LADIES AND GENTLEMEN

Twenty letters, in which Cabell addresses his subjects on their reputation in the light of modernity. Mental gymnastics, occasionally amusing, filled with classical allusion set alongside the up-to-date angle. He tells Tutankhamen that to him ""along of the Pharaohs was it granted to become 'news'"", he chides Faustus with ""as a tenor role you have become an unvalued antique"". They might be amusing reading to dip into just before turning out the light -- but they seem forced when read consecutively. An essay market, primarily -- and Cabell fans, of course, -- though they are not in his customary vein.