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

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

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

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

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