The High Place

By James Branch Cabell

Book Overview

"The High Place: A Comedy of Disenchantment" by James Branch Cabell offers a delightful journey into a fantastical reimagining of the Middle Ages. This satirical historical fiction weaves romance and humor into a tapestry of disenchantment, exploring universal themes with wit and enduring charm. Cabell's masterful storytelling creates a world where fantasy and reality intertwine, inviting readers to question assumptions and embrace the absurd. A classic of its genre, "The High Place" remains a captivating read, showcasing the author's unique blend of satire and imaginative storytelling. This meticulously prepared print edition ensures that Cabell's timeless work continues to enchant readers with its enduring appeal. Perfect for those who enjoy historical fiction with a humorous twist and a touch of fantasy.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1023498022
• ISBN13: 9781023498029
• Release Date: March 2025
• Publisher: Anson Street Press
• Length: 178 Pages
• Weight: 0.94 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Deals With the Devil (?)

Cabell's mythology encompasses fantastic levels in language elegant and cunning. The History of Dom Manuel continues through his descendant who finds peculiar solutions to difficult situations.

A Dream within a Fantasy via Legend, Tradition & M. Perrault

One afternoon in 1698, Florian, the 10 year old son of the Duke de Puysange, decided to explore the Forest of Acaire which he had been emphatically forbidden to do. He entered the forest and was greeted by Melusine, the sorceress who took him to the enchanted Castle of Brunbelois and showed him Melior, her sister, who had been asleep for over 500 years. Upon seeing the sleeping beauty, Florian fell deeply in love with her. Next, he was aware of being in his bedroom and wondering if he had dreamed his adventure. His father assured him that he had. At age 35, Florian exiled his mistress, poisoned his favorite male companion and set out on horseback on a four day journey to the home of Mlle. Louise de Nerac, his affianced and soon to be 5th wife. As he was passing the Forest of Acaire, Marie-Claire, his half sister, emerged from it and greeted him. He chided her for her lack of interest in following logic and precedent and her casual life-style, and she, in turn, sowed seeds of doubt concerning his upcoming 5th marriage. She mentioned the name of "Janicot" to him and made some cryptic references to him. Florian decided to amuse himself by finding Janicot in the forest and watch him work. After entering the forest, he soon came upon Janicot. He began talking with him and quickly realized that with Janicot's help he could have Melior for his bride instead of Louise. He made a Rumpelstiltskin-like deal with Janicot, and learned how to disenchant the Castle of Brunbelois, after which he married Melior. From that point on, Florian lost control of events, found his belief system under siege and saw his fantasies and crimes come to life and mock him. However, thanks to a deal between Janicot and the Archangel Michael, Florian was able to return to the path of logic and precedent and act upon his father's mandate: "Thou shalt not offend against thy neighbors notions."In this work, satire, fantasy and social criticism run amuck in a uniquely fluent literary style. If the tale has a moral, it's: "You can't go home again!"