Book summary

In this allegorical tale, Alfred Jones, the English narrator falls in love and marries the young daughter of the Swiss millionaire, Dry. Filcher. Jones' is famous for giving dinner parties at which his guests are humiliated and subsequently rewarded with expensive gifts. After Jones loses his wife in a skiing accident, Dry. Filcher invites him to the most elaborate party he has ever given.

Media reviews

"Theology and philosophy aside, this is a sharp, glittering, wrily comic novella; not a word wasted, not a false step made. The problem posed may be less demanding than that of 'The Human Factor,' but its artistic solution is more elegant and more satisfying."