A cheerful rogue novel set against the grim backdrop of World War I. It's not reality that matters, but rather the ingenuity with which one transcends it. This is the life motto of Cocteau's fascinating dreamer and deceiver figure, Thomas. Thrown into the bloody adventure of World War I, "the swindler" quickly poses as the nephew of a famous general. With youthful fortune and chutzpah, he deceives those around him, perfects the art of imagination, and becomes one with his legend. Even in the face of destruction, Thomas's higher form of deception triumphs over the unacceptable reality of war. The new translation highlights Cocteau's terse staccato style as well as the power of his striking imagery.