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Decadent literature is intrinsically and proudly, a literature of moral challenge; it is sceptical, cynical and satirical. It recognises that everyday morality does not work either in practical or in psychological terms, and is therefore a sham, but that ideal morality is - not necessarily unfortunately - unattainable.

The moral of a decadent prose-poem or conte cruel, if it has a moral at all, is likely to recommend that we should make the best compromises we can, recognise that they are compromises and refuse to be ashamed of them.

Decadent art is, however, dedicated to the smashing of all icons and idols, and it is always ready to attack stern moralists of every stripe; it is fiercely intolerant of intolerance and revels in the paradoxicality of such a stance.

CONTENTS:
Introduction
Salomé
O For a Fiery Gloom and Thee
The Last Worshipper of Proteus
The Evil That Men Do
Ebony Eyes
The Fisherman's Child
The Storyteller's Tale
The Unluckiest Thief
The Light of Achernar
The Mandrake Garden
Chanterelle

Published by Cosmos Books in April 2004
ISBN: 1587154072 (Hardcover)

Paper: June 2004
ISBN: 1587154080
Cover Art by Juha Lindroos

Review by Ian Braidwood

A definite departure in terms of genre here, expressing Brian's interest in the decadent movement, which we visited before with Fables and Fantasies.

The stories here are somewhat more substantial and satisfying, with my favourites being The Last Worshiper of Proteus, The Evil That Men Do, The Light of Achernar and The Mandrake Garden. Rereading Salomé has also helped me appreciate its charms a little more.

The introduction explains what decadent literature is and gives you some idea of what to expect with this volume; but it also raises a puzzle with regard to Brian.

This web site is ample proof of my admiration of Brian as a writer, but even I would never describe him as a great stylist. He is extremely competent at telling a story quickly, clearly and evoking the appropriate emotion, because he has had to specialise in writing quickly to earn a living.

However, I would hardly point to Brian's work and say that he has a great ear, so there is something of a paradox in his chosing to imitate the decadent style, since in his own writing is so straight forward.

Don't get me wrong, Brian has masterly command of English, such that you could use his texts to teach the subject. That is not to be sniffed at in an age where so many writers aren't even competent to write without a word processor - including me.

The result is that these stories, though perfectly fine, have no flare, because Brian simply doesn't write with a florish. He is going to have to take far more time in his writing if he is to develop the feel for the words his ambition requires.

Until then, these stories will be decadent in content, but not style.

The Brian Stableford Website