About this book
James Branch Cabell's Jurgen: A Comedy of Justice is a brilliantly satirical fantasy novel that follows the misadventures of its unlikely protagonist through realms both mythical and mundane. Originally published in 1922, this witty masterpiece takes listeners on a dazzling journey as Jurgen, a middle-aged pawnbroker, embarks on an extraordinary quest to reclaim his lost youth and perfect love.
Blending medieval legend, classical mythology, and biting social commentary, Cabell crafts a work that functions simultaneously as straightforward adventure and elaborate allegory. The novel's layered narrative invites readers to engage with multiple interpretations—some may revel in the fantastical plot alone, while others will delight in uncovering its deeper symbolic meanings about ambition, desire, morality, and the human condition.
With urbane prose and imaginative world-building, Jurgen examines the consequences of getting what we wish for, exploring whether compromises with fate lead to redemption or ruin. Cabell's distinctive voice balances sophisticated humor with philosophical depth, creating a reading experience that rewards both casual enjoyment and careful analysis.
This audiobook is ideal for fans of classic fantasy literature, readers who appreciate clever wordplay and intellectual wit, and anyone seeking a uniquely imaginative tale that transcends simple categorization. Jurgen remains a remarkable achievement in American letters—a novel that gives each listener precisely what their imagination brings to it.
