Arthur Rimbaud's invented "Splendide-Hotel," "built in the chaos of ice and of the polar night," provides the occasion for Sorrentino's imaginative meditation o

“Truly a great book—unique, invaluable and unapproachable as the gold standard of the genre… Bemelmans got there first, more frequently, and better.” �

Each chapter serves as an opportunity for the author to expand on thoughts and images suggested by a letter of the alphabet, as well as to reflect upon the work

The woman who owns the once proud Hotel Splendid is burdened with the care of her sickly and selfish sisters, and is forced to battle the elements as her now-de

Bemelmans humorous account of his behind-the-scenes experiences while working as headwaiter at his Uncle's hotel.