An Introduction to Sally

This 1926 romantic comedy was one of Elizabeth von Arnim's most popular works -- more popular in its day even than "The Enchanted April," the book for which she is most known to present-day audiences. Von Arnim's comic sense, human insight and satirical dexterity are at their best in this lively tale of the lovestruck men, social-climbing women and tangled human relationships. Beautiful young Sally Pinner is the best that the common stock of rural England has to offer, but her good looks drive all the men wild and her protective father to distraction. When young Oxford student Jocelyn Luke becomes smitten and asks for Sally's hand in marriage, it seems like the happy endings are imminent. But that doesn't count on Jocelyn's mother, Sally's father, a roughcut fiancee, a social-climbing heiress, a 90-year-old duke ... and anyone else who comes under Sally's captivating spell. Far from being a willing seductress, guileless Sally is utterly unconscious of the effect she has, and can only say in her defense "I can't 'elp it!" This book is a merry escapade and a clever vehicle for Elizabeth von Arnim's wit and warmth.