The Cords of Vanity

More about the book

Set in the aftermath of the Civil War, the story follows Robert Townsend, a young man from a distinguished Southern family who clings to romanticized notions of chivalry and heroism. Amidst a community that seems unchanged by the war, Townsend's tall tales reflect his struggle to reconcile the past with the shifting realities of his world. James Branch Cabell weaves a narrative that explores themes of nostalgia, identity, and the complexities of Southern heritage.