Although Edward Sackville-West is probably best remembered as a music critic, he wrote five unusual novels that earned him a place in the history of literature during the 1920s and 1930s. They did not remain in print for long and, with one exception, have not been republished. They are, however, likely to appeal to readers who enjoy subtle plotting, complex interplay of characters, and close attention to detail.

Edward Charles Sackville-West was born in London on 13 November 1901 to Maj. Charles John Sackville-West of the King's Royal Rifle Corps, a professional soldier who had served in India and South Africa, and Maud Cecilia Bell Sackville-West. From his mother Edward Sackville-West inherited an incurable disease, telangiectasia, that caused debilitating nosebleeds. He also inherited from her a love of and remarkable talent for music: he could play the organ and piano, including works by Richard Wagner, before he learned to read...