The Taverner Novels

by Mary Butts

Book Overview

These two novels together form an important work of modernist writing. Armed with Madness introduces a group of youthful but disillusioned characters who live a bohemian existence on a strange quest when an ancient chalice is found at the bottom of a well. Then five years later in Death of Felicity Taverner they are caught up in a mystery that hinges on the destruction of the Dorset wilderness.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0929701186
• ISBN13: 9780929701189
• Release Date: January 1992
• Publisher: McPherson
• Length: 310 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 8.5" x 5.6"

Customer Reviews

The Taverner Novels

These novels represent a multitude of issues presented by the once lost British writer Mary Butts. The range of characters presented in this book display the emotional complexity of youth, in the time frame of humans and in the new modern world which Butts feels forced to address. Themes of mythology and legend are explored, as sexuality and societal roles of a dying upper middle-class are questioned. Powerful stories of energy, youth, expression, and decay in a strange modern world.

A Great Lost Modernist

Fascinating, but challenging novels by a quintessential Lost Generation writer and personality. Beautiful, cryptic language, tons of references, layers of meaning. I was hooked. Armed With Madness is particularly good. Check out her short stories as well.