The Judgment Books: A Story

"The Judgment Books: A Story" by E. F. Benson is a tale set in the tranquil landscape of Cornwall, where artist Frank Trevor faces a profound challenge tied to his identity and craft. Frank, seeking to reignite his artistic passions, becomes fixated on painting a self-portrait, an endeavor that stirs deep internal anxieties. As Frank begins to grapple with the idea of capturing himself on canvas, he expresses concern about the prospect of losing himself, and his connection with his wife, Margery, as his deepest fears and hidden aspects of his personality begin to emerge. Frank’s contemplations, sparked by philosophical discussions with his friend Jack Armitage and haunted by remnants of his past, suggest that this portrait could reveal more than just a physical resemblance, potentially causing irreparable damage.