"The Jervaise Comedy" by J. D. Beresford is a satirical comedy that delves into the intricacies of family drama and social dynamics within English society during the Victorian era. Set against the backdrop of London, the novel presents a witty and insightful portrayal of the complexities arising from social class, wealth, and ambition. Beresford masterfully weaves together a tapestry of intrigue and romance, as eccentric characters navigate through a web of secrets and relationships. Through sharp wit and clever humor, the author offers a lighthearted yet incisive commentary on the idiosyncrasies of Victorian society. At its core, "The Jervaise Comedy" explores the interplay between ambition and social expectations, revealing the absurdities and foibles of the upper echelons of society. As the Jervaise family grapples with their own ambitions and desires, their interactions provide a rich source of comedic drama. With its blend of satire, comedy, and drama, "The Jervaise Comedy" offers readers a delightful romp through the eccentricities of Victorian London, while also shedding light on timeless themes of family, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness.
John Davys Beresford was an English writer best known for his early science fiction and short stories in the horror and ghost story genres. Beresford was a huge fan of H.G. Wells and produced the first critical analysis of him in 1915. His Wellsian work The Hampdenshire Wonder (1911) had a significant influence on the author Olaf Stapledon. His other science-fiction novels include The Riddle of the Tower, which depicts a dystopian, hive-like civilization. His father, John James Beresford (1821–1897), was a minister in Castor, which is now in Cambridgeshire, near Peterborough. His mother was Adelaide Elizabeth Morgan (1837-1902). J. D. Beresford suffered from infantile paralysis, leaving him partially crippled. He was schooled in Oundle. After studying architecture, he became a professional writer, beginning as a dramatist and then as a journalist. In early adulthood, he abandoned his father's theism and became a "determined but defensive" agnostic. He lived in Edwardian intellectual London and spent time in the provinces, particularly Cornwall, where D. H. Lawrence prolonged his stay in his Porthcothan villa. Later in life, Beresford abandoned his prior agnosticism and declared himself a Theosophist and pacifist.
