Figures of Earth
A Comedy of Appearances
By James Branch Cabell
New York
Robert M. Mcbride & Co.
1921
CONDITION:
No dust jacket. The covers and boards are Good, with bumped corners. The spine is Good, showing a bumped head and tail, is darkened, and has faded lettering. The hinges and joints are tight. The text block and pages are Good, with dusty edges and crisp pages. The endpapers are Good, with an inscription and significant toning. Newspaper articles are stapled on the rear endpaper, and there is significant acid toning.
ATTRIBUTES:
Hardcover. Bound in cloth.
DESCRIPTION:
James Branch Cabell's "Figures of Earth" is a satirical fantasy novel that delves into themes of illusion, self-deception, and the construction of identity. Set in the mythical French province of Poictesme, the narrative follows the unlikely rise of Manuel, a swineherd who, through a series of elaborate deceptions and the manipulation of others' perceptions, transforms into a revered count and hero. The book explores the idea that heroism and greatness are often products of manufactured appearances rather than inherent virtues, challenging conventional notions of epic quests and noble protagonists. Cabell, known for his intricate prose and cynical wit, uses this tale to critique societal values and the human tendency to embrace comforting falsehoods over uncomfortable truths.
FLASHBACK TO 1921 WHEN THIS BOOK WAS PUBLISHED:
When this book was published in 1921, the world was still reeling from the Great War, with the Irish War of Independence raging, and the Soviet Union formally established amidst ongoing civil strife. Albert Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, while cultural shifts saw the rise of jazz and the burgeoning Art Deco movement, and James Branch Cabell was a celebrated, controversial author of the era.
Page Count: 356
Location: ABS-1-2