And Even Now

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

1956

Title

And Even Now

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Sir Max Beerbohm's witty collection of essays and short stories, including 'A Relic' and 'How Shall I Word It?', explores themes of literary ambition, the nature of hero-worship, and the absurdities of social convention. With a tone that balances sharp satire with genuine affection, the book appeals to readers who appreciate clever wordplay, historical anecdotes, and the timeless art of the essay.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'And Even Now,' Sir Max Beerbohm presents a curated selection of essays spanning a decade, offering a window into his literary process and philosophical observations. The collection opens with 'A Relic,' a meta-fictional piece where the narrator discovers a broken fan in an old trunk, sparking a story about a dramatic encounter in a Normandy café. This tale serves as a meditation on the writer's struggle to capture fleeting moments, drawing inspiration from Guy de Maupassant while questioning the ethics of fictionalizing real events. Beerbohm reflects on his admiration for Maupassant's 'mercy' in storytelling, contrasting it with his own evolving voice. In 'How Shall I Word It?', he humorously dissects the ritual of visiting a literary hero, arguing that the most impressive entrance occurs when the hero enters the room rather than being found there. He illustrates this with the cautionary tale of young Coventry Patmore, whose visit to Leigh Hunt was ruined by the poet's delayed arrival, which eclipsed all other memories of the encounter. The essay 'Servants' satirizes the persistence of eighteenth-century customs, such as powdered wigs, despite political revolutions like the French Revolution, suggesting that social change is often slower than expected. Beerbohm also reflects on his complex relationship with laughter, contrasting the physical comedy of Falstaff with the moral weight of Samuel Johnson. He notes that Johnson's laughter was a defense against his profound melancholy and fear of death. Beerbohm praises his friend 'Comus,' a master improviser who can mimic any profession or genre, highlighting the power of the living humorist over the printed page. The collection is unified by Beerbohm's characteristic voice: erudite, self-deprecating, and deeply observant of the human condition. He suggests that while printed pages cannot thrill us to extremities of laughter, the true joy of being worn down by mirth belongs to those who can hear a living humorist's jests. Ultimately, the book stands as a delightful exploration of literature, history, and social commentary, celebrating the intersection of wit and wisdom.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Essays