The Merry-Go-Round

The collection features a range of essays by Carl Van Vechten, reflecting his insights into music and literature during the early 20th century. Topics include a defense of unconventional tastes, critiques of notable figures like Edgar Saltus, and explorations of the intersection between music and other arts, such as cooking and theater. Van Vechten also offers impressions of contemporary theater and profiles on young American playwrights, showcasing his influential role in the cultural landscape of the Harlem Renaissance and beyond.