The Velvet Horn is a 1957 novel by the American writer Andrew Nelson Lytle. Published by McDowell & Obolensky, the work is written in English and belongs to the literary‑fiction genre.
Publication and authorship
- Author: Andrew Nelson Lytle
- Country of origin: United States
- Language: English
- First published: 1957
Literary significance
At the time of its release, The Velvet Horn was praised for its ambitious scope, complex and dynamic narrative style, mythic characterisation, and a wide variety of characters. Critics highlighted these qualities as distinguishing features of Lytle’s craft. Because of its experimental structure and stylistic daring, some reviewers drew comparisons between the novel and James Joyce’s Ulysses.
Reception
Contemporary reviews noted that the novel was “very well received” for the reasons mentioned above. It has been cited in scholarly discussions of mid‑century American literature, particularly regarding its approach to mythmaking and storytelling techniques.
Bibliographic notes
- The first edition was issued by McDowell & Obolensky.
- The novel is catalogued under categories such as “1957 American novels” and “1950s novel stubs” in reference works.
The Velvet Horn remains Lytle’s most frequently discussed work, noted for its experimental narrative and contribution to post‑World War II American literary modernism.