Inspirational Quotes by James Branch Cabell (American Author of Fantasy Fiction)

James Branch Cabell (1879–1958,) an acclaimed American novelist and essayist celebrated for his wit, satire, and significant contributions to fantasy literature. He has receded from the public consciousness, despite the enduring impact he had on subsequent fantasy fiction authors.

Born in Richmond, Virginia, Cabell graduated from the College of William and Mary in 1898. Following a stint as a newspaper reporter in New York City 1898–1900, he returned to Richmond in 1901, contributing to the Richmond News. By 1902, his stories found acceptance for publication, and over the ensuing decade, he became a contributor to national magazines and briefly worked in the Branch coalmines in West Virginia.

Cabell’s magnum opus, the Biography of the Life of Manuel, consists of a series of interconnected novels, with Jurgen: A Comedy of Justice (1919) standing out as his most notable creation. The controversial nature of Jurgen, with allegations of obscenity, led to a landmark censorship trial that ultimately favored Cabell and propelled the book to newfound popularity.

Recognized by notable peers such as Mark Twain, Sinclair Lewis, H. L. Mencken, Joseph Hergesheimer, and Jack Woodford, Cabell’s literary prowess continued to shine in his later works, collectively known as the Biography. Titles such as Figures of Earth (1921,) The Silver Stallion (1926,) and The Cream of the Jest (1917) showcased Cabell’s distinctive prose style and his exploration of fantastical worlds.

While interest in Cabell’s stylized approach and philosophical reflections on life and art waned during the 1930s, there was resurgence in the 1960s as an appreciation for fantasy literature grew. In the 1940s, he published three novels set in Florida, namely Let Me Lie (1947,) along with essays about Virginia and autobiographical essays compiled in Quiet Please (1952.)

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