James Branch Cabell

Date of Birth: April 14, 1879

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: May 5, 1958

Biography

James Branch Cabell was an American author known for his novels, essays, and criticism. Born on April 14, 1879, in Richmond, Virginia, Cabell’s literary work is marked by its intricate style, satirical tone, and exploration of themes such as fantasy, chivalry, and romanticism. He gained fame with his novel “Jurgen, A Comedy of Justice,” which was published in 1919 and faced obscenity charges, ultimately boosting its popularity. Cabell’s writing often focused on the mythical land of Poictesme and featured recurring characters and motifs, establishing him as a significant figure in early 20th-century American literature. He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and continued to write until his death.

5 Interesting Facts about James Branch Cabell

1. James Branch Cabell’s novel “Jurgen, A Comedy of Justice” was banned and faced an obscenity trial, which he won, increasing the book’s notoriety and sales.

2. He is often associated with the “Silver Age” of American literature.

3. Cabell’s surname is pronounced “CAB-ble.”

4. He was an advocate for the works of other writers, including Mark Twain and H.L. Mencken.

5. Cabell’s tombstone is inscribed with the ironic phrase: “James Branch Cabell: He Was a Man of Letters.”

5 Most Interesting Quotes from James Branch Cabell

1. “The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds; and the pessimist fears this is true.”

2. “There is not any memory with less satisfaction than the memory of some temptation we resisted.”

3. “People marry for a variety of reasons and with varying results. But to marry for love is to invite inevitable tragedy.”

4. “Men tire themselves in pursuit of rest.”

5. “Patriotism is the religion of hell.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

James Branch Cabell’s exact net worth at the peak of his career is not well-documented, but his literary success and the popularity of his works, particularly “Jurgen,” suggest he was relatively affluent for his time.