A. V. Laider

""A.V. Laider"" is a satirical novel written by Max Beerbohm, first published in 1921. The book follows the life and career of the titular character, A.V. Laider, a talented but egotistical actor who rises to fame in the London theater scene. Laider's success is marred by his arrogance and his tendency to alienate those around him, including his fellow actors and his long-suffering wife. As Laider's star begins to fade, he becomes increasingly desperate to cling to his former glory, leading to a series of comic and tragic misadventures. Through Laider's story, Beerbohm offers a biting critique of the vanity and superficiality of the theatrical world, as well as a commentary on the human condition more broadly. The novel is characterized by Beerbohm's trademark wit and humor, as well as his keen insight into the foibles and follies of the human psyche.A Very Old Envelop: He? Well, that's good! Ha, ha, ha! Why didn't he come last week, when YOU came? What reason have you for supposing he'll ever come now? It isn't as if he were a frequenter of the place. He's never been here. His name is utterly unknown here. You don't suppose he's coming on the chance of finding YOU?This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.