The Romance of His Life, and Other Romances

"The Romance of His Life, and Other Romances" by Mary Cholmondeley is a series of tales set in the early 1900s, starting with the tale of Maitland, a rather arrogant professor, and the surprising love stories that unfold around him because of his presence. Love, lies, and the silliness of people are big ideas in the book, all taking place in a college setting. The story first shows young scholars chatting about dating and then bumping into Maitland, a conceited professor. The main character thinks about how Maitland's lack of awareness and overconfidence cause funny and sad situations for other people. As people deal with Maitland, their real feelings get mixed up, leading to confusion and social criticism, much like classic love stories. The introduction gives a funny yet smart look at love, goals, and the mistakes that come with them.