Ronald Firbank (1886-1926), an author whose work bridges the gap between the aesthetic movements of the late nineteenth century and the modernist literature of the early twentieth century, deserves both recognition and admiration. Born into an upper-class Victorian family, Firbank's upbringing and experiences of his time-rife with societal tensions, religious intrigue, and shifting perspectives-infused his works with idiosyncratic wit and style.

For modern audiences, his texts may prove a bit problematic, however, due to elements which are now considered racist. Please keep in mind the era in which the story was originally written as you read it.

This book has been lightly edited to remove the worse of its offensive language. The dialect passages have been left as they are a major part of the story. The few alternations should be invisible to readers.