The Song of Percival Peacock

A novel by Russell Edson

July 1, 1992 • 6 x 9 • 125 pages • 978-1-56689-002-1

A playful, complex novel of banter between servant and master.

In this playfully complex novel of banter between master and servants, Russell Edson creates an allegorical narrative in which forbidden sexual desire meets rigid law and order.

About the Author

Russell Edson is the author of The Song of Percival Peacock. He is widely credited for his inventive mastery of the prose poem in past works such as The Reason Why the Closet-Man Is Never Sad (Wesleyan) and The Inituitive Journey and Other Works (Harper). The recipient of considerable acclaim, including a Guggenheim fellowship, Edson enjoys a private life in Connecticut.

Reviews

“Edson’s characters are doomed to rituals of re-enactment in a purgatory intimately reminiscent of our own. Mr. Peacock’s rebellious maid claims, ‘Loneliness builds many bridges,’ and, indeed, the readers of this exquisite novella by the master poet Russell Edson will surely savor the stubborn dignity and mad pride that drives this cast of dotty characters forever deeper into their hopeless plight. An original masterpiece not to be missed.” —James Tate