Punch, Or The London Charivari, Volume 102, January 30, 1892

In this witty confession, an earnest but hapless author bares his endless campaign to break into the literary market. He details the chaotic journey of his manuscript—hand‑written, annotated in red ink, even typed by his housemaid—while sending polite pleas to every respectable editor he can name. The satire shines as each rejection comes without comment, prompting him to self‑publish at great cost and launch a farcical publicity blitz.

The centerpiece of his novel, “Geoffrey’s Cousin,” follows the star‑crossed pair Geoffrey McPhun and Violet Blair, whose devotion is tested by a clash of old‑world Calvinism and esoteric Buddhism. Their spirited attempts to convert one another produce a series of comical letters that hint at wider cultural adventures, from Himalayan retreats to provincial Scottish towns. Listeners will enjoy the blend of Victorian self‑parody and gentle romantic rivalry that frames the whole piece.