Masques & Phases

"Masques & Phases" by Robert Baldwin Ross is a collection of essays, criticism, and literary reflections written in the early 20th century. The work explores various themes related to art, archaeology, and the psychological effects produced by literature. Ross presents a unique perspective that intertwines humor and seriousness, offering a mosaic of thoughts that challenge traditional categorization in literature. At the start of the collection, the author dedicates the work to his former editor, expressing gratitude for the freedom he was given to explore his writing. Following the dedication, Ross introduces a piece titled "A Case at the Museum," which juxtaposes the lives and motivations of archaeologists and collectors, emphasizing the nuances of both pursuits. He introduces Professor Lachsyrma, an archaeologist with lost faith and deep intellect, who resides in a cluttered studio filled with artifacts. This opening sets the tone for a witty examination of artistic scholarship and the interplay between personal woes and professional obsessions, leading readers into Ross's intriguing literary world. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Robert Baldwin Ross was a British journalist, art critic and art dealer, best known for his relationship with Oscar Wilde, to whom he was a devoted friend and literary executor. A grandson of the Canadian reform leader Robert Baldwin, and son of John Ross and Augusta Elizabeth Baldwin, Ross was a pivotal figure on the London literary and artistic scene from the mid-1890s to his early death, and mentored several literary figures, including Siegfried Sassoon. His open homosexuality, in a period when male homosexual acts were illegal, brought him many hardships.