1917. Today, some recognize Cabell as one of the first contemporary writers from the South. Like his friend and fellow Richmond writer Ellen Glasgow, Cabell was not afraid to satirize what he saw as the South's contradictions. Others, noting Cabell's unique blending of classic myths and legends with his own imagination, consider him a pioneer of fantasy writing. The Cream of the Jest is an absurdist, aesthetic heroic fantasy, one of the finest and central works of heroic fantasy as a distinct genre. Part of the Dom Manuel series; some reviewers believe that while this book can be a standalone novel, sections of the book make more sense if you have read previous books within the series. I believe this book is a former library book; see first page 1st stamp.