Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in this book. This book explains how Taylor's and von Arnim's novels can be read as 'simple entertainment' when their content is not light, and their insights are so painfully acute. It is organized into four parts. Part one of the book examines the literary and cultural contexts in which von Arnim and Taylor were writing, and propose a theoretical framework in which people can understand their use of comedy. Second part of the book begins with close readings of selected novels with those written in wartime: von Arnim's Christopher and Columbus and Mr Skeffington, and Taylor's At Mrs Lippincote's. Third part of the book examines von Arnim's most acclaimed work, Vera, and Taylor's second novel, Palladian. Final part of the book examines evident in two novels with a similar theme: von Arnim's Love and Taylor's In a Summer Season.