Mr. Incoul's Misadventure (ePub)

Edgar Saltus (1855-1921) was an American writer known for his highly refined prose style and themes of decadence and amorality. His literary work comprises a blend of fin-de-siècle aestheticism and an overt preoccupation with wealth, hedonism, and the pursuit of the forbidden, often delving deep into the psyches of his complex characters. Born into an affluent New York family, Saltus was educated at Columbia College (now Columbia University) and was admitted to the bar. However, he soon abandoned law for literature, drawn to the world of belle-lettres.

One of Saltus's best-known novels is 'Mr. Incoul's Misadventure' (1887), a novel that showcases his scintillating wit and his fondness for exploring the moral ambiguities of high society. The book exemplifies his narrative flair, combining elements of romance and cynicism in a concise, ornate prose that has been compared to that of Oscar Wilde and Ambrose Bierce. Although popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Saltus's work fell into relative obscurity after his death. However, his distinctive literary voice, marked by a blend of skepticism and romanticism, has earned him a place as a noteworthy figure among American aesthetes and realists. His influence can be seen in the works of subsequent generations of writers who navigate the complexities of wealth, social norms, and human desire.