Masks in the Tapestry

Jean Lorrain

Translated by Brian Stableford

Jean Lorrain, one of the leading figures of the Decadent Movement, was a master of the Conte cruel. Presented here, for the first time in English, are ten such tales: stories of princesses and princes; mock-fairytales that seem to pervert the innocence of their settings with a triumphant immorality, plunging the reader into an atmosphere of voluptuousness and sensuality.

“Whoever has not believed as a child,” wrote the author, “will not dream as a young man; it is necessary to think, on the threshold of life, of weaving beautiful tapestries of dreams in order to decorate our abode as winter approaches; and beautiful dreams, even when faded, make the sumptuous tapestries of December.”

About the Author
Jean Lorrain (1855-1906) was the pseudonym of Paul Alexandre Martin Duval. He was one of the leading figures of the Decadent Movement and the author of numerous novels, volumes of poetry and short stories. At one point he was probably the highest paid journalist in France. Though mostly remembered today for his famous duel with Marcel Proust, he might be seen as the true chronicler of the fin-de-siècle. His short story collections Nightmares of an Ether-Drinker and The Soul-Drinker and Other Decadent Fantasies were previously published by Snuggly Books.

Contents:
Futile Virtue
The Prince in the Forest:
I. The Guardian
II. Hic Felicitas
The Tale of the Reapers
The Old Duke’s Daughters
Melusine Enchanted
Mandosiane Captive
Oriane Vanquished
Neighilde
Princess Neigefleur
Grimaldine with the Golden Hair

Paperback, 116 pages. Release Date: July 24, 2017
ISBN-13: 978-1-94381-337-7
Price: US$13.00

Hardcover, 118 pages. Limited edition of 60 copies.
Price: US$24.50