Black Oxen

Black Oxen is a novel written by Gertrude Atherton that was first published in 1923. The book tells the story of a wealthy and powerful woman named Madame Zita, who is rumored to have discovered the secret to eternal youth. She reappears in society after a long absence, looking like a woman in her twenties, despite being over seventy years old. Her reappearance causes a stir in high society, and she quickly becomes the center of attention.The novel follows the story of Lee Clavering, a young man who falls in love with Madame Zita. Lee is initially skeptical of Madame Zita's claims of eternal youth, but as he spends more time with her, he becomes convinced that she is telling the truth. As their relationship develops, Lee begins to understand the price Madame Zita has paid for her youth and the sacrifices she has made to maintain her appearance.The book explores themes of youth, beauty, and the high price of immortality. It also delves into the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of making deals with the devil. Black Oxen is a thought-provoking novel that challenges readers to consider the true cost of eternal youth and the value of living a full and meaningful life.1923. Atherton, was an American Feminist and writer of social and historical fiction, much of it set in California. Although her reputation is founded primarily on her California fiction and essays, as well her biography of Alexander Hamilton, Atherton also produced a number of Gothic stories, some of them, such as The Bell in the Fog, were considered significant achievements in the Gothic/supernaturalist tradition. Black Oxen begins: Talk. Talk. Talk...Good lines and no action...said all...not even promising first act...eighth failure and season more than half over...rather be a playwright and fail than a critic compelled to listen to has-beens and would-bes trying to put over bad plays...Oh, for just one more great first-night...if there�������s a spirit world why don�������t the ghosts of dead artists get together and inhibit bad playwrights from tormenting first-nighters?...Astral board of Immortals sitting in Unconscious tweaking strings until gobbets and sclerotics become gibbering idiots every time they put pen to paper? See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing.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.