About this ebook
Taboo (1921) is a comic fantasy novel by James Branch Cabell. Set in a world where history and fantasy collide, where a lowly pawnbroker can encounter monsters, gods, and devils. Cabell tells the story of Philistia, a country dedicated to the persecution of all manner of ill-defined vice and taboo. Bold and satirical, this thinly veiled critique of his own, high-minded critics is essential to understanding Cabell's vision of art. Cabell's work has long been described as escapist, his novels and stories derided as fantastic and obsessive recreations of a world lost long ago. To read Taboo, however, is to understand that the issues therein--the struggle for power, the unspoken distance between men and women--were vastly important not only at the time of its publication, but in our own, divisive world. (Google)
Taboo (1921) is a comic fantasy novel by James Branch Cabell. Set in a world where history and fantasy collide, where a lowly pawnbroker can encounter monsters, gods, and devils. Cabell tells the story of Philistia, a country dedicated to the persecution of all manner of ill-defined vice and tabo...
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About the author
James Branch Cabell (1879-1958) was an American author whose works are celebrated for their wit, irony, and intricate prose. Born in Richmond, Virginia, Cabell's literary career spanned the early 20th century, a period marked by significant cultural and social upheaval. He became a prominent figure in the literary world with his unique blend of fantasy and satire, often exploring themes of heroism, romance, and the human condition.Cabell's most famous work, the "Biography of the Life of Manuel" series, set in the fictional medieval province of Poictesme, earned him both acclaim and controversy. His novel "Jurgen, A Comedy of Justice" (1919) faced an obscenity trial, which ultimately ended in acquittal and significantly boosted his public profile. This trial highlighted Cabell's fearless approach to addressing taboo subjects, making him a symbol of the fight against censorship.Cabell's influence extended to contemporary writers such as Robert E. Howard and Neil Gaiman, who admired his ability to blend myth and reality. His works often challenged conventional narratives and societal norms, promoting a more nuanced understanding of morality and human behavior.A member of the Southern literary renaissance, Cabell's legacy is one of intellectual bravery and stylistic innovation. His ability to weave complex, allegorical tales that questioned the status quo continues to resonate with modern readers, making him a timeless figure in American literature.
James Branch Cabell (1879-1958) was an American author whose works are celebrated for their wit, irony, and intricate prose. Born in Richmond, Virginia, Cabell's literary career spanned the early 20th century, a period marked by significant cultural and social upheaval. He became a prominent figu...
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