Jurgen, A Comedy of Justice (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. A Medieval Fantasy Satire of Desire, Mythic Realms, Censorship, and Philosophical ComedyBy James Branch Cabell
Length11h 28m
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
Length11 hrs 28 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateOct 9, 2020
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
2Introduction
3Synopsis
4Historical Context
5Jurgen, A Comedy of Justice
Show all chaptersShow less
6A FOREWORD
71. Why Jurgen Did the Manly Thing
82. Assumption of a Noted Garment
93. The Garden between Dawn and Sunrise
104. The Dorothy Who Did Not Understand
115. Requirements of Bread and Butter
126. Showing that Sereda Is Feminine
137. Of Compromises on a Wednesday
148. Old Toys and a New Shadow
159. The Orthodox Rescue of Guenevere
1610. Pitiful Disguises of Thragnar
1711. Appearance of the Duke of Logreus
1812. Excursus of Yolande's Undoing
1913. Philosophy of Gogyrvan Gawr
2014. Preliminary Tactics of Duke Jurgen
2115. Of Compromises in Glathion
2216. Divers Imbroglios of King Smoit
2317. About a Cock That Crowed Too Soon
2418. Why Merlin Talked in Twilight
2519. The Brown Man with Queer Feet
2620. Efficacy of Prayer
2721. How Anaïtis Voyaged
2822. As to a Veil They Broke
2923. Shortcomings of Prince Jurgen
3024. Of Compromises in Cocaigne
3125. Cantraps of the Master Philologist
3226. In Time's Hour-Glass
3327. Vexatious Estate of Queen Helen
3428. Of Compromises in Leukê
3529. Concerning Horvendile's Nonsense
3630. Economics of King Jurgen
3731. The Fall of Pseudopolis
3832. Sundry Devices of the Philistines
3933. Farewell to Chloris
4034. How Emperor Jurgen Fared Infernally
4135. What Grandfather Satan Reported
4236. Why Coth was Contradicted
4337. Invention of the Lovely Vampire
4438. As to Applauded Precedents
4539. Of Compromises in Hell
4640. The Ascension of Pope Jurgen
4741. Of Compromises in Heaven
4842. Twelve That are Fretted Hourly
4943. Postures before a Shadow
5044. In the Manager's Office
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