding narrative.
Gallantry: Dizain des Fetes Galantes
"Gallantry: Dizain des Fêtes Galantes" by James Branch Cabell is a collection of comedic narratives likely penned in the early 20th century. The work explores romantic entanglements and societal interplay in a setting reminiscent of the 18th century, underlying issues of love, honor, and human imperfection. Central to the narratives are characters like Lady Allonby, the pleasure-seeking widow, and Lord Rokesle, a man caught in the tumult of a sexual and aristocratic milieu. The opening of the collection introduces us to the characters and setting, starting with an epistolary dedication that hints at the playful nature of the work. The prologue sets a tone of witty banter, revealing Lady Allonby's lighthearted irreverence towards the events to come. Characters like the vicar Simon Orts and nobleman Lord Rokesle are fleshed out as they navigate complicated emotions and relationships filled with irony and tension. The stage is set for a social commentary on the nature of gallantry and the human condition, blending humor with a critique of societal norms and expectations.
The Silver Stallion: A Comedy of Redemption
"The Silver Stallion: A Comedy of Redemption" by James Branch Cabell is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book is a satirical fantasy that unfolds in the mythical land of Poictesme, telling the tale of its notable figures, particularly Dom Manuel, a complex character who is simultaneously celebrated as a hero and denounced as a rogue. The overarching themes appear to focus on redemption, the nature of leadership, and the struggles of its characters against destiny and societal expectations. The opening of the novel sets a whimsical and reflective tone, introducing Dom Manuel, the renowned Count of Poictesme, who mysteriously vanishes, leaving his realm in confusion and disarray. Through the eyes of his daughter Melicent and a boy named Jurgen, the narrative hints at fantastical elements involving prophecies and transformations. Following his disappearance, the remaining lords of the Silver Stallion gather under the leadership of his grieving wife, Dame Niafer, contemplating the fate of their fellowship. As they navigate personal grievances, prophecies, and power dynamics, they are thrust into a new era of governance, challenging both their societal roles and personal identities in the face of change and uncertainty.
The Line of Love; Dizain des Mariages
"The Line of Love; Dizain des Mariages" by James Branch Cabell is a novel written in the early 20th century. This work unfolds within a comedic context, reflecting on themes of love and the complexities surrounding relationships, particularly through the character of Florian de Puysange and his romantic entanglements. It weaves a narrative that embraces both the whimsical and the serious aspects of love, delving into how personal connections shape lives. The opening of the novel presents a prologue that highlights the significance of love stories in literature and life. It introduces us to Florian de Puysange on the eve of his wedding to Adelaide de la Forêt, establishing his deep emotional ties and internal conflicts, specifically regarding the memory of his deceased friend Tiburce. As Florian navigates the festivities of his marriage, he finds himself haunted by the loss of his friend while simultaneously exploring the nature of love, fidelity, and the passage of time. This multifaceted approach invites readers to reflect on the essence of human connections and the bittersweet experiences that accompany such deep affections.
The Cords of Vanity: A Comedy of Shirking
"The Cords of Vanity: A Comedy of Shirking" by James Branch Cabell is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story follows Robert Etheridge Townsend, a young man of artistic temperament who evades the responsibilities and discomforts of life through a series of whimsical introspections and romantic entanglements, particularly with the enchanting Stella Musgrave and other women in his life. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the protagonist as a child reflecting upon the complexities of life, love, and loss, notably through his experiences with his mother's sorrow over his father's death. The tone is distinctly playful and ironic, providing rich commentary on the nature of youth and the burdens of adulthood. Through a series of encounters, particularly a dance with Stella, the opening sets the stage for Townsend's ongoing struggle with the expectations placed upon him and his desire to shirk those obligations in favor of a more carefree existence. This nuanced interplay of themes promises a combination of humor, reflection, and societal critique as the story unfolds.
Domnei: A Comedy of Woman-Worship
"Domnei: A Comedy of Woman-Worship" by James Branch Cabell is a fantasy novel written between 1910-1912. Set in the imaginary French province of Poictesme during the 13th century, it tells the story of Dom Manuel's daughter Melicent and the disastrous struggle between her successive husbands, Demetrios of Anatolia and Perion de la Forêt. The novel explores themes of chivalric woman-worship through a dramatic tale of conflicting loyalties and passion in a richly imagined medieval world.
Figures of Earth: A Comedy of Appearances
"Figures of Earth: A Comedy of Appearances" by James Branch Cabell is a fantasy novel published in 1921. Set in the imaginary French province of Poictesme during the 13th century, it chronicles Dom Manuel the Redeemer's journey from swineherd to Count of Poictesme. This ironic romance presents an ambitious protagonist who is cowardly, treacherous, and unsatisfied with his ill-gotten gains, yet becomes transformed into legend after death. The novel explores themes of ambition, appearance versus reality, and the creation of heroic myths.
The High Place: A Comedy of Disenchantment
"The High Place: A Comedy of Disenchantment" by James Branch Cabell is a fantasy novel published in 1923. This satirical work reimagines what happens after "happily ever after," following the Sleeping Beauty tales into a marriage gone disastrously wrong. Part of Cabell's Biography of the Life of Manuel series, the novel combines gaudy romance with sharp social commentary, blending fairy tale material with disturbing observations about decadent culture. Critics praised its wit and elegance while noting its provocative themes.
Chivalry
"Chivalry" by James Branch Cabell is a historical fiction work written in the early 20th century. This narrative weaves tales set in the medieval period, capturing the ideals and adventures of chivalric heroes, particularly focusing on themes of honor, love, and the complexities surrounding noble deeds. The opening chapters introduce us to characters like Dame Alianora of Provence and her companion Osmund Heleigh, both navigating the treacherous political landscape of England amidst the Barons' War. At the start of the narrative, we meet Dame Alianora, who is in disguise and seeking assistance after a violent attack that has left her companions dead. She encounters Osmund Heleigh, a clerk with a past connection to her, and together they must devise a plan to rescue her son from captors. The interaction between Alianora and Heleigh reveals their shared history and sets the stage for their journey, filled with danger and strategic maneuvering that highlights the chivalric code. The opening chapters establish not only a tense political atmosphere but also the personal stakes for the characters, making it evident that the ideals of chivalry are about to be tested in profound ways.
The Cream of the Jest: A comedy of evasions
"The Cream of the Jest: A Comedy of Evasions" by James Branch Cabell is a philosophical novel published in 1917. Writer Felix Kennaston discovers a mysterious broken disk in his garden, which becomes a sigil that unlocks vivid dreams of Ettare, an idealized woman he encounters across different historical periods. As he pursues beauty and meaning through these nocturnal visions, the line between dream and reality blurs. The novel explores humanity's eternal longing for an unattainable ideal, culminating in revelations about the sigil's true nature and what it represents.
Joseph Hergesheimer, an essay in interpretation
"Joseph Hergesheimer, an essay in interpretation" by James Branch Cabell is a literary analysis and critique written in the early 20th century. This book delves into the works of Joseph Hergesheimer, exploring the themes, styles, and narrative structures present in his writing. The likely topic focuses on the artistic aspirations and the persistent struggles of Hergesheimer as he sought to convey beauty in his narratives, despite facing significant challenges and a lack of immediate success. In this essay, Cabell reflects on Hergesheimer's long journey of writing before gaining recognition, emphasizing that for fourteen years, Hergesheimer labored without publishing success. Cabell analyzes the recurring themes in Hergesheimer's novels, such as the relentless pursuit of beauty and the often elusive nature of that ideal. He discusses characters marked by their singular desires, revealing how these quests reflect Hergesheimer's own artistic struggles. The essay touches on various novels including "The Lay Anthony," "Mountain Blood," and "Linda Condon," highlighting their intricate narratives and the idea that beauty, while pursued fervently, remains unattainable. Ultimately, Cabell appreciates Hergesheimer's artistry, suggesting that the author's work captures a profound, almost magical quality that resonates with readers beyond the surface-level narratives.
Chivalry: Dizain des Reines
"Chivalry: Dizain des Reines" by James Branch Cabell is a historical novel written in the early 20th century, known for its lush prose and rich character development. It explores themes of romantic idealism, duty, and the complex interplay of power within the context of chivalric codes. The opening tales weave through the lives and loves of women intertwined with notions of nobility, honor, and societal expectations. At the start of the narrative, the reader is introduced to Dame Alianora of Provence, who is portrayed in a moment of vulnerability following the death of a companion. As she seeks assistance, her conversation reveals her strong-willed nature and the intricate political machinations of the time. Her past is brought to light through discussions with a former troubadour, Osmund Heleigh, who once celebrated her beauty in verse. They embark on a perilous journey across England, highlighting Alianora's commitment to her son and her resilience despite the dangers surrounding her. The initial chapters establish a tone of poetic melancholy, hinting at the intertwining of love, ambition, and the stark realities of their tumultuous world.
The Jewel Merchants: A Comedy in One Act
"The Jewel Merchants: A Comedy in One Act" by James Branch Cabell is a play written in the early 20th century, likely during the 1920s. This comedic work, designed for theatrical performance, tackles themes of love, ambition, and moral ambiguity set against the backdrop of Renaissance Tuscany. The play highlights the era's complex views on ethics and the casual attitudes toward crime, reflecting a time when societal norms regarding virtue and vice were radically different from modern standards. The narrative centers around Graciosa, the daughter of a jewel merchant, and her entanglements with Guido, a jewel merchant himself, and Alessandro de Medici, the Duke of Florence. The play begins with a romantic undertone as Graciosa and Guido exchange playful banter about love and the nature of their social status. However, the introduction of Duke Alessandro complicates matters. The Duke's playful but sinister nature leads to tension, as he expresses interest in Graciosa while manipulating the dynamics of power and love. Ultimately, a clash occurs between Guido and the Duke, leading to betrayal and moral dilemmas. Through witty dialogue and satirical exploration of these themes, the play examines the societal constraints placed on individuals, particularly women, in matters of love and marriage while intertwining humor and intrigue.
The Eagle's Shadow
"The Eagle's Shadow" by James Branch Cabell is a novel written in the early 20th century. It centers around the life of Margaret Hugonin, exploring her relationships and the complicated dynamics of love, society, and wealth surrounding her. The story unfolds in the genteel setting of Selwoode, a country estate, where Margaret's interactions with various suitors reveal much about her character and the social expectations of the time. At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to Margaret Hugonin through the eyes of an unnamed narrator who expresses a fondness for her name and personality. The opening chapter introduces Colonel Hugonin, Margaret's father, as they share breakfast and engage in light-hearted bickering over her house guests, showcasing their affectionate yet complicated relationship. As they discuss various characters who will be staying with them, both Margaret’s radiant beauty and her father’s gruffness come to life. They also hint at Margaret's past romantic entanglements, i.e., her former fiancé Billy Woods and her current suitors, which sets the stage for the ensuing drama and romantic entanglements central to the story.
The Rivet in Grandfather's Neck: A Comedy of Limitations
"The Rivet in Grandfather's Neck: A Comedy of Limitations" by James Branch Cabell is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book is a humorous satire on the social dynamics of a small Southern town, Lichfield, focusing on the life and loves of Colonel Rudolph Musgrave as he navigates a web of relationships and societal expectations. The overarching theme seems to explore the juxtaposition of personal desires against the backdrop of societal norms and limitations. The opening of the story introduces a whimsical tale involving china figures—a shepherdess and a chimney-sweep—who, after an antiquated adventure, settle for a love limited by constraints represented by a "rivet" in the grandfather's neck. This metaphor serves to illustrate the notion of the emotional binds and limitations that the characters in the novel will experience. We also meet Colonel Musgrave, who is caught up in the gossip surrounding his romantic entanglements, particularly with Patricia Stapylton, and the societal pressures surrounding their lives, hinting at deeper themes of honor, shame, and the quest for genuine love amid the restrictions of their tightly-knit community. As the narrative unfolds, it bids readers to ponder the nature of happiness and fulfillment against the tide of societal conventions.
Taboo A Legend Retold from the Dirghic of Sævius Nicanor, with Prolegomena, Notes, and a Preliminary Memoir
"Taboo" by James Branch Cabell is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book presents a satirical exploration of societal norms and taboos related to natural functions, particularly through the lens of literature. It employs a mythical framework, steeped in allegory, to critique the absurdities of how culture dictates the appropriateness of discussing certain topics. The story follows a character named Horvendile, who embarks on a journey and decides to document his experiences, only to discover the absurd laws of Philistia, a land plagued by restrictive taboos against discussing eating. As he interacts with various societal figures, including a garbage man and a legal advisor, Horvendile's quest reveals the farcical nature of these prohibitions. Ultimately, despite the rampant rules against mentioning natural acts, the everyday life of the people continues unabated, showcasing the contradiction between rigid societal norms and the reality of human experience. Cabell's narrative blends humor with critical observations, effectively highlighting the inherent absurdities of censorship and the human condition.
Straws and prayer-books; dizain des diversions
"Straws and Prayer-Books; Dizain des Diversions" by James Branch Cabell is a literary work that seems to blend essay and narrative, likely written in the early 20th century. The book delves into themes of the artistic process, exploring the motivations behind writing, the nature of fictional worlds, and the relationship between the author and the reader. Central figures in the opening passages include John Charteris, a character who expresses frustration over being a minor character in what he believes should be the author's narrative, setting up a meta-conversation about the role of the author and the nature of storytelling. The opening of "Straws and Prayer-Books" introduces us to a dialogue between the narrator and John Charteris, who feels overlooked as a character in the narrative. This conversation leads to musings on the purpose of writing and the author's motivations, suggesting that the act of writing is often a means of entertaining oneself rather than the audience. As they contemplate the essence of literature, Charteris critiques the common perception of authorship and questions the significance of why stories are told. The dialogue is humorous, philosophical, and reflective, serving as a prelude to exploring the broader implications of art, storytelling, and perhaps even the existential nature of creation itself.