James Branch CabellJames Branch Cabell (1879-1958) was an American author known for his significant contributions to fantasy and satire in literature. Born in Richmond, Virginia, Cabell came from a prominent Southern family, which later influenced his social commentaryand satirical portrayals of nobility and societal norms. Cabell attended the College of William & Mary and briefly studied law before dedicating himself to writing. His literary career took off with the publication of "The Eagle's Shadow" (1904) and "Gallantry: Dizain des Fetes Galantes" (1907), which gained both acclaim and controversy for their bold exploration of courtly love and sexuality. His most renowned work is "Jurgen: A Comedy of Justice" (1919), a provocative and witty novel that faced censorship challenges due to its alleged obscenity. Nevertheless, it solidified his reputation as a daring and innovative writer. Cabell was a prominent figure in the "Cabellian" literary movement, which emphasized humor, satire, and intricate writing styles. He often revisited recurring characters and set his works in a fictionalized version of Virginia called "Poictesme," creating an interconnected literary universe. Throughout his career, Cabell penned numerous novels, short stories, and essays, earning admiration from fellow writers such as H. L. Mencken and Sinclair Lewis. Read More Read Less