FANTAZIUS MALLARE: A MYSTERIOUS OATH
Book Details + Condition: Arno Press (New York). First Edition thus, 1976. Part of Arno Press' hard-to-find "Supernatural & Occult Fiction" collection. Facsimile reprint of the original publication by Ben Hecht, originally released in 1922. Hardcover with purple boards and silver titling to front and spine. With beautiful, surreal drawings by Wallace Smith. Hecht’s book follows “the story of a man named Fantazius Mallare, a recluse living in his own world of fantasies and nightmares. Mallare is an artist who creates grotesque and disturbing images that reflect his inner turmoil and obsessions. He lives in a mansion that he has turned into a labyrinth of secret rooms and hidden passages, where he indulges in his darkest desires. The novel is a surreal and disturbing journey into the mind of a tortured artist, exploring themes of madness, obsession, and the destructive power of the imagination. The story is told through a series of vignettes, each one delving deeper into Mallare's twisted psyche. Along the way, he encounters a cast of bizarre and grotesque characters, including a dwarf, a hermaphrodite, and a mad scientist. Hecht's writing style is poetic and dreamlike, with vivid descriptions that bring Mallare's twisted world to life. The book is a classic of early 20th-century literature, and its influence can be seen in the works of writers such as William S. Burroughs and David Lynch. With its dark and unsettling imagery, Fantazius A Mysterious Oath is a haunting and unforgettable work of fiction.” [Goodreads]
From the massive occult collection of King Lawrence Parker - academic, dissertation author, and book collector extraordinaire. Book is in near-new, unread condition, with firm binding, bright boards, and a clean interior. Half-title page is partially glued to front endpaper, which appears to be a small publishing error. Please see our other listings for more rare Arno Press publications.
