The Way of Ecben, (Paperback)

<p>"The Way of Ecben" is a sophisticated fantasy novella that serves as a pivotal conclusion to James Branch Cabell's expansive "Biography of the Life of Manuel" cycle. The story centers on King Alfgar of Ecben, a noble ruler who chooses to forsake his kingdom and worldly responsibilities to pursue a mystical vision of Ettarre, the embodiment of eternal beauty and the unattainable ideal. His journey takes him through the enchanted and often ironic landscape of Poictesme, where he must navigate the harsh realities of aging and the inevitable passage of time.</p><p>Written with Cabell's characteristic wit and rhythmic prose, the work is a profound meditation on the nature of desire, the sacrifices of the artist, and the transience of human achievement. It explores the tension between the duty a man owes to his heritage and the internal drive to follow a dream, even when that dream leads toward certain obsolescence. As a significant entry in the history of high fantasy, "The Way of Ecben" offers a bittersweet reflection on the power of myth and the enduring struggle to find meaning in a world that is constantly changing.</p><p>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 was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.</p><p>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.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>

• The Way of Ecben, (Paperback)
• Author: Tradd Street Press
• ISBN: 9781025347677
• Format: Paperback
• Publication Date: 2026-02-14
• Page Count: 224