The Jervaise Comedy (ePub)

J. D. Beresford, or John Davys Beresford (1873-1947), was a noted English novelist and critic, remembered for his early science fiction and later novels dealing with social and psychological themes. Born in Northampton, Beresford overcame early adversity due to a disabling foot deformity. Considering the priesthood, he subsequently chose literature, embarking on a writing career that produced numerous works of varied genres. His novel 'The Jervaise Comedy' showcases his keen observation of English rural life and familial structures. Beresford's fiction often grappled with issues of identity, alienation, and the eugenic debates of the early twentieth century, characteristics evident in works such as 'Goslings' and 'The Hampdenshire Wonder.' His style combined a certain detachment with deep empathy for his characters, making his literary excursions into the fantastical ring with an element of psychological truth. Beresford was also a contemporary of H. G. Wells, who influenced his foray into speculative fiction. Post World War I, Beresford's focus shifted to more naturalistic explorations of character and society. His literary output, while prolific, reflected a progression in thematic focus and narrative skill, charting the evolution of a writer attentive to the changing tides of the human condition. (Smith, 2000)