
In a smoky studio tucked away from the bustle of the city, a strikingly frail young poet—still clutching the fire of a rebellious genius— confronts Gerald Amherst, a seasoned artist whose reputation rests on both commercial success and a keen eye for talent. Their conversation crackles with razor‑sharp wit, half‑mad ramblings about sin, and a shared reverence for the intoxicating lure of gin‑fuelled prose. As the boy’s fevered words tumble out, Amherst offers a steadying glass of Scotch, setting the stage for a clash of raw ambition and practiced composure.
The novel unfurls as a study of the “Arch‑Satirist,” a metaphorical force that watches humanity’s follies with a cruel grin, shaping the lives of those who dare to flirt with genius and vice. Through vivid dialogue and richly drawn characters, the story probes the thin line between creation and self‑destruction, inviting listeners to contemplate whether brilliance must always be paid for in turmoil. It’s a compelling portrait of two worlds colliding, bound by a mutual hunger for truth, humor, and the fleeting spark of artistic immortality.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (349K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2013-12-13
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1878–1957
A Canadian novelist and playwright from Montreal, she wrote fiction and drama in the early 20th century, with work ranging from historical romance to social satire. Her career also reached into journalism, including commentary on the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike.
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