"The Cords of Vanity: A Comedy of Shirking" by James Branch Cabell is a story about Robert Etheridge Townsend, a creative young man who tries to avoid the serious parts of life. As a child reflecting on life's challenges, especially his mother's sadness after his father's passing, Robert uses his imagination and love affairs, particularly his interactions with Stella Musgrave, to escape what's expected of him. The book is funny and observant, making comments about being young versus being an adult. A dance with Stella kicks off a series of events showing Robert's fight against doing what others want him to do, choosing instead to live without worries, highlighting the book's mix of humor, thoughtful moments, and looking critically at society.
The Cords of Vanity: A Comedy of Shirking
By James Branch Cabell
A young artist dodges responsibility and embraces whimsical romance, all while comically critiquing the expectations of society.
Summary
About the AuthorJames Branch Cabell was an American author of fantasy fiction and belles-lettres. Cabell was well-regarded by his contemporaries, including H. L. Mencken, Edmund Wilson, and Sinclair Lewis. His works were considered escapist and fit well in the culture of the 1920s, when they were most popular. For Cabell, veracity was "the one unpardonable sin, not merely against art, but against human welfare".
James Branch Cabell was an American author of fantasy fiction and belles-lettres. Cabell was well-regarded by his contemporaries, including H. L. Mencken, Edmund Wilson, and Sinclair Lewis. His works were considered escapist and fit well in the culture of the 1920s, when they were most popular. For Cabell, veracity was "the one unpardonable sin, not merely against art, but against human welfare".
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