Here are ten short stories, written around the works of ten poets, plus two poems and a lengthy introduction by Cabell. Of note is "Balthazar's Daughter," which became the basis for James Branch Cabell's only published play, The Jewel Merchants. Although their relationship to Poictesme is tenuous at best, Cabell stated that his more mainstream historical works, such as these, were not to be distinguished from the fantasies and so placed this volume is officially part of the chronology of his imaginary Poictesme.

Francis Bacon's New Organon, published in 1620, was revolutionary in its attempt to give formal philosophical shape to a new and rapidly emerging experimental science. It challenged the entire edifice of the philosophy and learning of Bacon's time, and left its mark on all subsequent discussions of scientific method. This volume presents a new translation of the text into modern English by Michael Silverthorne, together with an introduction by Lisa Jardine that sets the work in the context of Bacon's scientific and philosophical activities.