Carl Van Vechten champions the neglected American genius Edgar Saltus, examining his life, literary evolution, and unique philosophy. Saltus stands as an isolated figure in American letters, deeply influenced by European pessimism, French naturalism, and classical paganism, yet fiercely original in his stylistic brilliance. His prose style is characterized by short, explosive sentences, rich vocabulary, and an uncompromising dedication to aesthetic perfection above mere grammar or popular appeal.
The discussion encompasses Saltus's early critical works, such as his biography of Balzac and his profound exploration of antitheism in The Anatomy of Negation. Van Vechten highlights Saltus's transition from philosophical exposition to flamboyant fiction, analyzing novels like Mr. Incoul's Misadventure and The Truth About Tristrem Varick. These works employ chilling irony, meticulous plotting, and pervasive pessimism to dissect human motives, frequently incorporating sudden violence and dark psychological complexities.
A central focus of the analysis is Imperial Purple, which Van Vechten identifies as the absolute high tide of Saltus's genius. In this historical study, Saltus resurrects the decadent Roman emperors not as dry historical subjects, but through the vivid lens of poetic imagination and exquisite craftsmanship. The recurring themes of ancient life, bloody excess, and exquisite beauty dominate both his historical essays and his romances.
Saltus's worldview is defined by an absolute pessimism summed up in the conviction that nothing matters, whatever will be is, and since we live today we should make the best of it. His aristocratic snobbery, preference for luxury, and obsession with toxicology and ancient religions further distinguish his unique literary output. Van Vechten also explores the mixed reception of Saltus's work, contrasting academic neglect with the intense admiration of discerning contemporaries.
The volume concludes with a catalogue of Saltus's writings and an impassioned plea for the rediscovery of an author whose prose was genuinely magical. Van Vechten argues that while Saltus was largely ignored by the provincial American public, his contribution to the literature of the fantastic and the decadent remains unparalleled. Ultimately, the work serves as an essential guide through the labyrinthine mind of a consummate prose stylist.
