Jurgen - A Comedy of Justice #233547

James Cabell's most famous novel Jurgen is a masterpiece that was the father of the comedy fantasy genre, while simultaneously taking us on a philosophical journey, despite every attempt to send up philosophy and philosophers.<br><br>The titular hero is a middle aged pawn broker who swindles his way into youth and good looks and then proceeds to abuse those qualities (helped along by his great wits and infallible manners) to work his charms on every woman throughout the realms from Guinevere to Mrs. Satan. Somewhere along the way he realises that even being God isn't enough to keep him satisfied.<br><br>Full of double entendres rather than being outright rude attempts were nevertheless made to ban the book on ground of public decency, which naturally gave it a wonderful boost in publicity. It was considered most outrages however for its attacks on the hypocrisy of many philosophies and especially Catholicism. In revenge, after the trial, the author included a new chapter in which the hero is prosecuted by a dung beetle. A true classic, this is a book not to be missed.