Set Down in Malice: A Book of Reminiscences

"Set Down in Malice: A Book of Reminiscences" by Gerald Cumberland is a collection of essays that shares a look into the author's world in the 1900's. Cumberland tells tales with humor, sharing meetings with famous people like talented playwrights, passionate political activists, and amazing musicians. The story starts by showing Cumberland's early admiration for George Bernard Shaw, a well-known playwright, through letters filled with a mix of light-heartedness and youthful ignorance. As the story unfolds, we follow Cumberland's determination to learn about art, his growing social awareness, and his attempts to gain the respect of important thinkers, all while figuring out friendships and who he is as a person. The first part of the book sets the stage for exploring important subjects like fame, the creative process, and the harsh realities of life during that time.