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James Branch Cabell

James Branch Cabell(April 14, 1879 - May 5, 1958) was an American author of fantasy and allegorical fiction who was an influential figure in the writing of the early 20th century. Cabell created a unique blend of romanticism, explicit sexuality, and baroque philosophical musings that has often been compared to that of Edgar Allan Poe and Robert Louis Stevenson. His works were often denounced by religious and moralists for their explicit content, but they have since gained a loyal cult following.

Cabell was born in Richmond, Virginia, and attended University of Virginia and the University of Pennsylvania to study law. After a stint as the private secretary of his father, the Mayor of Richmond, Cabell decided to pursue a career in literature and began writing his first book. As he continued to write a steady stream of books and short stories, Cabell established himself as a respected writer with a loyal readership.

Cabell's works can be divided into two main categories: those that tell stories in a direct, straightforward manner; and those that employ allegory, fable, symbol, and other devices to expound on philosophical and aesthetic ideas. Cabell's most famous works, such as Jurgen, A Comedy of Justice and Domnei, A Comedy of Woman-Worship, feature little plot, instead using lyrical language to create an atmosphere of romantic fantasy and give philosophical musings on art, love, and society. Cabell's immense imagination and lyrical writing style have made him one of the most widely admired fantasists in recent memory.

Though Cabell was frequently criticized for his explicit content by religious and moral authorities of the time, the quality of his work has also been frequently praised, especially by writers like Henry James, H.L. Mencken, and Carl Jung. Many of his works, such as Jurgen and Figures of Earth, have been adapted for the stage. In addition, his work has been published in a variety of formats, including collections and complete editions, and has been translated into many languages.

With regards to classical literature, Cabell's works were a major influence on the writings of writers such as Jorge Luis Borges and Umberto Eco. His influence can also be seen in modern writers such as Neil Gaiman, who has referred to him as "the grandfather of modern fantasy fiction". Cabell has also been recognized as one of the key figures in the development of the genre of dark fantasy, with his works often being cited as influential precursors to the likes of Clive Barker and Stephen King.

Though James Branch Cabell did not live to see the full extent of his influence on the genre of fantasy fiction, his body of work remains one of the cornerstones of modern literary fantasy. His ability to craft lyrical, romantic stories out of a few simple themes, while at the same time giving his works depth and complexity, has ensured that his work will remain compelling and significant for the generations of writers and readers who are still discovering his work.

Bibliography

• Jurgen: A Comedy of Justice(1919)
• The silver stallion(1926)
• Figures of Earth(1921)(
• The Cream of the Jest(1917)
• Something About Eve(1927)
• Beyond Life(1919)
• The High Place(1923)
• Stranger to the Ground (1963)
• Domnei: A Comedy of Woman-Worship(1913)
• The judging of Jurgen(1920)
• The Line of Love(1905)
• Branchiana(1907)
• Smirt(1934)