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David Staction

    David Derek Stacton was an American novelist, historian, and poet whose work is characterized by a sophisticated irony and keen observations on the human psyche. His narratives often minimize dialogue, favoring instead witty, scornful commentary on his characters and the human condition. Stacton employed an epigrammatic style and intellectual flair, earning praise for his sharp wit and metaphysical depth, though sometimes criticized for his ornate vocabulary and unconventional allusions. His novels, frequently featuring prominent homosexual characters, explore themes of frustrated artistic and emotional longings, drawing influence from writers like Walter Pater and Lytton Strachey.

    The Judges of the Secret Court: A Novel about John Wilkes Booth
    A Fox Inside
    The Self-Enchanted
    Remember Me
    A Signal Victory
    A Dancer in Darkness
    • 2021

      The Judges of the Secret Court

      • 264 pages
      • 10 hours of reading

      This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

      The Judges of the Secret Court
    • 2020

      Navarro

      • 168 pages
      • 6 hours of reading
      Navarro
    • 2015

      Kaliyuga

      • 202 pages
      • 8 hours of reading

      The last of the three trilogies authored by David Stacton (1923-68) was described by the author as 'an intermezzo designed to deal with sexual relations'. After Old Acquaintance (1962) and Sir William (1963) came Kaliyuga (1965), described by Stacton as 'the story of the relations of Siva and Kali, lightly told'.Its chief figures are Charlie and Denise, an American couple in Switzerland, prone to domestic spats. After one such set-to Charlie finds himself wishing men were gods, so to be spared the banality of life's cyclical little dramas. But he knows not of what he speaks or wants. In Hindu mythology the gods go round and round as we do, making the same mistakes - as Charlie and Denise will discover.

      Kaliyuga
    • 2015

      Sir William

      • 362 pages
      • 13 hours of reading

      Sir William (1963) was the second entry in David Stacton's triptych of novels on the theme of 'The Sexes', for which he chose to fictionalise one of history's great love affairs. 'David Stacton's novel of the notorious ménage à trois between the fetching Lady Hamilton, her husband Sir William, and her lover, Lord Nelson, is a scintillating piece of historical fiction.' New York World-Telegram 'Stacton's best book... written with epigrammatic wit and grace.' Kirkus Reviews 'A sweeping luxuriant romp through the pre-Trafalgar life of Lady Hamilton. Her Pygmalion rescue from whoredom by the ineffable Charles Greville is wickedly told.' Sunday Times 'Stacton is a magnificent storyteller.' Book Week

      Sir William
    • 2015

      Tom Fool

      • 222 pages
      • 8 hours of reading

      'Yes, it was a crusade. But just what was it the people out there feared and hated so much? Not surely the candidate. He was a decent man. Or was that it?' With Tom Fool (1962) David Stacton concluded a triptych of novels drawn from the history of America. For this final panel he turned his eye on politics. The titular protagonist is a fictional rendering of Wendell Wilkie, unlikely Republican challenger to Franklin D. Roosevelt in the presidential election of 1940. As 'Tom Fool' endures an epic campaigning tour of thirty-one states - assisted (or dogged) by his political advisor 'Sideboard' and husband-and-wife PR consultants the Pattersons - he finds himself uncomfortably reminded that America, in its vastness and contradictions, is more than one country, and a unique conundrum to one who would be President.

      Tom Fool
    • 2015

      With Old Acquaintance (1962) David Stacton embarked upon his third literary triptych, this one on the theme of 'The Sexes'.'Even in these one-worldly days of cultural colonies and jet-setters, most US authors trying to depict European sophistication seem indefinably out of their league, like children sashaying around in grown-up shoes. Not so David Stacton, who here recounts with relish and delight a nostalgic encounter between two Old World celebrities at an international film festival.' Time'The old acquaintances are Charlie, a successful novelist with four wives and a succession of young men in his past, and Lotte, a German singer and movie star, now American. Their acquaintanceship dates back thirty years to their youth in Berlin... David Stacton has a spectacular, erudite way with the fun and games...' Kirkus Reviews

      Old Acquaintance
    • 2014

      A Signal Victory

      • 232 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

      A Signal Victory
    • 2013

      People of the Book

      • 389 pages
      • 14 hours of reading

      'People of the Book is set in the Thirty Years' War, which began and still shapes our present system of world order.

      People of the Book
    • 2012

      On a Balcony

      • 266 pages
      • 10 hours of reading

      Set in ancient Egypt, the narrative explores the life of Pharaoh Ikhnaton and his sister-wife Nefertiti, highlighting their complex relationship and the artistic vision of sculptor Tutmose. It delves into the tensions arising from Ikhnaton's controversial monotheistic worship of Aton, which challenges the established cult of Amon. The story examines themes of power, faith, and the struggle between tradition and innovation as Ikhnaton attempts to impose his beliefs on a society that reveres him as a divine figure.

      On a Balcony
    • 2012

      The Self-Enchanted

      • 312 pages
      • 11 hours of reading

      The story revolves around Christopher Barocco, a wealthy self-made man who embarks on an ambitious project to construct a house reflecting his vision on a rugged Californian hillside. As the construction unfolds, the people involved begin to uncover the complexities of Barocco's character, revealing a mysterious and troubled past that complicates his grand ambitions. The narrative explores themes of ambition, identity, and the impact of one's history on their present endeavors.

      The Self-Enchanted