The slaves of society: A comedy in covers offers a sharp and entertaining look at how the upper class clings to appearances while quietly struggling under the weight of its own expectations. With a backdrop of grand drawing rooms and carefully managed conversations, the novel explores how ambition and reputation shape every interaction. A single encounter filled with witty exchanges exposes the empty rituals that dominate polite society, where choices are measured not by personal happiness but by social advantage. The polished surface of banter and civility hides deeper anxieties about status, as discussions of marriage become negotiations of wealth and propriety. The comedy emerges not through broad action but through subtle moments where the absurdity of social customs is laid bare. The book skillfully captures the tension between public image and private desire, highlighting how individuals become prisoners of the very world they seek to master. It is a clever, biting reflection on the artificiality and vanity of high society.
George Allen Upward was a British poet, lawyer, politician, and teacher who left a distinctive mark on early modern literature. Born on 20 September 1863 in Worcester, United Kingdom, he pursued varied careers that reflected his intellectual curiosity and independent spirit. Upward’s literary contributions included poetry that gained recognition in influential circles. His work was selected for inclusion in the first Imagist poetry anthology, Des Imagistes, published in 1914 and edited by Ezra Pound, a figure central to that movement. This association placed him alongside poets experimenting with new forms and clarity of expression. Beyond literature, Upward also engaged in legal practice and politics, reflecting his deep interest in public affairs and justice. His connection to Edward Upward, as a first cousin once removed, highlights a family with notable literary ties. Upward passed away on 12 November 1926 in Wimborne Minster, United Kingdom. His parents were committed to nurturing his intellectual path.