Jurgen, A Comedy of Justice (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. A Medieval Fantasy Satire of Desire, Mythic Realms, Censorship, and Philosophical ComedyBy James Branch Cabell
Length0m
About this audiobook
James Branch Cabell's Jurgen, A Comedy of Justice is a richly ironic fantasy in which a middle-aged pawnbroker and self-styled poet journeys through a sequence of mythic and literary realms in search of his vanished wife—and, more profoundly, of youth, desire, and self-justification. Written in polished, aphoristic prose, the novel parodies medieval romance, classical mythology, Christian allegory, and chivalric quest literature, while belonging to Cabell's larger Poictesme cycle, where legend becomes a vehicle for philosophical comedy. Cabell, a Virginian writer steeped in genealogy, romance tradition, and fin-de-siècle skepticism, brought to the book an aristocratic wit and a deep suspicion of moral certainties. Its famous obscenity prosecution after publication in 1919 only sharpened its reputation: Cabell's urbane treatment of sexuality, theology, and social hypocrisy revealed how easily "justice" becomes a mask for convention, censorship, and fear. This book is recommended for readers who enjoy learned satire, elegant fantasy, and fiction that rewards attention to allusion and verbal nuance. Jurgen is playful but not light: beneath its comedy lies a subtle meditation on aging, imagination, and the stories by which human beings excuse themselves.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenreFantasy, Humor
Length0 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateOct 9, 2020
LanguageEnglish
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